Restavec: From Haitian Slave Child to Middle-Class American

Jean-Robert Cadet

ISBN 10: 0292712030 / ISBN 13: 9780292712034

Edité par University of Texas Press, United States, Austin, TX, 1998

A propos de cet article

African slaves in Haiti emancipated themselves from French rule in 1804 and created the first independent black republic in the Western Hemisphere. But they reinstituted slavery for the most vulnerable members of Haitian society-the children of the poor-by using them as unpaid servants to the wealthy. These children were-and still are-restavecs, a French term whose literal meaning of "staying with" disguises the unremitting labor, abuse, and denial of education that characterizes the children's lives. In this memoir, Jean-Robert Cadet recounts the harrowing story of his youth as a restavec, as well as his inspiring climb to middle-class American life. He vividly describes what it was like to be an unwanted illegitimate child "staying with" a well-to-do family whose physical and emotional abuse was sanctioned by Haitian society. He also details his subsequent life in the United States, where, despite American racism, he put himself through college and found success in the Army, in business, and finally in teaching. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged.

N° de réf. du vendeur GOR003066840

Détails bibliographiques

• Titre: Restavec: From Haitian Slave Child to Middle-Class American
• Éditeur: University of Texas Press, United States, Austin, TX
• Date de parution: 1998
• Langue: anglais
• ISBN à 10 chiffres: 0292712030
• ISBN à 13 chiffres: 9780292712034
• Reliure: Paperback
• État de l'article: Very Good
• Poids: 272 grammes

A propos de ce titre

Synopsis

African slaves in Haiti emancipated themselves from French rule in 1804 and created the first independent black republic in the Western Hemisphere. But they reinstituted slavery for the most vulnerable members of Haitian society-the children of the poor-by using them as unpaid servants to the wealthy. These children were-and still are-restavecs, a French term whose literal meaning of "staying with" disguises the unremitting labor, abuse, and denial of education that characterizes the children's lives.

In this memoir, Jean-Robert Cadet recounts the harrowing story of his youth as a restavec, as well as his inspiring climb to middle-class American life. He vividly describes what it was like to be an unwanted illegitimate child "staying with" a well-to-do family whose physical and emotional abuse was sanctioned by Haitian society. He also details his subsequent life in the United States, where, despite American racism, he put himself through college and found success in the Army, in business, and finally in teaching.

À propos de l?auteur

Today, Jean-Robert Cadet holds a Master's Degree in French literature and works to help aid other restavec children.