This is a book that is so much more than just a poetry book. It offers so much more.
Thank you to both NetGalley and Northwestern University Press for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest unbiased review

When The Piperite Sings by Jean Metellus as translated by Haun Saussy is a magnificent adventure through poetic pieces that introduce the reader to various aspects of Haitian Culture. Thematically addressing the search for identity in an ever changing world and its effects on the culture as well as the individual. These pieces demonstrate Metellus strong original voice and vivid imagery entice the reader into each piece.

"Great black man remember / Remember that it was words, sounds and colors / That condemned you, burned you, assassinated you / Do you remember your victory / Do you rememeber the victory of calindas and of Negritude / Of real Negritude on Haiti's soil [...] Forget none of your past / Neither Negrism nor Negritude / If the world despises you don't be scandalized / And know that this harsh exclusion will perserve the race of your children"

Not only is the theme and pride of "When the Pipirite Sings" the outward forms of "local colour", the search for identity, the tireless memory, but also the authenticity of Métellus' poetry is palpable, his imagery vigorous and unique.

"And memory dressed in stars still signs with aflourish across the wound of oblivion / Intrepid she rushes to all fronts, reviving despair"