Big thanks to Netgalley and Tin House Book Publishing for my ARC ♥️

Synopsis:
"Village Weavers" is a heartwarming story about two friends, Gertie and Sisi, who grow up together in Haiti. They come from different backgrounds - Gertie is rich and Sisi is poor - but their friendship is strong. They share happy moments and secrets, but a big secret from the past tears them apart. The book follows their lives as they grow up, face challenges, and struggle with their own problems. It shows how hard it is to forgive and move on from the past. Even though they're apart for many years, they never forget each other. Through trials and tribulations, they find their way back to each other.

I found the book to be a powerful exploration of the ways in which our past experiences shape us. The characters' journeys towards forgiveness and healing were deeply moving, and I appreciated the author's attention to detail and rich descriptions of Haitian culture.♥️

Village Weavers is a story about sisters, the spectrum of sisterly and family relationships, and the nuances we all navigate at one point or another. Tied in beautifully with the history of Haiti, and following the main character, Sisi, who has grown up Haiti and spent much of her girlhood in Port-au-Prince. Chancy masterfully tackles the themes of regime, revolution, coming-of-age, sisterhood, and sexuality. Throughout this story, we see lives of Sisi and her friends/family unfold over the course of a lifetime, and the impact of each season of life on life overall.
While the story does get a little slower at times, it is a worth-while read. I recommend to fans of historical fiction, LGBTQ+ historical fiction, and slow burns.
Thank you NetGalley and the Publisher for and ARC in exchange for an honest review!

My experience with this read was a very interesting one. I enjoyed reading it, but I wish I could say I loved it more than I actually did.

As a lover of Caribbean literature, I was initially drawn in by the synopsis; two friends, set in Port-au-Prince, Haiti pre-Duvalier's regieme, torn a part by a family secret. Very enticing. And it was, until the about the second half which is where things got a bit slow for me.

Overall, it is a solid read, that I would most likely pick up even if I hadn't received an ARC from NetGalley. I appreciate the publishers for sharing.

Set In Port-au-Prince the story of two girls from different backgrounds become fast friends.
One wants what the other has, and they keep their friendship together even as they grow up and leave the island.

The narrative traces the relationship as Gerti and Sisi both make big changes in their lives. Gertie marries into a wealthy Dominican family and Sisi moves to Paris. Even though they are separated, the pull of their year’s life keeps them in each other’s lives, even if the relationship is strained.

I had a difficult time reading this book. I kept getting loss in the continuous used of patois. It kept getting me so off the story that I would get lost. I just didn’t find it compelling and hope that other readers relate better to the story then I did.

I thought this would be a read that I would enjoy, as it sounded interesting and the cover is pretty. I couldn't get into the story or the main character with so many time jumps and characters being introduced. I am sure there will be people who enjoy this story, but it wasn't grabbing my attention, so I am going to have to DNF this one.