Having spent much time in Haiti, I discovered and fell in love with Edwidge Danticat's writing many years ago. We're Alone was no exception. Danticat has such a way of articulating her observations of the world around her. Her message in this book is we are along so let's talk. She is real and honest. While many of the essays are about Haiti, there is a much broader scope of moral questioning and thought provoking conversation. She voices her outrage and her heart for community. She is a beautiful storyteller whether writing fiction or non-fiction!

In We’re Alone: Essays, Edwidge Danticat has written a series of pieces on family, Haiti and the Haitian diaspora, her writing life and the literary world she is a part of, the effects of natural and political disasters on Haiti and much of the Caribbean region, and the constancy of migration throughout human history. So many interesting points touched on here. Her discussion of when to have the talk with her daughters about how the world, or many in the world, may/will look differently at them is sad and eloquent.

Perhaps my favorite essay is “They Are Waiting in the Hills.” She discusses several of her literary touchstones: Lorraine Hansberry, Audre Lorde, James Baldwin, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Paula Marshall, and Toni Morrison. It has been too long since I have read Danticat; this has served to whet my appetite. There is a bibliography provided at the end.

Recommended for all who enjoy well written contemporary, and topical essays.

Thanks to Graywolf Press and NetGalley for an eARC of this book.

These essays by Danticat are for die-hard Danticat fans, readers with strong connections to Haiti, or those with a solid interest in the literary world. I fall into none of those categories so this collection was a bit of a struggle for me. I think I would have appreciated each of these essays better if I had encountered them separately when they were originally published instead of all put together in a book.

We’re Alone is a collection of essays that encompass much of Edwidge Danticat’s life, including her childhood in Haiti, inspirations and the pandemic. The essays are profound reflections of her life so far and remind us of the importance of moving forward in life despite the circumstances you were born into. Danticat was able to dominate the English language and become an accomplished writer.


Thank you to NetGalley and Grey Wolf press for allowing me access to the electronic ARC of this book. The book is due to be published on September 3, 2024.

From childhood to today, Danticat has produced a series of essays about herself. They are all connected by language as she discusses authors she admires. Danticat sheds light on the current Haitian catastrophe while including more personal information such as her childhood as an English Language Learner.
This very personal writing is pure Danticat. I feel closer to her, through her discussion of authors and depiction of childhood - the precise language of an award winning precious author #graywolfpress #edwidgedanticat #werealone #essays

Outstanding. It's not an easy read but none of Edwidge Danticat's books are. They are, however, so meaningful, and her storytelling is so affecting, all the more for the reality of her experiences. She provides such a clear view into modern Haiti, and her writing is sprinkled with the most beautiful, moving insights. These are poetic, meditative, and impactful. She's just a stunning writer and I'm happy to have anything from her in nonfiction form.

Thank you NetGalley and Graywolf Press for an ARC of this book!
This is a poignant collection of essays which speak to many subjects relating to the author's own life experience. Covering topics from the author's childhood growing up in Haiti, to the Covid-19 pandemic, these essays will leave you thinking and contemplating relationships between the individual and the world.
I really enjoyed the essays which weaved the authors experiences with famous writers. Each section for each author felt like the reader obtained an even more intimate understanding of the Danticat's writing relationship with each of these influences.

A fantastic and moving collection of essays. Particular favorites were the sweetness of the preface "We're Alone," the numerous important chapters on contemporary Haitian history and politics, and especially the literary tribute to Toni Morrison "They Are Waiting in the Hills." Danticat's essays contain the signature poetic insights found throughout her fiction. I'm excited to add this to my collection of her writing.

A collection of essays including ones on the most recent natural disasters in Haiti, the assassination of Haiti’s president and the kidnapping of missionaries in the country and loss, in general.

A quiet, contemplative book. Definitely not a feel good book, but I liked it. Always the best for a good look at Haiti, past and present.