Everything you think you know about Haitian history is wrong. Through an examination of primary sources, Daut sets record straight. Henri Christophe has been vilified throughout history as a betrayer of the ideals of the Haitian revolution, but history has largely ignored the serious challenges that led to his behavior.

Read my review at Washington Independent Review of Books here: https://www.washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com/bookreview/the-first-and-last-king-of-haiti-the-rise-and-fall-of-henry-christophe

This book is heavy and I will be discussing some of those heavy topics so before I get into it, here are some trigger warnings for the book: slavery, torture, war, racism, sexual assault, suicide, murder. If any of these things are triggering for you, this may not be the book you want to pick up, although I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Does the cover leave something to be desired? Yes, but most biographies do, so there.

Stars: 4/5

What I liked about this account is that the author doesn’t ignore the rumors or the evidence of propaganda and whitewashing that undoubtedly helped those rumors to grow. Instead Daut actively goes into some of the biggest rumors about King Christophe and why they don’t make sense. She also denounces the use of blackface that was so prominent in staged accounts of the man’s life and the sheer racism (which allowed for lies and fearmongering) in said accounts. Another reason that this book grew on me is the fact that from the very beginning, we understand that this is all hearsay and what was “most likely.” King Christophe’s enemies got rid of most of his belongings after his death, as well as many of the news and personal accounts after his death. Just as with any war, the victor writes the history and history did not paint this man in a favorable light.

Another aspect that kept me reading was that it was told like a story instead of a monotonous history lesson, as many accounts of long-dead Black figures are. The author reminds us that this isn’t just a lesson, it’s a life, and she treats it as one. Plus, I got to learn a lot about a man who I really only knew in name and major deed. And most in the western world probably don’t even know that much! Was it a book that broached some heavy and emotionally draining topics? Yes, but it was an enthralling read and if not for the fact I was reading it on a small screen, I probably could have read it rather quickly through.

One last thing, and this is just my opinion, but if you want to check this book out, get the print version. On digital it took so long to read that my eyes got tired from all the blue light!

Henry Christophe, THE FIRST AND LAST KING OF HAITI, is a figure of immense historical significance, yet one that often remains in the shadows. Born enslaved in 1767, he rose to play a pivotal military role during the Haitian Revolution, leading to the country's independence from France. His journey saw him rule as president of the State of Haiti and eventually the king of Northern Haiti in March of 1811.

The book, a testament to Daut's scholarly prowess, is a rich tapestry of historical research and accessible storytelling. Her in-depth, impeccable, and thorough research, citing numerous sources such as letters, proclamations, and memoirs, adds a layer of authenticity that is both enlightening and engaging. It presents the story of an idealistic man ensnared in the manipulations of imperial powers, determined to dismantle the first independent black nation in the western hemisphere. The vivid descriptions of the historical period transport you to the heart of the turbulent times, stimulating your intellect and engaging your senses. I liked the summaries at the beginning of each chapter, which gave you an overview of what was coming.

This review is based on an advance reader copy provided by NetGalley, Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor. I was grateful for the opportunity to delve into Marlene Daut's work and learn more about Henry Christophe and the early history of Haiti. Thank you, Marlene Daut, for this enlightening experience!

This was such an interesting book! I recently travelled to Cuba and read Ada Ferrer's "Cuba" which touched on the commonalities and differences between the two island neighbors. When I saw The First and Last King of Haiti was coming available, I immediately jumped at it to learn more about one of our nearest neighbors, whom we, as Americans, learn so little about.

Although it was a bit of a slog at times (as so many history books can be), it was super fascinating to learn about such an impactful figure in Haiti's history. What an intriguing character. For those who are truly interested in taking this information in, I would recommend reading a physical copy, simply for ease of note taking and flagging, but the digital copy was more than readable. While this book is ostensibly a history of one man, Daut does an excellent job elucidating the realities facing the island nation and expanding on the geopolitical and cultural tides affecting the politics of the era. It surely helps to have some background on Haitian (or at least Caribbean) history, but the reader who comes in blind is not at a disadvantage.

Interesting ...is what I thought when reading the blurb. It has a lot of historical data and facts. But it felt too historical and read as gathering the facts instead of a steady reading flow. Which made it difficult to keep my interest. The efforts put in to bring this to light were good though.

How France (and Others) Installed “Kings” to Milk Colonies After Colonialism

Based on my recent research into Napoleon, it is very likely that when Henry sided with Napoleon he accessed a spy network that was taking control of many countries around the world by placing dictators, who they were callings “kings” or by other tyrannical titles: they were serving as puppets, who were channeling funds from these nations to investors, or corrupt politicians in Europe. His own agency was not likely to succeed in having himself installed as a self-proclaimed “king”. The Europeans would then use such “kings” (that they had set in place) to argue that they were tyrannically running their countries, which thus needed to be “rescued” by the same Europeans who had orchestrated their rise. Similar strategies are still being used by world-powers, including recent installations of tyrants across the parts of the world most afflicted with warfare and famine.
“But it all came to a sudden and tragic end when Christophe—after nine years of his rule as King Henry I—shot himself in the heart, some say with a silver bullet.” A more likely scenario is that the people who put him in power, shot him when he attempted to take money or power into his own hands, instead of just doing their bidding. “Why did Christophe turn his back on Toussaint Louverture and the very revolution with which his name is so indelibly associated?” Because it was not a true revolution, but rather designed to indirectly continue European control, while giving the appearance of liberalization. “How did it come to pass that Christophe found himself accused of participating in the plot to assassinate Haiti’s first ruler, Dessalines?” Right. This was one of the things he knew (who profited from this assassination, or who hired him) that he could have disclosed, which necessitated his assassination to keep quiet. “What caused Haiti to eventually split into two countries, one ruled by Christophe in the north, who made himself king, the other led by President Pétion in the south?” Well, there were probably some actual revolutionaries who did the fighting, and they probably were in the south, while the north could be sneakily seized by this “king”. “…A… story of not only geopolitical clashes on a grand scale but also of friendship and loyalty, treachery and betrayal, heroism and strife in an era of revolutionary upheaval.”
One large piece of evidence that supports my interpretation is mentioned in the preface. France took advantage of Haiti by charging “90 million francs” and Haiti eventually paid “112 million francs”, equivalent to as much as “$115 billion” in today-money across a century of repayments, which could have otherwise been used to support Haiti’s economy from failing, as it has continued to do in a cycle since. France manipulated Henry to stage events to end up taxing Haiti across a century after they stopped colonizing this country. The “king” terminology was part of the magic trick that shifted the blame onto this imagined tyrant and away from the thieves who got away with billions. And the “Introduction: On Doing Justice to Chirstophe’s Story” does point out that, as Wendell Phillips said in 1860: “All the materials for his biography are from the lips of his enemies.” The spin on these events has been driven by the profiteering colonizers, and there is a need to revive the history based on facts that were recorded by Haitians. The author notes that Phillips did write “feisty letters and deliver passionate speeches”, which should be adequate evidence for what he was really like. Though it is likely (based on my research) that these were ghostwritten for him to deliberately make him seem “feisty” in these documents and not only in otherwise bylined propaganda that reprimanded him.
As I glimpsed ahead, it seems most of this book is thoroughly researched, or based on the existing evidence in those first-person or contemporary accounts. For example, in an entry, Bretigne is recorded as writing: “Everything here is mountainous, everything monstrous, for these gentlemen. I tremble, when I see that, working according to he principle they seem to have adopted, I tremble, I say that you will be poorly assisted…” Dramatic lines.
This seems to be a rarely reliable source on this subject. Those who are invested in the economic progress of Haiti today should definitely read this book closely. Though they should question what they find here, as a Yale professor’s perspective might not be unbiased.
—Pennsylvania Literary Journal, Fall 2024: https://anaphoraliterary.com/journals/plj/plj-excerpts/book-reviews-fall-2024

I've always been interested in Haitian history so this book was right up my alley. It was very informative, and gave great accounts of events in Christophe's life. It is a very interesting read.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.

"The First and Last King of Haiti: The Rise and Fall of Henry Christophe" by Marlene L. Daut examines one of Haiti's most significant historical figures. Daut traces Christophe's journey from enslavement to his role as a military leader in the Haitian Revolution, culminating in his reign as King of Northern Haiti.

The book covers Christophe's life, from his early days at the La Couronne hotel to his role in the revolution alongside Toussaint Louverture. Daut contextualizes Christophe's ascent within the political landscape of colonial Saint-Domingue and the early years of Haitian independence.

A central theme is the political climate surrounding Haiti's fledgling independence. Daut portrays the internal divisions plaguing the new nation and the external threat of France's attempts to reclaim its former colony. This context highlights Christophe's commitment to defending Haitian sovereignty, evidenced by his military fortifications and diplomatic efforts.

Daut's writing is both scholarly and accessible. Her approach challenges existing narratives, urging readers to consider the biases in historical accounts. The author's use of primary sources, including proclamations, letters, and memoirs, adds authenticity to her portrayal of Christophe and his era.

The book presents a balanced view of Christophe's legacy, addressing the controversies surrounding his reign. Daut presents various perspectives, from those who view him as a tyrant to others who see him as a visionary leader, thus allowing readers to engage with the complexities of Christophe's character and his challenges.

Daut's vivid descriptions of the historical period, particularly the palace at Sans-Souci and the Citadelle Laferrière, offer readers a tangible sense of Christophe's vision for Haiti.

The exploration of Christophe's downfall is particularly insightful. Daut depicts the king's final days, showing how his authority unraveled due to betrayal, rebellion, and illness.

While I do not claim to be a scholar of Haitian history, I believe 'The First and Last King of Haiti' significantly contributes to the study of Haitian history. Daut's work offers a nuanced portrayal of Henri Christophe, illuminating this complex figure and the turbulent times in which he lived. This book is particularly valuable for those interested in the aftermath of the Haitian Revolution. It provides a detailed account of the challenges faced by post-colonial states in their early years of independence.

This review is of an advance reader copy provided by NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor. It is currently scheduled for release on January 7, 2025.

I can’t say that I’m an expert in any way, shape or form when it comes to what are considered some of the best English-language reads on all the various aspects of Haiti’s complex history. However, considering just how packed with detail this work is, it’s genuinely very hard to imagine just how anyone can possibly top Daut’s work here if they’re looking for information on Henry Christophe in any great depth. This feels as comprehensive a biography for the only King of Haiti that one could possibly ask for, and then some.