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.