Creole Folktales

by Patrick Chamoiseau

Book Overview

Patrick Chamoiseau first became known to the international literary world with Texaco, the vast and demanding novel that won France's prestigious Goncourt Prize in 1992. Less well known is the fact that Chamoiseau has written a number of extraordinary books about his childhood in Martinique. One of these, Creole Folktales, recreates in truly magical language the stories he heard as a child. Folktales with a twist, fairy tales with attitude, these...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1565843967
• ISBN13: 9781565843967
• Release Date: September 1997
• Publisher: New Press
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.0" x 7.9"

Customer Reviews

Wonderful use of langauge

Folktale books are frequently viewed as "children's" books or books of interest only to the specialist. This book is of interest to anyone who enjoys good stories and Chamoiseau's use of language.Examples of the tales:The Rainmaker is a tale of disbelief in the ability of a rainmaker - disbelief that leaves the people with misery.Lil' Fellow the Musician is a tale of a child with magical musical abilities - whose lack of caution is his downfall.Ti-Jean Horizon is a delightful trickster tale in which the trickster "steals" his birthright.The Most Beautiful One Is Under the Tub is a tale where a parrot's nonsense ultimately is meaningful - in the right situation.The stories are told in an oral style but not in a simple style. An example: "So she was famine's best friend, which proves without a doubt that a friendship is not necessarily one of life's true pleasures." But this book is pure pleasure.

Creole Folktales

Creole Folktales is fantastic! His use of language creates an atmosphere that is alive with beautiful images. The underlying meanings of each story (12) are so powerful. When you read it you won't be able to put it down and when you're finished you'll never forget them!

Magical & Interesting

Creole Folktales is awesome! The tales are full of vision and magical twists leading the reader to understand the Creole folklore tradition. Patrick Chamoiseau's stories are timeless, almost like each word was dusted with magic--you'll hang on each Folktale wanting more inspiration and laughter. Warning: After reading this book, you'll want to fly to Martinique and experience that country--or--like me, read more of Patrick Chamoisseau's books.