Violated

By Guitele Jeudy Rahill

Violated is a story of hope deferred. It is the story of what happens when the attempt is made to purchase and possess the human spirit. It is a story, which spans three generations of Haitian women.... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0759624089
• ISBN13: 9780759624085
• Release Date: May 2001
• Publisher: 1st Book Library
• Length: 120 Pages
• Weight: 0.34 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.0" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

An eye opening experience

Once you start reading this book is very difficult to stop. Its a sad but in a way beautiful story of courage. The author does an excellent job in describing the setting and cultural framework in such a way that you get to learn about the Haitian culture, history and beliefs. Its an excelent book!

A Sad Awakening?.

Set in the late 1960's, Violated by Guitele Rahill, is a glimpse into the lives of three multi-generational Haitian women who exist in the impoverished bowels of Port-au-Prince. This is a very short, sad but touching novella that depicts how the cyclical effects of colorism, sexism, classism, and incest adversely affect their lives. Henri Berceuse is a dark-skinned, local cinema owner who, despite a destitute childhood, has improved his status by marrying well and acquiring his wife's businesses. It seems commonplace that men like Henri are entitled to have mulatto mistresses for sexual favors which ultimately bear lighter-skinned children. Henri changes women as often as the seasons, and ultimately chooses Peggy, a poor, illiterate, sixteen-year-old light-skinned beauty. Peggy has learned a hard lesson that being pretty, light-skinned, and poor can attract unwanted attention. She was abducted and imprisoned by government guardsmen as a young teen and sexually abused for six months - only to be released when it became visibly obvious that she was pregnant. A homemade concoction induces an abortion which caused more isolation and scorn from her friends and family. Peggy, unfortunately, attracts the attention of Henri, who strikes a deal with Peggy's mother (Mimi). Mimi is a long-suffering victim of domestic abuse along with her thirteen children. She sees few options and literally agrees to prostitute the child in a sex for money arrangement with Henri who agrees to provide funds to Mimi to sustain and educate Peggy and her twelve remaining siblings. Peggy moves into the "love nest" with Henri and ties to her family are instantly severed.Rahill provides hints on the bloody civil unrest during the Papa Doc Duvalier regime. Henri's self-imposed exile to the United States during this same time leaves Peggy abandoned, penniless, and pregnant with his child, a daughter named Kasha. Peggy, desperate for money, befriends a married tailor (Antoine), who physically and mentally abuses her just as Mimi underwent in her marriage. Antoine molests Kasha for years while Peggy turns a blind eye. It is only in the last few pages of the novella that a glimmer of hope is revealed; otherwise, this story is mired in despair.Rahill blends Kreyol linguistic expressions, folklore, and colorful imagery into a revealing saga about the disenfranchisement and abuse of Haitian women and children - rich and poor alike. Despite a few punctuation errors, some faulty dialogue handling, it still proved to be an educational and extremely moving read.Reviewed by PhyllisAPOOO BookClubThe Nubian Circle Book Club

Very Insightful

Violated is a book that can be appreciated through many different prospectives. Personally, for me, since I can relate to the story, I was connected in a very emotional level. It is a story about a girl who is "violated" and the tribulations that she has to go through-not feeling like she can communicate to anyone about the circumstance. Thus, it made me feel more comfortable with myself and aid me in my own personal growth, fully realizing that it happens to everyone and those things are natural. Still, it does not have to be enjoyed in that way by everyone, it has many aspects to life in Haiti which some Haitian Americans might enjoy...and it can also be appreciated by people who have nothing to do with that type of circumstance because it is a very light easy going read. Basically, if anyone is interested in reading a thought provoking story, this is it.

I am 18 years old and I love to read...

Vioalted is a definite must read. It tells of young girl who finally gets the courage to tell about her sexual abuse only to be blamed by everyone around her.It happens not just in poor families in Haiti, but in rich families here too. ALthough the voodoo and the mytery of Haiti made it a more scary read!

I am a Junior High School teacher in Brooklyn...

VIOLATED is a provocative rendition of life for a 9 year old girl emigrating from the ghettos of Port au Prince to Brooklyn,NY in the late 60's! It speaks strongly of all children transplanted from one culture to another.Violated includes elements of voodoo, incest, domestic volence...and through all that, the author finds a way to weave the unspoken love and care among the women of the pouchot family!The story is frightening at times, captivating allthe time! Highly recommend it.