In 1994, Haitian-American author Edwidge Danticat published Breath, Eyes, Memory. She was only 25 years old. The novel, Danticat's first, became an award-winning bestseller praised by critics. It gained even more popularity when it was chosen for Oprah's Book Club in 1998.
Though parts of the novel contain autobiographical elements from Danticat's life, it was not meant to be an autobiography. Like her main character, Sophie, Danticat was born in Haiti and, when she was young, her parents immigrated to America. Danticat stayed in Haiti with an aunt and uncle until she was twelve. The author uses her experiences in both Haiti and America in her novel. The book explores the difficulties...