We had so much fun talking with author Nadine Pinede about her debut YA novel-in-verse, When the Mapou Sings. Nadine is a poet, author, editor, translator, and education consultant. The daughter of Haitian immigrants, Nadine is the first Rhodes scholar of Haitian descent and earned her doctorate in Philosophy of Education. When the Mapou Sings will be published by Candlewick Press on December 3rd, 2024 and has already been named a Junior Library Guild selection and a Most Anticipated Book of the Fall by Kirkus Reviews.
The novel takes place in the 1930s, just after the end of the American Occupation of Haiti. Lucille’s schooling is interrupted when she complains that her favorite Mapou tree has been cut down, which is an illegal act. To keep her safe from her village's corrupt section chief, she is sent to Port-au-Prince, where her employer hobnobs with Haitian intellectuals. Lucille eventually finds herself working for Zora Neale Hurston as she conducts her anthropological study of Haiti, Tell My Horse.
In the interview, we discussed Pinede’s literary influences, the challenges of writing in verse, and the importance of historical context in literature. The discussion also touches on misconceptions about Haiti, the significance of food and culture in storytelling, and, of course, the significance of the Mapou tree. Pinede also highlights Zora Neale Hurston's anthropological pursuits in Haiti.
The conversation was rich with references to other books, films, and websites. We’ve attempted to link you to all of them here.
To learn more about Nadine Pinede, please visit her website: NadinePinede.com or Instagram: @nadinepinede.
For more information on Haiti, check out her website or the Haitian Studies Association Website.
For the recording of Nadine's event with the Zora Neale Hurston Trust, please visit their Instagram page.
Books Mentioned
Haiti Noir, edited by Edwidge Danticat (includes a story by Nadine Pinede)
White Rose by Kip Wilson (another book in verse)
Haiti Fights Back: The Life and Legacy of Charlemagne Péralte by Yveline Alexis
The Uses of Haiti by Paul Farmer
Brother, I’m dying By Edwidge Danticat
Tell My Horse: Voodoo and Life in Haiti and Jamaica by Zora Neale Hurston (anthropological study of Haiti)
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston (novel written while in Haiti)
Dust Tracks on a Road by Zora Neale Hurston (her autobiography)
Popo and Fifina: Children of Haiti by Arna Bontemps and Langston Hughes
The Magic Island by Richard Seabrook (Exploitative book - sensationalized Haitian traditions, started the fascination in U.S. with Voodoo and Zombies)
Black Shack Alley by Joseph Zobel
The Serpent and the Rainbow: A Harvard Scientist's Astonishing Journey into the Secret Societies of Haitian Voodoo, Zombies, and Magic by Anthropologist Wade Davis (also sensationalized)
The Diary of Anne Frank by Anne Frank
Freedom Soup by Tammy Charles
Films Mentioned
The Forgotten Occupation: Jim Crow Goes to Haiti, directed by Alain Martin (imdb link)
Sugar Cane Ally, directed by Euzhan Palcy (based on the book Black Shack Alley)
The Serpent and the Rainbow, directed by Wes Craven (further sensationalized the work of Wade Davis, classified as Horror) (imdb link)
Writing Workshops Mentioned
Northwest Institute of Literary Arts
Thanks to Chris for our music, Heather and Lizzie for their assistance, Dorothy for her editing skills, and our patrons for their financial support.
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