Title: Politics, Gangs, and Vodou: Haiti’s Struggle for Democracy and Human Rights
Author: Yvon Milen
Publisher: Ymilien
ISBN: 979-8986036441
Pages: 268
Genre: History / Haiti/Non-fiction
Reviewer: Christina Avina

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One of life’s most fascinating subjects is how a nation forms itself. A unique blend of history, culture, and politics, each nation varies in its shared ideals, beliefs, and ruling bodies. From Kings and Queens to democratically elected leaders, government bodies, and autocratic states, each nation has faced its own struggles for identity and what makes it so unique. It is only by understanding how people came together to form their nation that future generations can determine who they want to be and what direction that nation should take.

Legacy and history go hand in hand in the story of Haiti, as told in author Yvon Milen’s Politics, Gangs, and Vodou: Haiti’s Struggle for Democracy and Human Rights. The book looks at Haiti’s past, present, and the forces which are currently shaping its uncertain future. The book explores the early days of Haiti and the revolution it went through as well as a deeper look into the ways in which current events and the past have shaped Haiti’s future, and what true freedom looks like in a future Haiti.

A thoughtful, detailed, and compelling non-fiction read, the author brilliantly brings passion and history to each chapter of this book. The ways in which culture and history motivate and influence the events of a nation’s present day are always fascinating to see come to life on the pages. The author’s words feel both educational and interactive as the reader is going through each chapter, inviting the reader to delve into Haiti’s origins and history for themselves. Such as the founding days of the country when the Taino people migrated there from South America centuries earlier, to the forced labor that was brought by the French and Spanish explorers centuries later from West Africa to serve in one of history’s most brutal plantation regimes. Also both the good and bad that came when the enslaved people revolted and became the first Black republic of the world.

Readers who love non-fiction reads, especially those who enjoy history and specifically historical events surrounding the rise of a nation such as Haiti, will absolutely love this book. The author does an incredible job of not only touching upon historical events, but also the figures who played a role in the foundation of the nation. It explains the system that Haiti currently lives in today, from General Toussaint Louvertere to General Charles Leclerc, and so many others. The amount of detail the author gives readers is incredible, driving both interest and passion for the past and future of this dynamic nation and its people. The fight for freedom and equality has never felt more invigorated and inspiring, and the honesty and straightforwardness of the author’s writing will resonate with readers who share that passion for Haiti and Haitian culture.  A must-read for anyone seeking to understand Haiti’s struggle for human rights, and its hope for a better future.