The Scorpion's Claw

Overview

This challenging, multi-layered story is told from a womanist perspective through a network of narrative voices encompassing two generations of Haitians, tied together both by blood relations and bloodshed. In addition to the characters’ personal struggles with the harsh realities of postcolonial Haiti, the violent history of the last six centuries of the country, from the brutal years of colonialism and slavery to the chaotic aftermath of the fall of the Baby Doc regime, is also explored. The rhythm of the prose echoes Haitian Cr+ole as this dramatic novel unfolds.

Author Biography

Myriam J. A. Chancy is the senior editor of Meridians and a visiting associate professor of women’s studies at Smith College. She has taught at Vanderbilt University and Arizona State University. She is the author of Framing Silence and Searching for Safe Spaces, which was awarded an Outstanding Book Award by Choice. Her poetry, short fiction, and essays have appeared in such publications as Black/Renaissance/Noire, Ferry, Fireweed, Litspeak, and The Louisville Review.