Restavec

From Haitian Slave Child to Middle-Class American

Biography & Memoir
Cover of the book Restavec by Jean-Robert  Cadet, University of Texas Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Jean-Robert Cadet ISBN: 9780292783478
Publisher: University of Texas Press Publication: September 15, 2009
Imprint: University of Texas Press Language: English
Author: Jean-Robert Cadet
ISBN: 9780292783478
Publisher: University of Texas Press
Publication: September 15, 2009
Imprint: University of Texas Press
Language: English

African slaves in Haiti emancipated themselves from French rule in 1804 and created the first independent black republic in the Western Hemisphere. But they reinstituted slavery for the most vulnerable members of Haitian society—the children of the poor—by using them as unpaid servants to the wealthy. These children were—and still are—restavecs, a French term whose literal meaning of "staying with" disguises the unremitting labor, abuse, and denial of education that characterizes the children's lives.

In this memoir, Jean-Robert Cadet recounts the harrowing story of his youth as a restavec, as well as his inspiring climb to middle-class American life. He vividly describes what it was like to be an unwanted illegitimate child "staying with" a well-to-do family whose physical and emotional abuse was sanctioned by Haitian society. He also details his subsequent life in the United States, where, despite American racism, he put himself through college and found success in the Army, in business, and finally in teaching.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

African slaves in Haiti emancipated themselves from French rule in 1804 and created the first independent black republic in the Western Hemisphere. But they reinstituted slavery for the most vulnerable members of Haitian society—the children of the poor—by using them as unpaid servants to the wealthy. These children were—and still are—restavecs, a French term whose literal meaning of "staying with" disguises the unremitting labor, abuse, and denial of education that characterizes the children's lives.

In this memoir, Jean-Robert Cadet recounts the harrowing story of his youth as a restavec, as well as his inspiring climb to middle-class American life. He vividly describes what it was like to be an unwanted illegitimate child "staying with" a well-to-do family whose physical and emotional abuse was sanctioned by Haitian society. He also details his subsequent life in the United States, where, despite American racism, he put himself through college and found success in the Army, in business, and finally in teaching.

More books from University of Texas Press

Cover of the book Communism in Mexico by Jean-Robert  Cadet
Cover of the book Wildflowers and Other Plants of Texas Beaches and Islands by Jean-Robert  Cadet
Cover of the book Framing a Lost City by Jean-Robert  Cadet
Cover of the book Fire in the Water, Earth in the Air by Jean-Robert  Cadet
Cover of the book The Albatross and the Fish by Jean-Robert  Cadet
Cover of the book David Lynch Swerves by Jean-Robert  Cadet
Cover of the book Science in Medieval Islam by Jean-Robert  Cadet
Cover of the book On the Jury Trial by Jean-Robert  Cadet
Cover of the book Savage Frontier Volume 3 1840-1841: Rangers, Riflemen, and Indian Wars in Texas by Jean-Robert  Cadet
Cover of the book Race, Place, and the Law, 1836-1948 by Jean-Robert  Cadet
Cover of the book The Quality of Life Report by Jean-Robert  Cadet
Cover of the book Charlotte Brontë's World of Death by Jean-Robert  Cadet
Cover of the book East Texas Lumber Workers by Jean-Robert  Cadet
Cover of the book Latin America's New Historical Novel by Jean-Robert  Cadet
Cover of the book From Viracocha to the Virgin of Copacabana by Jean-Robert  Cadet
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy