Book Review by Aarene Storms: Hold Tight, Don't Let Go : a novel of Haiti

Hold Tight, Don't Let Go : a novel of Haiti
by Laura Rose Wagner

Cousins Nadine and Magdalie have lived together as sisters their whole lives, raised by Manman in the Haitian city of Port-au-Prince. But when the big earthquake hit Haiti in January 2010, everything changed. Manman was killed in the quake, crushed by the roof of their home. Schools were closed. People are afraid to sleep under a roof at night.

The girls go to live with an uncle in a tent encampment, and everyone tries (often unsuccessfully) to make life seem normal again.

When Nadine's estranged father sends for her to come to Florida, Magdalie clings to the hope that she will soon escape Port-au-Prince as well. Gradually, however, Magdalie understands that her future must be in Haiti, and that her hope for a better life must mean a hope for a clean, prosperous Haiti.

Honest, grim, and horrible at times, this coming-of-age story is nonetheless infused with points of brightness, and clearly shows the circumstances still facing Haitians today, more than three years after the earthquake.

Highly recommended for discussion.


The events may not have happened; still, the story is true.  --R. Silvern

Aarene Storms, youth services librarian
Richmond Beach and Lake Forest Park Libraries, KCLS