Restavec: From Haitian Slave Child to Middle-Class American

Cadet, Jean-Robert

ISBN 10: 0292712030 / ISBN 13: 9780292712034

Published by University of Texas Press, 1998

About this Item

Trade paperback edition, published by University of Texas Press, 1998. Memoir of the author's life growing up in Haiti and his journey to a new life in America. 182 pages, 5-1/2" X 8-1/2". No former ownership marks, no writing on the text pages. No creases to the cover or spine. Not a remainder, not a library discard copy. Edges of the text block have some bump marks and a few faint age foxing spots. Attached photos are of the copy we have in our inventory.

Seller Inventory # 25-08417

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Restavec: From Haitian Slave Child to Middle-Class American
• Publisher: University of Texas Press
• Publication Date: 1998
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0292712030
• ISBN 13: 9780292712034
• Binding: Soft cover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Printing: 5th or later Printing
• Condition: Near Fine
• Dimensions: 1.524W x 13.97H x 21.59D centimeters 1.524 centimeters width by 13.97 centimeters height by 21.59 centimeters depth
• Weight: 272 grams
• Seller catalogs:
  • Memoir

About this title

Synopsis

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.

About the Author

Today, Jean-Robert Cadet holds a Master's Degree in French literature and works to help aid other restavec children.