When the Mapou Sings by Nadine Pinede is a rich, lyrical coming-of-age story set in 1930s Haiti, exploring themes of dreams, sacrifice, and cultural identity. Sixteen-year-old Lucille has been raised by her woodworker father and maternal aunt after her mother’s death in childbirth. Gifted with the ability to hear the sacred mapou trees sing, Lucille’s connection to nature serves as both a spiritual gift and a point of conflict. Her teacher insists, “The Church or the spirits, you can’t serve them both,” reflecting the tension between faith and the traditions of her people.
Lucille dreams of opening a school for girls with her best friend, Fifina, a school that focuses on creativity and nature. But their plans are thwarted by the political unrest in Haiti, as well as the oppressive social structures that limit their opportunities. When Fifina is taken by the local section chief to be his second wife, Lucille’s world is shaken. The chief’s act of cutting down Lucille’s favorite mapou tree leads to a confrontation that forces her father and aunt to send her away to Port-au-Prince for her safety.
In the capital, Lucille works as a servant for a wealthy family, where she falls for her employer’s son. However, her life takes another turn when she becomes a servant to the celebrated American writer Zora Neale Hurston. Throughout these experiences, Lucille learns about the high cost of activism and the sacrifices necessary to pursue justice.
Pinede’s debut novel captures the complexities of class, gender, and identity with grace. While the pace may feel slow, the story’s depth lies in Lucille’s resilience and her connection to her cultural roots. The well-drawn characters, strong dialogue, and unexpected twists create an emotional and thought-provoking narrative that leaves readers contemplating the cost of striving for a better life in a world that often stands in the way of change.
