BOOK REVIEWS
A historic novel that EVERYONE should read!
Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2023
As a discerning reader (and history buff), I was not sure I would like this book. I am a harsh critic, but I will tell you that by the sixth chapter, I was enamored, and my wall was down. I fully embraced the story and felt part of the action.
Everything these days seems to follow the same formula, it's hard for anything truly magical to make it through, but here it is. The author's passion for his family's story and the casual tone combine to make this the novel that breaks through the monotony. The monotony that now fills the place where creativity used to thrive in literature. This novel is not trying to be a literary masterpiece. Instead, it aims to educate, entertain, and open the reader's eyes to humanity's imperfections throughout time.
I love the preface in which the author is shocked to learn that his ancestors, the dependents of Africans, were enslavers themselves. It forced him to know the truth. For this reason, he felt compelled to unearth why his family would do something so despicable, only to understand that the world was different then and that he could not use his modern-day values to make sense of the world that once was.
Because this is a first edition and the author is telling us the story of his family (a first-time writer), expect some minor errors, though as I write this, there is probably a second edition.
I only learned a little about the Haitian revolution or life in Haiti. But we should. There are a lot of valuable lessons in our past.
I can't wait to read the next book. I anxiously await to learn more about it. Henry, Marie, Jean, and Jean Junior.
— Laura Ure
A Haitian Must Read
Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2023
I have had the good fortune to read book 1 of Triumph to Tragedy by Daniel J.D. Bayard. I will offer an account as a retired teacher with a 38 year long career and not as a family member. I love history, I was a teacher of history, and have researched greatly the evolution of Haitian History. This historical novel not only offers just the historical facts, but shows the context that brought them about. The author has skillfully mixed these facts with the passion of his ancestral roots showing a side of humanity too often left out of history all together. He deals with each and every historical figure as though they were old friends of his. It is that personal aspect that pulls the reader in and makes it impossible to stop reading. The flow of the narration is not that of an academician but rather of a skillful story teller who would make any african griot of West Africa proud. Once the reader starts the reading process, he/she gets engrossed and finds it impossible to put it down. I am proud of the book and of the premise of an anthology of historical novels showing the evolution of Haïti from the eyes of a family that witnessed it all through many generations. I give it five stars!
Jean-Bernard
A MASTERPIECE!
Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2023
Triumph to Tragedy is a masterpiece! Daniel Bayard takes us on a journey to learn the rich history of Haiti and it’s proud people - a love story in the midst of turmoil. This is a must read for those who know the story of Haiti, and for the many that need to be enlightened. A triumph from start to finish.
Highly recommend!
-Tony Garcia
Engrossing, thorough, skillfully written
Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2023
A huge WOW!
This book was gifted to me and although I am not a fan of historical works I decided to give it a try. A wise choice! The story is juicy and pulls you right in, coupled with the deeply thorough and expertly woven history of Haiti, I hated having to put it down! I learned so much about the politics of the time, the social climate and structure of Haiti. After reading this novel, my grasp of Haitian history is vastly changed and my perspective changed forever. For a debut novel, I am deeply impressed and anxiously awaiting the next edition. Bravo, Mr. Bayard!
— Laura A. Fiumara
Incredible and Magical!
Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2023
This book was gifted to me and I had no desire to read it as I am not into history at all! I decided to pick it up and start reading it and to my surprise, this book is written in a such a way that I couldn’t put it down!
The romance is written so beautifully , each character is described in such a way that you feel that you are part of the story!
I simple loved reading it and can’t wait for a second part to come out!
— Maria
Incredible and Magical!
Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2023
This book was gifted to me and I had no desire to read it as I am not into history at all! I decided to pick it up and start reading it and to my surprise, this book is written in such a way that I couldn’t put it down!
The romance is written so beautifully, each character is described in such a way that you feel that you are part of the story!
I simply loved reading it and can’t wait for a second part to come out! Excellent book!
Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2023
I absolutely love this book! Once you start you will not be able to put it down! If you’re looking for a book that will make you forget about time itself…definitely give this one a try! I’ve passed it along to my brother-in-law and every time you see him…the book is in his hands! 10/10 !
— Gabrielle Laplace
GREAT READ
Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2023
Action, suspense, romance...and all based on a part history just a short hop from FL that many will learn for the first time reading it. Can't wait for part 2!!!
- Ron B
WHAT AN AMAZING BOOK!!!!!!
Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2023
The plot in the book captivated me from beginning to end. The details, the drama, the way the author captured each character is award winning!! I would definitely recommend this book to my family and friends.
— Grisette
A Great Non-Fiction Novel
Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2023
Riveting non-fiction novel that captures an untold story of Haitian history and their triumphant revolution.
— Jordan Kremer
Precise and realistic details of those times.
Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2023
Worthwhile read which kept me involved and realistic.
Now about today’s world……nice change!
— John Mark
Great Read!
Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2023
I received this book as a gift and thoroughly enjoyed it. The writing captivated my attention, and the character development was great. It was a truly transformative experience, reaffirming my love for the written word.
— B Teubner
Great read
Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2023
Great read with a captivating story. Looking forward to future installments in this series!
Triumph to Tragedy…. Brought out in the open
Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2023
Fascinating!
Thanks so much for exposing, in such artistic manner, the brilliant history of our country and its ancestors….a must read…. Brilliant…