Product Description

In this unusual collection of stories and fables, Goncourt prize-winner Patrick Chamoiseau re-creates in truly magical language the stories he heard as a child in Martinique.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #183355 in Books
• Published on: 1997-09
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 113 pages

From Publishers Weekly
The 1992 winner of France's Goncourt Prize brilliantly retells 12 tales from his home island of Martinique in his first book to be published in the U.S. Included are delightfully coarse and lively folktales incorporating European and African motifs and stories apparently handed down from the time of slavery. In one, "Ti-Jean Horizon," the eponymous hero repeatedly outwits his Beke (white) master, as does Conquering John in African American tales. Others warn of the danger of foolish behavior, as in "Nanie-Rosette the Belly-Slave," of whom the storyteller remarks "Quite a pretty name for a disaster with an abyss for a stomach, a riverbed for a throat... In short, Nanie-Rosette loved to eat, oh yes." Her gluttony leads to her downfall at the hands of a devil. The lyric language here is often bawdy, even in a uniquely Martinique variant of the Cinderella tale. Witty asides enrich these fables and allegories, though their protagonists are poor, enslaved people striving to survive in a politically hostile world. The stories have a contemporary edge that transcends their colonial roots.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
YA?From his motherland, Martinique, Chamoiseau weaves Creole folktale after folktale into a fine tapestry rich with cultural specificity, yet possessing universal appeal. He calls himself a "wordmaker." And what a wordmaker he is. These stories resonate with references to hunger, prosperity, trickery, and chicanery. From Brer Rabbit to savvy children, the characters hold immense pleasure for readers and will appeal to YAs interested in traditional literature from another voice in the African diaspora.?Michele L. Simms-Burton, Department of English, George Washington University, Washington, DC
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
Good things come in small packages. Chamoiseau, whose Texaco won the 1992 Goncourt Prize in France and will soon be published in the United States, vividly re-creates the folk tales that he heard during his youth in Martinique. Each brief folk tale is imbued with colorful images. In one story, "Madame Keleman," an old witch promises food to an impoverished young girl if she guesses her name. Crabs chant the old lady's name to the youngster, which so infuriates the hag that she "hit the ground so hard it opened up like a well-thumbed book of suffering, and snapped shut on her like a book of fate." It is the imagery and quaint language that endow this book with its own special charm. Coverdale's translation captures the essence of a Creole world both imaginary and real. This book will delight children and adults alike.
Bob Ivey, Memphis State Univ., Tenn.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Customer Reviews

Wonderful use of langauge
Folktale books are frequently viewed as "children's" books or books of interest only to the specialist. This book is of interest to anyone who enjoys good stories and Chamoiseau's use of language.

Examples of the tales:
The Rainmaker is a tale of disbelief in the ability of a rainmaker - disbelief that leaves the people with misery.

Lil' Fellow the Musician is a tale of a child with magical musical abilities - whose lack of caution is his downfall.

Ti-Jean Horizon is a delightful trickster tale in which the trickster "steals" his birthright.

The Most Beautiful One Is Under the Tub is a tale where a parrot's nonsense ultimately is meaningful - in the right situation.

The stories are told in an oral style but not in a simple style. An example: "So she was famine's best friend, which proves without a doubt that a friendship is not necessarily one of life's true pleasures." But this book is pure pleasure.

Magical & Interesting
Creole Folktales is awesome! The tales are full of vision and magical twists leading the reader to understand the Creole folklore tradition. Patrick Chamoiseau's stories are timeless, almost like each word was dusted with magic--you'll hang on each Folktale wanting more inspiration and laughter. Warning: After reading this book, you'll want to fly to Martinique and experience that country--or--like me, read more of Patrick Chamoisseau's books.

Creole Folktales
Creole Folktales is fantastic! His use of language creates an atmosphere that is alive with beautiful images. The underlying meanings of each story (12) are so powerful. When you read it you won't be able to put it down and when you're finished you'll never forget them!