Review of the Walking on Fire by Beverly Bell - Book Report/Review Example

WALKING ON FIRE The central idea of the book, Walking on Fire centers on women, and the terrible times they spent at the hands if local hierarchies and corporate globalization. The whole story set in Haiti, a Caribbean country in the Greater Antillean Archipelago. It not only experiences deadly earthquakes but also a high mortality rate, intense poverty and repression. This book however highlights other aspects of Haitian history- the one of violence and resistance. For centuries, violence, brutality and torture was an integral part of Haitian day- to – day life. Women were the victims. This book records the tale of thirty- eight women who struggled their way though poverty, abuse, rape, dispossession, arrest, torture and other forms of terror by FRAPH, a CIA supported para-military force. It was written during the rime of military dictatorship, especially from the year 1991 to 1994. A great deal has been focused on the acts of resistance and how women in Haiti define their lives, their challenges, changing systems and the supports they are enjoying presently. Brief summary Life of women like Yanique Guireau Dandin, Alerte Belence, Yolette Etienne, Vita Telcy, etc is recorded separately. Together, their stories reflect a long unvoiced history of Haitian women. The book also has more to say. It speaks about reconstruction and transformation of power. The goal set by these women is not limited to true liberation but to “to take power in order to transform power”. In the course of this transformation new paradigms evolved regarding distribution of power in politics, economy and social relations, but “despite some victories in transforming political and social structures, the full potential for fundamentally ne power relations had always remained thwarted by the state and the elite” (Bell, 198). Effects of this transformation was seen in practices of the church, activist movements, administrative measures and reflected in slogans like “Tout moun se moun. Everyone is someone.” (Bell, 208) Research methods In order to write this book, author Beverly Bell has mostly relied on first- hand experience. He travelled across the length in Haiti. The narratives he registered were records from different socio- economic classes. While some women trade on street markets, others include a former prime minister, a poet, a peasant, and even a vodou dancer and actress. Creole was chosen as the medium of interaction. The interviews comprised of past lives of each women and their vision for the future. The task, definitely was not an easy one, for communication with womenfolk I not an easy task in Haiti. When any particular women as to be interviewed, she had to be sought through some common acquaintances - “teledjol, or tele- jaw” the natives call it (Bell, 245). Bell managed to squeeze time of their busy schedules, often against extreme odds. While travelling he took help from ‘griyos’. All the models, recordings, his own research works, and other specimens were later interpreted and analyzed. Distinctive Feature However, the most distinctive aspect of the book that one notices is the fact that, probably ‘Walking on Fire’ is the only testimonial where narratives of so many women are recorded. Bell himself had also claimed that never in Haiti’s past history such a large number of women have voiced their tale. Also, the women exist in real, as does their tales. This makes the book less of a fiction and more grounded to reality. The book is persuasive in more than one ways. In today’s world when numerous bodies are being set up to bring peace and unity, the author has put up a just effort to show us our shortcomings. By reaching to the mass, he makes us realize that, still in certain parts of this world, life is still the survival of the fittest. From viewpoint of humanity, his choice of topic is quite justified. Highlighting feminist, cultural, social and political aspects From the very beginning, it is found that men and women are strongly separated from each other. It can be said that Bell paved the way for establishing his feminist views by constantly focusing on poor condition of Haiti’s womenfolk. In their stories they never wish to flee from their situations; they face them and try to reach the other side. This makes them all the more heroic and respectable. Haiti is grossly split into two disparate societies. The former group includes the rural, poverty- stricken people while the later includes vodouizans who were often members of Catholic Church. Power usually rested on them. Haitian people are strongly bound to a relationship comprising religion and resistance. Presently, with change of times, music, songs and dance are becoming a vital part of society and a common culture. In Haiti a political consciousness is developing as newer paradigms are coming up in political domains (Bell 62-65). Strengths and weaknesses Strengths: This book though a gruesome tale, never fails to give a ray of hope, not only to the Haitian women, but to women all across the world. In the book we find Claudette Werleigh and Rosemie Belvius who carry with them the hope that one day Haiaitian women will be free from oppressions. On the potential of women, declares former Prime Minister Claudette Werleigh “If we could bring all that strength into politics to Haiti, maybe we could shape not only politics but also a new country”. (Bell, 203) The author has read and researched a lot about present day Haiti. Also he possesses a sound knowledge about its turbulent past. This enabled him to understand in a better way the changes that I taking place, especially the transformation of power. Furthermore, the vividness and authenticity of the women’s stories only emphasize Bell’s sensibility and the grave seriousness that is being denied to Haiti. Weaknesses: In this book, the author has focused more on limitations of women. He could have dealt more with the conditions which resulted oppression. Haiti before independence was ruled by tribal chiefs, and was amidst much turmoil. Perhaps by imposing certain constraints on its women, it achieved somewhat stability. Conclusion Many people might perceive the book as a tragic discourse of Haitian women and the changing systems. But the book offers us something more. It highlights the spirit that one should try to achieve till the end. Man can be broken but not defeated; only an iron- will is required. Survival is the ultimate achievement of every struggle or challenge. But merely surviving does not end the whole thing. The real challenge lies in capability of changing the systems, which the Haitians have achieved. However While going through the book, one feels that the author is re-living the past over and over again. Almost all women, with their oppressions and sufferings, have a common root to share. What is different is their own way of interpreting and analyzing their experiences. Reference Bell, Beverly. Walking on Fire. New York: Cornell University Press 2001 Read More