The Dew Breaker: Book review

The Dew Breaker is a collection of 9 stories revolving around Haitian Immigrants who have been subjected to violence and brutality. All these characters are carrying the trauma of the past while making feeble attempts to move on.

The Dew Breaker is an ordinary Haitian immigrant who is haunted by a terrible past. He was a member of a murderous squad and had killed many people before he decided to turn into a new leaf. The word dew breaker comes from the fact that before the break of dawn when the dew settles on the leaf, he would perpetuate all the victims. The stories consist of a daughter finding out about her father's secret, a couple reuniting after 7 years and are keeping secrets from one another, a nurse taking a special interest in a patient, a retired bridal seamstress trying to find purpose in her life, 3 women who find solace in each other and a preacher who is brutally murdered. 

While each story can stand out on its own, they are linked in an interesting manner which gives rise to the concept of a story cycle. It's almost like an invisible thread linking all of them in a remote manner. The author at times interjects parallel narratives in the same story, making readers travel across the passage of time. The writing is lyrical and emotional, capturing the psychological demons that continue to haunt the various characters. It's compelling and absorbing, touching upon political issues, religion,violence, family and friendship. It carries a sound message of letting go of the past and the importance of starting life afresh. Just like the droplets of morning dew present on the leaves.

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