Haiti Literature – Haitian literature has reached a powerful new milestone on the international stage as Emmelie Prophète receives major recognition in the United States for her novel Cécé, the English translation of Les Villages de Dieu. The book has been named one of the year’s best by two of America’s most influential publications: The Los Angeles Times and The Wall Street Journal.
In an article published on December 8, titled “The 15 Best Books of 2025,” literary critic Carolyn Kellogg, alongside fellow critics Bethanne Patrick and Mark Athitakis, selected Cécé as one of the year’s most compelling works of fiction. The recognition places Prophète among a select group of global authors whose work has resonated deeply with American readers and critics alike.
Originally published in French as Les Villages de Dieu, the novel was translated into English by Aidan Rooney, whose careful, nuanced translation has been widely praised for preserving the emotional intensity and cultural texture of the original. In its review, The Los Angeles Times describes Cécé as “a striking portrait of a young Haitian woman trapped by poverty, digital influence, and gang violence.” The novel’s raw intimacy and unflinching realism have been cited as key reasons for its critical acclaim.
At the heart of Cécé is a young woman navigating a world shaped by economic hardship, social media illusions, and the omnipresent threat of violence. Through lyrical yet unsparing prose, Prophète explores the intersections of gender, survival, and modern urban life in Haiti. The novel avoids sensationalism, instead offering a deeply human narrative that exposes the psychological weight of instability and the fragile hope that persists amid chaos.
For Prophète, this recognition represents more than personal success; it signals a growing global attentiveness to Haitian voices beyond stereotypes and headlines. Known for her sharp social insight and emotionally grounded storytelling, she has long been regarded as one of Haiti’s most important contemporary writers. Cécé reinforces her reputation as a literary force capable of translating local realities into art that resonates universally.
The dual recognition by The Los Angeles Times and The Wall Street Journal also underscores the increasing presence of translated literature in mainstream U.S. cultural discourse. It underscores the importance of translation as a bridge, enabling stories born in Port-au-Prince to speak directly to readers in Los Angeles, New York, and beyond.
As Haitian literature continues to gain international visibility, Emmelie Prophète’s achievement stands as a landmark moment. Cécé is not only a novel of its time; it is a testament to the power of storytelling to cross borders, challenge assumptions, and illuminate lives often rendered invisible.
With this recognition, Prophète joins a growing lineage of Haitian writers whose work commands global respect, proving once again that Haiti’s literary tradition remains vibrant, urgent, and profoundly relevant in today’s world.
Haiti | Arts & Literature | The HMI Magazine Staff
