Edwidge Danticat on Death, Haiti, and Silver Linings

In part two of Paul Holdengraber’s conversation with Edwidge Danticat, the two continue to investigate the complexities of death, and take a moment to reminisce over time spent in Haiti. But mainly death, dying, and Anne Sexton.

Edwidge Danticat on death classes…

Apparently there are all these death classes being taught at university, and there are waiting lists for them. And it’s more than a curiosity factor, it’s also related to young people who’ve tried to commit suicide, who have friends who’ve tried to commit suicide, and who have had other losses… Death classes are very popular on university campuses.

Edwidge Danticat on writing…

I find in the best writing there’s always some light, and not just doom all the time.

Edwidge Danticat on death…

I’m pretty much wrapped up in the world of death and the dying. Everything is in that vein… and I’m having a renewed love affair with Anne Sexton.

NEXT WEEK: CORY DOCTOROW

Paul Holdengraber catches up with the author of such award-winning books as Little Brother and Homeland.