Roller banner for On Nous a Menti sur Haïti (We Were Lied to about Haïti)
© Entrée to Black Paris

On May 18, between two Spirit of Africa walking tours, I decided to lunch at Haïtian Mama on rue Labat in the 18th arrondissement.

Haïtian Mama façade
© Entrée to Black Paris

I didn't realize that it was Haïtian Flag Day, and I was pleasantly surprised to learn that a book signing event was going to be held at the restaurant beginning at 1 PM.

Shortly after I was served my meal (Bateau Djondjon and a refreshing drink made from fresh strawberry, pineapple, and soho [a litchi liqueur]), two women arrived with a roller banner and a suitcase filled with books and other paraphernalia.

Bateau Djondjon and strawberry-pineapple-litchi drink
© Entrée to Black Paris

I learned that the book was entitled On Nous a Menti sur Haïti (We Were Lied to about Haïti).

Roller banner next to entrance
© Entrée to Black Paris

Books, bags, and Haïtian flag
© Entrée to Black Paris

The restaurant filled quickly.  Among the customers was a large group of young people who assembled for a painting party, presumably to celebrate Flag Day.

Painting party
© Entrée to Black Paris

I was unable to stay for the event, so I asked one of the women to show the book to me.  I learned that she was one of the authors and that the woman accompanying her was the other author. 

They are sisters - Charlène and Claudine Civil.

Charlène told me that their book is the first volume of what they hope will be a multi-volume series that celebrates Haïtian culture and promotes the island as a sustainable tourism destination.  She and Claudine have a travel business called PAP'PADAP Travels that specializes in travel to Haïti.

Published in 2024, On Nous a Menti sur Haïti begins with a through exploration of Haïti's history, from before Columbus through the present day.  It is written entirely in "easily accessible" French and filled with photos and and timelines. 

The second part of the book is about being a responsible tourist in general and how to approach voluntourism, followed by practical details regarding travel to Haïti and a guide through the southern part of the island.

Illustrations of the authors accompany commentary throughout the book.

As Charlène talked about her and Claudine's work on this volume, her passion was palpable.  I bought the book, had the two ladies dedicate it to Entrée to Black Paris, and took it home with anticipation.

On Nous a Menti sur Haïti
© Entrée to Black Paris

On Nous a Menti sur Haïti dedication
© Entrée to Black Paris

Yesterday, I read On Nous a Menti sur Haïti (156 pages) in one sitting.  It filled in lots of knowledge gaps I had about the country's history and provided insight into wonderful locations on the south side of the island and a calendar of cultural events around which one could build a trip.

If you read French and want a straightforward, easy-to-read introduction to Haïti's history and culture, I recommend this book.

Find it online HERE.