The Singing Turtle and Other Tales from Haiti

The Singing Turtle and Other Tales from Haiti is the first work of the Marcelin brothers I have read so far. In some ways it is more poetic and 'authentic' than the other collection of Haitian folk tales I read in high school, The Magic Orange Tree and Other Haitian Folk Tales. And the Marcelin brothers have some interesting speculation on possible 'Islamic' origins or influences in Haitian folklore, a topic worthy of additional research beyond the Sylviane Diouf's assertions. Overall, the text is beautifully translated by Eva Thoby-Marcelin, features numerous examples of talking animals, princes and princesses, and magic, the usual archetypes seen in folklore. The other interesting aspect of this collection is possible French or European influences on Haitian oral traditions, which should be obvious, but are seemingly more pronounced in this collection (perhaps that reflects the Marcelin brothers and their class position in Haitian society). Regardless, the stories are magical, endearing, hint at Vodou, and make fun of the entrenched hierarchy of class.