When Haitians tell a story, they say "Krik?" and the eager listeners answer "Krak!" In Krik? Krak!, Edwidge Danticat establishes herself as the latest heir to that narrative tradition with ten stories that encompass both the cruelties and the high ideals of Haitian life. Examining the lives of ordinary Haitians, particularly those struggling to survive under the brutal Duvalier regime, Danticat illuminates the distance between people's desires and the stifling reality of their lives.

"With a new story by the author"--Cover.

Children of the sea --Nineteen thirty-seven -- A wall of fire rising -- Night women -- Between the pool and the gardenias -- The missing peace -- Seeing things simply -- New York day women -- Caroline's wedding -- Epilogue: Women like us -- New to the twentieth anniversary edition: In the old days.