“French author Belem’s remarkable U.S. debut chronicles the life of trailblazing Creole horticulturalist Edmond Albius. Edmond was born into slavery in La Réunion. After his mother dies in childbirth, he’s raised by his enslaver, Ferreol, who teaches him the principles of botany, fueling the passion that will define his life Belem’s piercing bildungsroman memorializes Edmond while filling in the gaps with a masterful balance of humor, tragedy, and emotional insight. It’s an impressive feat.”
Read the full starred review in Publishers Weekly.
