Aristide: an autobiography

February 7,1991: Jean-Bertrand Aristide, a parish priest, is sworn in as Haiti's first democratically elected president. For the first time, Haiti, with its land and people ravaged by human corruption, looks toward the future with hope. September 30,1991: a military junta ousts Aristide from office, bringing his brief rule to an end. As spokesperson of a rapidly burgeoning grassroots movement, he had refused to compromise, calling for a "clean slate," a new beginning for Haiti. The New York Times has called him the "Pied-Piper-like leader of Haiti's liberation theology movement." No public figure in recent history has been the embodiment of so much hope, and so much political drama. In this riveting memoir, Aristide recounts the story of his life, from his early education at the home of his grandfather through his formal training as priest, scripture scholar, and psychologist. His goals, first as priest and then as president: that all Haitians be treated justly as God's people, that all have food and shelter, and that all take pride in their own Creole language and culture. Though his story is far from over, as The Village Voice has said, "The priest who became a politician to make heaven on earth a reality is now a president in exile left much where he started, with only his faith to guide him."

Originally published: Paris : Editions du Seuil, 1992.

The second independence -- The pearl of the Antilles -- A people that does not give up -- Fascination with other cultures -- So are there two gods? -- Fòk sa chanje -- "Take left" -- the calvary of St. Jean Bosco -- The election drum -- Lavalas -- May the peace of the dollar be with you -- Those who eat once ... sometimes -- Murdered hope -- Epilogue : stronger than the gun -- My convictions -- Ten commandments of democracy in Haiti.