Roxane Gay—An Untamed State (Haiti)
Roxane Gay’s An Untamed State is an explicit, detailed look into the life of Mirielle Duval Jameson, the youngest daughter of one of Haiti’s richest sons. It follows the story of Mirielle—kidnapped in broad daylight and held captive by the ‘Commander’ who requests a ransom from her father. When her father refuses, however, she is at the mercy of her captors who retaliate with an endless assault of rape and torture. An Untamed State is a gripping portrayal of a young woman and mother caught in the wildfire of Haiti’s class struggle, accurately addressing issues of sexual assault, immigration and economic privilege.