While I have greatly profited from the translator's hard work and I do recommend that anglophones have a copy of her English version handy; reading this book in English is like reading Faulkner or Joyce translated into French. Again, I wish to emphasize that the translator has done a good job -- but the magic of the original pales in translation.

Five stars for the original, which is available from www.amazon.fr

This is the first book I've read by Chamoiseau, it reminded me of Gabriel Marquez's "One Hundred Years of Solitude", and is really fine literature, magical & funny, a caribbean tale of the island of Martinique. It begins in the time of slavery on the sugar plantations and ends in more modern, corporate times. The book's ending is surprisingly uplifting and postive. It was hard to decide what rating to give this book - certainly it deserves the highest praise, however I have a feeling this book is much better read in its' original language. There are footnotes throughout explaining original Creole terms used. I would recommend this to anyone interested in Caribbean history or "universal" world literature.

It took me a little while to get into the rhythm of this book...I had just recently finished reading another book with a more linear storyline, but I kept at it and was rewarded with a wonderful, highly nuanced, passionate, and an ultimately funny story told by Marie-Sophie, Texaco's protector. Texaco, the place, is the heartbeat of the Creole nation of Martinique. Texaco, the book is peppered with ideas that are more eloquently described by Creole words or phrases. Chamoiseau is a brilliant writer who for me recalls Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Umberto Eco. I highly enjoy his work.

If you have read Chamoisaeu's other novels, you should appreciate this. Although it is not as fully developed as his later novels, Solibo Magnifique and Texaco, it is a wonderful first novel. His style and personality as a writer are clear from the start.

The reader gets a treat at the end. Included are several poems that Chamoiseau wrote that evoke the people, places, etc. These poems were written as part of the planning process of the book and even though they were left out the text of the book, they capture the spirit.

Some of the best things we've ever been, the connections that make us who we are, will never be recorded in print. The life we lived and where we fit in survives only in memory. After those who knew us are gone, there will be no one to repeat our stories. Entire populations will vanish, perhaps to make a brief appearance in accounts of war or disaster. Don't let that happen.

The people in Chronicle Of The Seven Sorrows will never grace the pages of textbooks. Their very existence is almost lost to time. A culture rich in heritage, beliefs, and far too much suffering has vanished. Only ghosts and a few authors like Chamoiseau strive to keep the past alive.

It is our loss, you'll realize after reading Chronicle Of The Seven Sorrows. We have cheated ourselves and we have been cheated.

There was a time in Martinique when its people still listened to the voices of ghosts, dorlis, and zombies. The undead as much a part of their lives as the buyers in the marketplace, and often, the only verbal link to their past. Memories of slavery, brutality, and stolen moments of joy, remained only beneath grave soil. And, while not everyone stayed to hear the song of their history, there were some who were unable to tear themselves away.

Pipi Soleil, king of the marketplace djobbers, was one of the enchanted. He was destined to become the master of masters of the wheelbarrow and to be lured away from that exalted position again and again by the spirits' voices. His life story forms the core of this spellbinding and animated account of a lost time and way-of-life.

Chamoiseau's words tumble over themselves, and read like a late-night storytelling session. Each tale attempts to top the ones before it. The conversational style recaptures the oral tradition and, like truly great gossip, captures the reader, too. The voice of Fort-de France, Martinique's vegetable market people spills out in a irresistible tangle.

The residents of Chronicle Of The Seven Sorrows speak in the distinctive Creole tongue. Coverdale's translation retains that flavour and sound, so you may spend some time flipping to the notes in the back of the novel. Some phrases may need translation, but the momentary pause is well worth the detour; there is as much history in the notes as in the story.

The original words are essential; when you spy on Phosphore the grave-digger and Anatole-Anatole (father and son dorlis) listening to the sad murmurs of the burial ground's deceased residents. Missing the wrenching questions of Afoukal the zombie would be a deprivation akin to his own.

Yes. Most of the population of Martinique was undead. But how much more life they embodied! How much more they had in the time before progress and government "assistance" banished them to fading shadows.

The people and cultures don't have to wither away. Fight back. Cherish every word of Chamoiseau's you can latch onto. The voice of the past of Martinique will make you grieve for precious things lost, and hunger for more stories to bring them back just once more.

This is as satisfying as a book can get. I had a hard time putting it down once I started. The narrative is spiced with brilliant word-pictures and dialogue that will bring smiles to your face. As well as entertaining, it unfolds the drama of life for the Creole in Martinique. Well worth it to pick up this book and give yourself a superb treat.

School Days is one of the most charming, delightful books that I have ever read. It is filled with bold imagination, clever and expressive language, and a beautiful artistic vision. The excitement and love that this book inspired in me was so strong that it took several days after I had finished reading the book before my emotions dissipated.

Patrick Chamoiseau's Solibo Magnificent is a powerful novel, both hilarious and tragic at once. In Fort-de-France, Martinique, Solibo (a Creole nickname meaning somersault or pirouette) has dropped dead in front of some of his followers after uttering a non-sequitor, "That potato!" His band of listeners, believing this to be a part of Solibo's act, wait patiently for the great man to rouse himself. When he doesn't, the police are brought in, and they at once suspect the witnesses , which include the character of the author, of having murdered Solibo. What follows is part slapstick, part theater of the absurb, part philosophy, part tragedy, part magic, all poetry. Somehow Chamoiseaux manages to meld these elements into a coherent whole that makes this novel an extraordinary experience.

As other reviewers have noted, this story is not only about the death and murder investigation of a beloved storyteller, but about the death of the oral tradition in general. Chamoiseau leaves no doubt that he intends the reader to walk away with this notion. Written words are inadequate to describe the power of the spoken; one has only to read the reconstructed version of Solibo's last words at the end of the book to understand this. Despite the somewhat heavy-handed approach to his theme, Chamoiseau tells a riveting story with natural lyricism. (Kudos to the translators!)

This author deserves a much wider readership (or is it audience?)

What a great novel! Chamoiseau manages to create both a rich alleghory on the death of oral tradition, and a keystone cops-style farce. The style and language that Chamoiseau plays with here is a delight to read, and takes on an added weight considering the setting. It's reminiscent of Rushdie's mishmash of Indian and English to make a point in Midnight's Children. Kudos to the translator for not attempting to translate everything in the text. There are footnotes to a glossary, which at first seems daunting, but is very rewarding - I never thought footnotes could lead to so much laughter (I take that back, D.F. Wallace). Ultimately, this book is a love affair of language. Enjoy!

Creole Folktales is fantastic! His use of language creates an atmosphere that is alive with beautiful images. The underlying meanings of each story (12) are so powerful. When you read it you won't be able to put it down and when you're finished you'll never forget them!

Creole Folktales is awesome! The tales are full of vision and magical twists leading the reader to understand the Creole folklore tradition. Patrick Chamoiseau's stories are timeless, almost like each word was dusted with magic--you'll hang on each Folktale wanting more inspiration and laughter. Warning: After reading this book, you'll want to fly to Martinique and experience that country--or--like me, read more of Patrick Chamoisseau's books.

Folktale books are frequently viewed as "children's" books or books of interest only to the specialist. This book is of interest to anyone who enjoys good stories and Chamoiseau's use of language.

Examples of the tales:
The Rainmaker is a tale of disbelief in the ability of a rainmaker - disbelief that leaves the people with misery.

Lil' Fellow the Musician is a tale of a child with magical musical abilities - whose lack of caution is his downfall.

Ti-Jean Horizon is a delightful trickster tale in which the trickster "steals" his birthright.

The Most Beautiful One Is Under the Tub is a tale where a parrot's nonsense ultimately is meaningful - in the right situation.

The stories are told in an oral style but not in a simple style. An example: "So she was famine's best friend, which proves without a doubt that a friendship is not necessarily one of life's true pleasures." But this book is pure pleasure.

I bought this book because I love childhood memoirs. This is a beautiful discription of a mother who is probably on the edge and you never know it from the little boy's point of view. He sees beauty, humor, and ugliness in a poor, but loving Port de France, Martinique. I loved it and look forward to reading another of Chamoiseau's books.