A Romeo and Juliet love saga set in the aftermath of the 2010 Haitian earthquake.

Miller’s debut is a provocative modern rendition of the Romeo and Juliet story. Set against the backdrop of a country ravaged by nature and written in raw and stimulating prose, Zo takes the reader to the limits of what a person will do for love. Unfortunately, you lost me at Romeo and Juliet, my least favourite Shakespeare play. The writing was pedestrian and it was another story in which the author augmented a slurry of (sometimes violent) sex scenes with narration.

Not for me but it might be perfect so those who love the tragic love story.

I couldn't get in step with this novel. Lyrical and unpredictable, yes, but also formless, at least initially, and somehow restless within itself. It seemed to be straining for some kind of magic, but lacked the necessary engagement, at least for this reader.

This book is called “Zo” short for Zwazo, the main character.
I love books that make me feel like I am there in the location! This book told me a lot about Haiti and its culture. Zo moves around so we “see” fishing villages, construction sites, the cities of Jeremie and Port-au-Prince, and mountain hillsides.

Zo is a poor orphan boy, but he works hard and makes a good life. He has a strong will to not give up. He learns to do various jobs, so he can make some money. He also has a young woman that he loves. Yes, there is a compelling love story here!

This book also includes the 2010 earthquake that devastated Haiti. The damage is described in first person, and so are the rescue attempts. I really felt that I was there watching! Here in the U.S. I had read news about the earthquake, because I have friends who live in Haiti, but this book made it real. It really describes the damage and the changes in Haiti due to the earthquake.

This is the author’s first book. Xander Miller wrote a compelling story, rich in emotion, reality, and Haiti’s people. I am glad I read it, and feel I know Haiti a bit better now.

The nearest thing I can liken Zo is a modern Romeo and Juliet. Taking place in Haiti, Zo has been called the “poorest boy in the western hemisphere” by a teacher. In his debut novel, Miller has done an excellent job in setting the stage by showing us the poverty of Haiti. As Zo grows he is forced to take menial jobs. While hauling cement, he meets a young nurse, Anaya, who cures him of malaria which has plagued him for months. They fall in love, but Anaya’s father won’t allow. She ends up leaving the comforts with which she has grown up. And then the 2010 earthquake happens, and their world falls apart. I wanted to stop reading as they become separated, each feeling the other is dead. But I’m glad I didn’t. Love triumphs at the end.