Stars and Keys: Folktales and Creolization in the Indian Ocean

In Stars and Keys: Folktales and Creolization in the Southwest Indian
Ocean, Lee Haring introduces readers to the rich folklore traditions of the islands
of the southwest Indian Ocean. The culture of Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles,
Réunion, and the Comoros is a unique blend of traditions that have been brought
from Africa, South Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. The folktales from these
islands reflect the diversity of this culture and provide a rare opportunity to
observe the fluidity of traditions and the process of creolization. Haring presents
the tales in a uniquely innovative style: he interrupts the text as if he were
reading aloud and directly addresses the reader. His words and those of the
storytellers are clearly distinguished, making this folktale collection useful to a
wide range of readers and scholars.