The newest 'Noir'

By Meredith Deliso

There’s a new “Noir” in town.

For nearly 10 years, Akashic Books has been pushing out title after title of its “Noir” crime series, beginning with the first — “Brooklyn Noir” — in 2004, with more than 40 titles in as nearly as many cities since.

Truth be told, we’ve only really cared about the Brooklyn editions, but the latest edition would be criminal to ignore. Published one year after the devastating earthquake, “Haiti Noir” features brand new essays by some of the best Haitian voices, edited by the most celebrated of them all – Edwidge Danticat.

“She was an obvious choice for us. Her work demonstrates a deep understanding of the power of dark fiction,” said Akashic publisher Johnny Temple.

On Thursday, contributors Marie Lily Cerat and Ibi Aanu Zobo join Danticat at the main branch of the Brooklyn Public Library to read from the collection, which Akashic had been working on for over a year before the earthquake struck.

“That tragedy actually had nothing to do with inspiring the book — though certainly it has given the book more relevance to readers,” said Temple. “We hope that this books gives them the understanding that Haiti is a country that has produced some really wonderful writers, even if not all of them are well known (yet!).”

“Haiti Noir” reading at the Brooklyn Public Library’s Central Branch [Flatbush Avenue at Eastern Parkway in Grand Army Plaza in Park Slope, (718) 230-2100], Jan. 27 at 7 pm. Free. For info, visit www.akashicbooks.com.