Kettly Mars crafts novels situated in Haiti that resonate with universal themes, employing a vivid, realistic style to reflect society. Her work delves into the intricate intersections of gender, race, social class, spirituality, and power, often exploring dynamics of violence. Initially drawn to poetry, Mars's writing blossomed to explore the complexities of love, the human body, and sexuality, before evolving into her distinct novelistic voice. Her narratives offer profound insights into the human condition, rooted in a specific cultural landscape.
"I Am Alive explores the deep-seated trauma and the suppressed memories of a middle-class Haitian family when their eldest son, Alexandre, must return to the family hearth after his mental institution closes in the wake of the January 2010 earthquake in Haiti"--