“Because We Are,” a mystery set in Haiti and written by law school alumnus Ted Oswald, ’11, was published July 22 by Thomas & Mercer, Amazon’s mystery and thriller imprint. 

Oswald originally self-published the book in 2013, dedicating the proceeds from its sale to charitable organizations that are working effectively in Haiti. 

The book aims to demystify the baffling experience of life in Haiti, and while the new edition features revisions, Oswald will continue to direct his royalties from the sales to worthy organizations in the struggling island nation. 

The novel was inspired by Oswald’s own visits to Haiti during his days as a law student, when he performed human rights work during a co-op placement in Cité de Soleil, a slum outside Port-au-Prince that was devastated by the earthquake that struck in 2010. 

The 10-year-old heroine of the story was inspired by a brash girl Oswald met while living in Cité de Soleil.

The new release coincides with another major milestone for Oswald, who with his wife moved in mid-July from Philadelphia to Haiti, where they will work with the Mennonite Central Committee to advance the organization’s advocacy efforts. 

The novel is available in paperback, ebook and audiobook formats.  Actress Bahni Turpin, featured in the audiobook, has previously narrated bestsellers including “The Help,” “Precious” and “The Twelve Tribes of Hattie.”