When Ellie Fields accepts a teaching job in a tiny Louisiana town deep in bayou country in 1949, she knows her life will change--but she could never imagine just how dramatically.
Though rightfully suspicious of outsiders, who have threatened both their language and their unique culture, most of the residents come to appreciate the young and idealistic schoolteacher, and she's soon teaching just about everyone, despite opposition from both the school board and a politician with ulterior motives. Yet it's the lessons Ellie herself will learn--from new friends, a captivating Cajun fisherman, and even a legendary white alligator haunting the bayou--that will make all the difference.
Take a step away from the familiar and enter the shadowy waters of bayou country for a story of risk, resilience, and romance.
My Thoughts:
Under the Bayou Moon by Valerie Fraser Luesse reeled me into Bernadette, Louisiana, a town with vibrant Cajun culture and a mysterious bayou. The bayou practically rated as a character with its prominence throughout the story and the rich descriptions of it. Character thoughts and actions balanced well with this immersion into the setting, and the novel held my interest even when the plot meandered or seemed to shift focus.
I especially liked the ties of friendship in Under the Bayou Moon. Ellie, Raphe, and Heywood are tight-knit by shared experiences. Each character grows and accomplishes goals that better both themselves and their community. In the background, friendships such as Remy and Footsie reflect the inclusiveness that this story strives for. Whether it is prejudice against speaking French or racism based on skin color, the main characters bind together in acceptance and solidarity with one another.
In conclusion, Under the Bayou Moon by Valerie Fraser Luesse deals with complex social issues in a lush setting that will likely appeal to historical fiction readers.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of
this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
Lovely review Jolene. This looks so good, and I've heard so much about this too.
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