Under the Bayou Moon

 

     BOOK REVIEW:   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 school teacher, 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. 

  

     MY REVIEW:   I have thoroughly enjoyed each of Valerie Fraser Luesse's books (this is her fourth), and I think this is one of her best. She did an amazing job of setting the scene in the lovely moss-covered bayou town deep in Louisiana. The place sounds utterly breathtaking! A review from the back cover says there is "atmosphere dripping from every page like moss on a cypress tree." And her characters have the same feel to them as the atmosphere. They feel very real and relatable, with so much more to them than what may meet the eye. The town cares deeply for each other--Acadian, Indian, and white alike. 

     Ellie has accepted a teaching position in this tiny town in hopes of finding her place, where she can be free of other's expectations and society's pull. She falls in love with the town instantly, and finds the freedom to pursue her desire to help others. Her heart for the children is tremendous. The story also follows Heywood, an aspiring photographer who is constantly on the move. His restlessness does well to show Ellie's contentedness. I liked that both personalities were portrayed as a good thing. It is certainly a story of finding one's place in life, and accepting it. One character was asked if he was happy here, and he replied "Not happy, but I'm home." When you read the book you'll see how well that describes the tone of the story. Each person has suffered loss, yet they are finding peace in the place they are set. Still feeling a loss, but being comforted by their little part of the world that touches them. I think a beautifully gloomy bayou is the perfect setting for such characters. 

     This book is beautifully written, and while I might not classify it as particularly Christian, there is quite a bit that can be taken from it. I quite enjoyed it. 

I received a copy of this book from REVELL and was not required to write a positive review.