Review: Under the Bayou Moon by Valerie Fraser Luesse
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This is Dana’s first review for Christian Book Finds. She chose the book from a list I made for the reviewers of lesser known authors from Christian publishers. She wasn’t given anything except the book (which I paid for as the blog owner) and the opinions are her own. Neither of us has had any contact with the author or publisher. According to Amazon this book is 348 pages and it’s published by Revell. It’s set in the Louisiana bayou in 1949.
Book Description
Restless with the familiarity of her Alabama home, Ellie Fields accepts a teaching job in a tiny Louisiana town deep in bayou country. Though rightfully suspicious of outsiders, who have threatened both their language and their culture, most of the people in tiny Bernadette, Louisiana, come to appreciate the young and idealistic schoolteacher as a boon to the town. She's soon teaching just about everyone--and coming up against opposition from both the school board and a politician with ulterior motives.
Acclimating to a whole new world, Ellie meets a lonely but intriguing Cajun fisherman named Raphe who introduces her to the legendary white alligator that haunts these waters. Raphe and Ellie have barely found their way to each other when a huge bounty is offered for the elusive gator, bringing about a shocking turn of events that will test their love and their will to right a terrible wrong.
A master of the Southern novel, Valerie Fraser Luesse invites you to enter the sultry swamps of Louisiana in a story that illuminates the struggle for the heart and soul of the bayou.
Dana’s Review of Under the Bayou Moon
A Wonderful Vacation to the Past
Valerie Fraser Luesse has a gift for making Bayou life come alive with her words. This book will go right into my “keepers” collection. The lyrical descriptions of the bayou, the characters and the white alligator will be in my heart for a very long time.
She did such a splendid job of illustrating the landscape of the Bayou, the sights and the sounds. I fell in love with the culture and the people; with their big hearts and rich history. The sense of peace and harmony with nature and with people was so comforting. The characters were unique and interesting, and not just the principal characters, but all of them. I like a book that stirs my emotions, my compassion; and this one certainly did. I cared for the community and its people, probably more than in any other book I have read.
The main character, Ellie, is so strong and determined to use the gifts God has given her to be part of something bigger. Something important. Especially for children. And she totally does. Ellie captures the admiration and friendship of the people of Bernadette through her compassion, unconditional love and clear-sighted view of what is right and good. She is forthright and sometimes blunt, but never harsh or rude. She is so resilient and sensible that even when she is caught off guard by a situation, she keeps her head and overcomes the difficulties.
The book starts with Raphe, who needs to make a hard decision. His love for his orphaned nephew Remy has sent him to his source of peace, the white alligator. And he totally makes the right decision to raise Remy as his own. He is strong and compassionate. He cares deeply for those he allows into his life. He is intense, but gentle. And… romantic! So romantic!
Then there’s Heywood. So much fun and so genuine. He rescues Ellie in New Orleans and becomes a dear friend in the process. Humble and carefree, but obviously hardworking and talented, he is a true friend to both Raphe and Ellie.
This book was very different from the typical novels of today. Quiet. Lyrical. Soothing. I love to read and I love most of the books that I read. But this was so different that it was almost like a vacation from the other books I read. There is a purity to it that soothed my soul. There was no “trope”, no formula. It was different. And I liked it. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants a gentle trip to the bayou.
The ONLY downside for me was that faith in Jesus is barely mentioned at all in what is supposed to be Christian fiction. We know that Ellie is a born-again Baptist, but Raphe and most everyone else is Catholic. Faith is mentioned often, but usually without a link to Jesus. However, the novel is clean and sweet and beautifully written. I will definitely read more of Ms. Luesse’s books.
Where To Find Under The Bayou Moon
You can purchase Under The Bayou Moon at the following links:
About the Reviewer
Dana
I am basically a "West Coast" girl. Born in CA about 70 years ago and continued moving up the coast as far as Seattle, WA. After college and marriage, I spent some time in FL and now live in AZ year round. As the child of an editor, I can fall into grammar police mode, but try not to let the words in my head come out of my mouth... It is not my job to correct the speech of others. I have been a born again Christian since I was in High School. I worked many jobs over the years but I worked for the Marine Corps for 20+ years. I am now retired from the workforce and a true introvert, but I try to keep socially active so I don't stagnate. I also volunteer at my church creating graphics and written materials.
