Heather’s Bookshelf: Betrayal on the Bayou
Author: Sheryl J. Bize-Boutte
Released: 6/19/2020
Genre: Historical Fiction
“As the light of the moon became brighter, the fear of being seen became palatable for both of them. They each thought about turning back. Instead, strengthened by a chance to talk to each other again at long last, they walked on and headed for the protection of the dark canopy provided by a thicket of cypress.”
“Betrayal on the Bayou” begins in 1850’s Paris. The story follows Emile, a selfish underachiever from a wealthy family. Emile’s father arranges for him to marry before sailing across the Atlantic and to the newly obtained Louisiana Purchase. His new wife gives birth while on the long voyage and then jumps overboard as soon as they near land, leaving Emile to enter the new world with his newborn daughter.
Everything else that happens in “Betrayal on the Bayou” originates from that fated voyage. Emile arrives in Tassin Valley, a fictional area in Louisiana that has been purchased, founded, and developed by a rich couple. The couple is aging and wish to leave their empire to their family. They believe that the only way to do so is to connect their business-minded daughter, Marie, to the self-centered Emile and his newborn daughter. But Marie has her own secrets. To complicate things even more, Emile discovers a woman who is near death and decides that he must help her. The characters and storylines intertwine in a way that reveals the strengths and flaws of each character seamlessly.
There are so many underlying themes and social injustices covered in this novel: racism, sexism, differences between classes, homophobia…it’s a lot. There are also some absolutely terrible things that occur early on in the book that result in both planned and unforeseen consequences.
Fair Warning: See above- there are a couple of really violent and hateful things that happen in this story as well
Overall, I found the book to be well-written, character-driven, and haunting. I thought that the development of each of the main characters was really well done. Each of them had their own voice, background, desires, and motivations. While this book was a little heavy handed for me in general, I found that I didn’t want to put it down. The part that really hooked me (without giving anything away) was the undertone and desire for revenge and karma. Who doesn’t love that? I also really enjoyed the ending and how everything was settled by the conclusion of the story.
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
OVERALL REVIEW:
A well-written, character-forward, and haunting account of some of the social injustices from mid-19th century Louisiana wrapped into a tale of revenge and karma
Want to learn more about the author? Check out my interview with Sheryl J. Bize-Boutte:
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