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Diane Barnes's Reviews > Flags on the Bayou
Flags on the Bayou
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I'm going to have to think about this one for a bit. It's been a while since I've read a JLB novel, and I had forgotten how violent they are. And how evil some of his characters can be. I will say I appreciated his view of what's going on in today's world through the prophetic words of his characters, and how some of his characters were channeling present day newsmakers. Or maybe that's just me.
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Reading Progress
May 30, 2023
– Shelved
May 30, 2023
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July 17, 2023
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Started Reading
July 19, 2023
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Barbara
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Jul 19, 2023 02:26PM
You have piqued my interest in this book and this author. Thanks for bringing both to my attention, Diane.
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It's very good Barbara. If you haven't read him before, the writing is his typical excellent descriptions and characterizations. A very different kind of Civil War novel.
I have this one out now so I’m glad to see those 4 shiny stars, Diane! Nice review
You'll enjoy it Jen. Typical JLB.
Hmmmm . . . can’t say that you’ve sold me on this one, Diane. Especially since you are the most avid Civil War reader I know ;-) Sounds like a Civil War setting with a contemporary voice (?)
Apparently, Louisiana and New Orleans were a whole different animal during the war. The characters were very different and one of a kind. Anyone who is a JLB fan will love it because it's typical for him. He said in the afterword that he considers it the best thing he's ever done. There was an epilog (I know you are not a fan of those) that I still can't figure out. It was good, but chaotic, and reminded me of why I stopped reading his books after the Robicheaux series. I think he was using it to get some things off his chest, and that's what I enjoyed most.
I understand what you’re saying Diane, but I didn’t read it quite as you did. I believe there were many varied beliefs in the Louisiana and New Orleans areas during the Civil War, especially as the northern armies neared at the same time the the raiders from Kansas/Missouri set their sights on the same area. Who is the enemy? Who is your friend? When everyone wants to kill you or take your land or home or belongings or honor, what do you do? Fight back or bend a knee. All sides were being confronted with the same question. There is a lot of violence as is a norm in JBL but it usually seems to have purpose. I can understand your questioning how you feel about this especially since you haven’t been reading much of him recently. His style has continued to evolve since his post Katrina Robicheaux books. It’s a style that I really like a lot but not for everyone.
Oh, I enjoyed the book Sue, but you're right, I haven't read him in a while so haven't been clued in on his evolvement. I did like the characters as well, all of their motives were very clear.
