United States
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Flags on the Bayou: A Novel
From New York Times-bestselling author James Lee Burke comes a novel set in Civil War-era Louisiana as the South transforms and a brilliant cast of characters – enslaved and free women, plantation gentry, and battle-weary Confederate and Union soldiers – are caught in the maelstrom
In the fall of 1863, the Union army is in control of the Mississippi river. Much of Louisiana, including New Orleans and Baton Rouge, is occupied. The Confederate army is retreating toward Texas, and being replaced by Red Legs, irregulars commanded by a maniacal figure, and enslaved men and women are beginning to glimpse freedom.
When Hannah Laveau, an enslaved woman working on the Lufkin plantation, is accused of murder, she goes on the run with Florence Milton, an abolitionist schoolteacher, dodging the local constable and the slavecatchers that prowl the bayous. Wade Lufkin, haunted by what he observed-and did-as a surgeon on the battlefield, has returned to his uncle's plantation to convalesce, where he becomes enraptured by Hannah. Flags on the Bayou is an engaging, action-packed narrative that includes a duel that ends in disaster, a brutal encounter with the local Union commander, repeated skirmishes with Confederate irregulars led by a diseased and probably deranged colonel, and a powerful story of love blossoming between an unlikely pair. As the story unfolds, it illuminates a past that reflects our present in sharp relief.
James Lee Burke, whose "evocative prose remains a thing of reliably fierce wonder" (Entertainment Weekly), expertly renders the rich Louisiana landscape, from the sunsets on the Mississippi River to the dingy saloons of New Orleans to the tree-lined shores of the bayou and the cottonmouth snakes that dwell in its depths. Powerful and deeply moving, Flags on the Bayou is a story of tragic acts of war, class divisions upended, and love enduring through it all.
In the fall of 1863, the Union army is in control of the Mississippi river. Much of Louisiana, including New Orleans and Baton Rouge, is occupied. The Confederate army is retreating toward Texas, and being replaced by Red Legs, irregulars commanded by a maniacal figure, and enslaved men and women are beginning to glimpse freedom.
When Hannah Laveau, an enslaved woman working on the Lufkin plantation, is accused of murder, she goes on the run with Florence Milton, an abolitionist schoolteacher, dodging the local constable and the slavecatchers that prowl the bayous. Wade Lufkin, haunted by what he observed-and did-as a surgeon on the battlefield, has returned to his uncle's plantation to convalesce, where he becomes enraptured by Hannah. Flags on the Bayou is an engaging, action-packed narrative that includes a duel that ends in disaster, a brutal encounter with the local Union commander, repeated skirmishes with Confederate irregulars led by a diseased and probably deranged colonel, and a powerful story of love blossoming between an unlikely pair. As the story unfolds, it illuminates a past that reflects our present in sharp relief.
James Lee Burke, whose "evocative prose remains a thing of reliably fierce wonder" (Entertainment Weekly), expertly renders the rich Louisiana landscape, from the sunsets on the Mississippi River to the dingy saloons of New Orleans to the tree-lined shores of the bayou and the cottonmouth snakes that dwell in its depths. Powerful and deeply moving, Flags on the Bayou is a story of tragic acts of war, class divisions upended, and love enduring through it all.
Editorial Reviews
Praise for Flags on the Bayou:
"[An] outstanding thriller…. Burke stitches plot threads and historical details with ease, weaving it all into an urgent, propulsive story steeped in his deep personal connections to Louisiana. This is masterful." – Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"The Civil War comes to New Iberia, Louisiana, the capital of Burke's wondrous fictional empire… [readers] may well agree that it's his most probing examination of the enduring legacy of slavery… A grueling, compassionate demonstration that ‘the devil ain't down in a fiery pit. He's right here.'" – Kirkus (starred review)
"A remarkable, beautiful, edgy, and haunting novel". – Booklist
"A stunning work. Man's addiction to darkness and evil is on horrific display, yet love's fierce light shines through the poorest of souls. With a belief in God's grace and redemption, they demand the courage to seek it, against all odds. Often I had to reread a sentence or paragraph, smiling and shaking my head at the power of words assembled that evoke emotional landslides no one creates like James Lee Burke. Get this now. It will take you apart and heal you. Lord, what a magnificent book!"
- Nils Lofgren, Member of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band and Member of Neil Young's Crazy Horse Band
"James Lee Burke is an American icon, a writer of peerless prose and unmatched depth, a storyteller who faces down the darkness and guides us toward the glimmers of light. With Flags on the Bayou, he doesn't back down from the horrors of American history, but brings to life those who perpetuated unspeakable evil and those who fought nobly against it, reminding us all that while the horrors may endure, so does the potential for grace, beauty, and redemption."
- Michael Koryta, New York Times bestselling author
"No one can word-sketch an eerily beautiful scene quite like the living legend James Lee Burke, whether he's describing bloodred bougainvillea dripping off ironwork in New Orleans or fog shrouding the Mississippi. In his latest novel,
Readers Top Reviews
SWEET BKindle Hutch
After reading the last word of Flags on the Bayou I just sat for a very long time, trying to process this great book. James Lee Burke is a master story teller and my very favorite author of my 77 years on this earth. Flags on the Bayou is an outstanding book and I have no words to tell you dear readers, other than get a copy of it now, you won't be sorry.
Pilot Robert
In the acknowledgements at the end of the book, Mr. Burke says that he believes this may be his best book. I think he may be right. He presents the history of the Civil War in Louisiana though the experiences of mismatched cast of characters trying to survive the anarchy of the final years of the war. Characters, places, and comments foreshadow his Dave Robicheaux series. Master prose by a master writer.
kindle_addict53
I dislike and avoid war stories. Ever since I had to read All Quiet On The Western Front. But this is James Lee Burke we're talking about, and I know he can find the prose to make Hell sound like Heaven. So I read the book. In one sitting. The story is told from multiple perspectives, and it was amazingly well done, the different characters vivid and unique. It also shows that in war, there are rarely "good guys and bad guys", mostly just survivors and casualties. And there are also angels..... And demons. Sometimes interchangeably. Most miraculously of all: They have an equal chance at finding happiness and peace again when the war is over. Beautifully written as always. Nice reference to the artist Gaugin near the end.
loridah
Just finished this book. It is definitely worth buying. I have read all James Lee Burke's books and this is by far his best work. Some of his books can be kind of depressing, but this is a great read. Hard to put down. Cant wait for his next one. I also met Him and his wife, Pearl in a Cafe in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. They were very gracious in talking to me and my wife. Very nice people.
Victor birdsong
His works use to inspire me . The last two focus on evil and are depressing
