Cane River
Submitted by Nikki on Wed, 02/25/2009 - 04:21
Buy the book "Cane River" from Amazon.com.
Cane River by Lalita Tademy was commendable. Anyone who enjoys historical fiction will no doubt be pleased with this book.
I think it would be most beneficial for a reader to start with the author's note prior to beginning Part I. Within the author's note she gives some interesting background information about herself, her family, as well as her reason for writing the novel. She states that most of the information contained within the book is real since much of it is comprised of family facts, family lore and intense research. It does however contain some of her own educated and logical fabrication in order to complete some missing pieces to her family's story. As a reader, I didn't obsess about what was real and what was not. I am comfortable in accepting that most of the stories and people in Cane River existed in history.
Cane River is based on three women who are actual family members of the author. The author has broken the book into 3 parts to introduce each of these women separately. The first part is about Suzette and where the story really begins. Suzette's mother Elisabeth is also introduced in this section to give some important background information. Elisabeth is an important elder that will remain throughout the book and will have influence on all the women that you will be introduced to. The second part is about Philomene. She is the daughter of Suzette. I found Philomene to be the most interesting. She had a tenaciousness about her and she was incredibly intelligent even though she didn't have any kind of formal education. To have that kind of vigor during this period in history was no less than courageous. I would have loved to meet her and just listen to her tell her stories. Lastly, is the third part about Emily, the daughter of Philomene. Because of the hard work of her mother Philomene, Emily's life was a bit cushier as a child if you will in comparison to what her mother and grandmother had started with. But Emily suffered no less than any of them had for sure. She found profound strength and courage because of the devotion and love she had for her children. She was driven to give her children a life that they deserved.
I respected this book instantly because of the historical evidence woven into it. The life that unfolds for each of these women will bring you to your knees. You can't help but be thrust into their lives, their turmoil and their intense family bonds of love. As gut wrenching as the basis for this novel is, Lalita Tademy told the dramatic story about her family eloquently. It may not become your favorite, but I no doubt think you will respect it greatly and will never forget.
To view the author Lalita Tademy's web site click here.
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