The author of three novels, Elise Blackwell is a "thoughtful, subtle writer" (Booklist). In this compelling and emotionally affecting tale, Hurricane Katrina bares down on New Orleans, evoking in 95-year-old Louis Proby memories of the fateful-and life-defining-flood of 1927. And tied up in these memories are all the triumphs, missteps and family obligations that make up his life. "An intimate, resonant history ."-Publishers Weekly
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"Cypress forests used to blanket Louisiana. This is just one story of the rape of land, but also the story of how New Orleans was saved from flooding by the destruction of levys which protected other towns. A unique novel, well written and with historical basis. "
— Karen (4 out of 5 stars)
" Lovely, lovely writing. Elise Blackwell is a real craftswoman. I've enjoyed all her books. "
— Karen, 3/27/2013" I had no expectations going into this one since I had never heard of it before finding out that a Twitter friend wrote it. Wonder coming-of-age story that also explores politics and family dynamics. "
— Lisa, 2/7/2013" This had potential, but just didn't make it. "
— Gin, 1/20/2013" This novel is too short to accomplish what it's trying to do. On the other hand, it is a quick read. I'd recommend John M. Barry's Rising Tide instead. "
— Frank, 5/11/2012" Cypress forests used to blanket Louisiana. This is just one story of the rape of land, but also the story of how New Orleans was saved from flooding by the destruction of levys which protected other towns. A unique novel, well written and with historical basis. "
— Karen, 5/2/2012" There's a lot of story here crammed into a small book. Ultimately, the author just tries to cover too much: Katrina and the 1927 flood, the Carville leper asylum, Huey Long, plus several threads about the main characters. I guess I was hoping this would be the book John Goodman is writing in Treme. "
— Don, 4/4/2012" Well written story set in LA in the 1920s as the flood is approaching. It is told in flashback by an old man who was a teenager at the time. It describes family conflicts and class conflicts that still resonate in today's world. "
— Michelle, 2/26/2012" Finished this a few days ago. It was pretty good. I think it would have been more fun if it took place in a real town/parish. Curious as to whether the politics in the book were close to what actually happened or not. "
— Rachel, 12/19/2011" An enjoyable read about a young man's life, family and friends in south La. 1927 "
— Norm, 11/23/2011" a lovely little coming of age historical fiction novel. a quick light read, it also explores some deeper moral questions as well. louisiana, flooding, levees...you get the idea. "
— kim, 11/4/2011" This book creates much self-contemplation as the main character recounts his coming of age story. The book tugs at your heart strings as you realized how the main character 'sold out his ethic'. Book would be worth reading again. "
— Carol, 4/4/2011" An enjoyable read about a young man's life, family and friends in south La. 1927 "
— Norm, 3/14/2010" I had no expectations going into this one since I had never heard of it before finding out that a Twitter friend wrote it. Wonder coming-of-age story that also explores politics and family dynamics. "
— Lisa, 10/25/2009" Lovely, lovely writing. Elise Blackwell is a real craftswoman. I've enjoyed all her books. "
— Karen, 9/10/2008" Well written story set in LA in the 1920s as the flood is approaching. It is told in flashback by an old man who was a teenager at the time. It describes family conflicts and class conflicts that still resonate in today's world. "
— Michelle, 7/19/2008" a lovely little coming of age historical fiction novel. a quick light read, it also explores some deeper moral questions as well. louisiana, flooding, levees...you get the idea. "
— kim., 8/12/2007Scott Sowers is an actor and audiobook narrator. AudioFile magazine named him the 2008 Best Voice in Mystery and Suspense. He is the winner of seven Earphones Awards.