Shadows on the Bayou

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Summary: A glimpse into a society not discussed in history books
Review: From my review in Affair de Couer in the February 1998 issue. This book is more than just a love tory, but a lesson in history, a glimpse into a society not discussed in high school history books because so little is known about it. Set in pre-civil war new orleans, the story is cented around a young woman of color, in this case, a quadroon, three-quarter white, one-quarter black and the legacy into which she was born. From the day she was born, Sylvia Dupont is detined to become a mistress to a rich Creole (the definition of Creole is ambiguous, in this case it is an American born of French or Spanish parentage)planter. She is primed, and educated to this end, as she herself is a result of a placquee (an agremment set up between a white man and a woman of color). She is taught the ways to seduce a man of means and keep him interested enough to make a cvontract that will promise her a lavish home, expensive furnishing, clothes, and support and education for the children that will result from their union. Adrien Valcour is such a suitor and Sylvias's mother, Celeste relaizez all of her hopes and ambitions will be realized when a contract is made between her daughter and Monsieur Valcour. Celeste, a mulatto (half-wife/black) is still bitter over the abandonment of her "protector", Sylvia's father when her children were young. The snag in the plan is Justin Reynaud, a wealthy free man of color, who meets Sylvia on a boat returning from France. Sylvia is returning after four years of education in the arts and becoming a lady, while Justin is returning from a business trip. Sparks fly, but Sylvia knows that she cannot entertain the idea of becoming involved with a man of African descent even though it has been her dream as a child to marry and be a wife. Her destiny is to become a mistress, not a wife. Justin believes that the quadroon ball and placquees are just another form of slavery since there is a law forbidding marriage between white and blacks. Besides most of these men le! ave their mistresses after they marry a woman of their own color, leaving the children without a father and sometimes without support. Justin belongs to a class of free blacks that own ladn, are skilled artisans and well educated, often in France. Most of them scorn the system that prostitutes their women. Sylvia and Justin's paths cross again when his aunt, Mademoiselle Angelique is asked by Sylvia's mother to Sylvia how to "keep a house". Justin is always around upsetting Sylvia's emotional state of mind. Soon they are caught up in their feelings for one another and just when they are about to consummate the relationship, Justin declares he will not take her unless they marry. Sylvia dare to defy traditon, plan a wedding with Angelique's help and the support of some black nuns. Sylvia marries Justin and is disowned by her mother. Their happiness is troubled with her brother's gambling debts and double life, their conflicting views on loyalty, old girlfriends and a scorned suitor. There is a flood, a kidnapping and death as their marriage is tried again and again. This was a very interesting book, rich with scenery of both New Orleans and Cane River, today still the home of today's black Creoles. It is also unsettling. There were blacks who owned slaves as well as those who viewed themselves better than other blacks because of the mixture of white blood in their veins. But we must realize that prople of color were were as much a victim of their circumstances as during this time in history just as their white counterparts were.

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Summary: Stunning historical piece - a must read for people of color
Review: I absolutely adored this book. I couldn't put it down. It was a first rate voyage into a time period when the role of blacks was to be subject to indignities as either a slave or mistress. Either way being used and considered a lesser creature. The historical information was priceless. A glorious recreation of the glamour and heartache of the pre Civil war era. A beautiful story of love conquering all and the evolution of self awareness and determination of one's destiny. Ms. Vaughn has recreated a world of affluent people of color that many people do not know existed in that era. There is a definite need for more of these beautiful stories from Ms. Vaughn -- I cannot wait to read your previous novel Murmur of Rain -- you have found yourself a devoted reader

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Summary: I Love your Book
Review: I enjoyed both of your novels that you had written. You have written about thing in Black History that I have never heard of. This is very Educational to me. I have waited a long time to get your next novel. Please do not keep me waiting for two years for your next novel. I love African American Love Stories. Not to many people write them. Keep up the good work. I am a very big fan of yours.

Rating:
Summary: EXCELLENT!!!!
Review: I loved this book, although it was a bit too long. I really enjoyed it and I thought it was worth the extra pages. I also learned a few things reading this book. I wish there were more historical authors out there besides Patricia Vaughn and Beverly Jenkins.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful
Review: I usually only read romance novels by Beverly Jenkins, but I saw this book featured on Amazon.com, so I ordered it and love it from the first page. What made it so good was the Christian emphasis that the author made sure was known. The fact that Justin not only refused to just "sleep with Sylvia" but he wanted what God had for him. A wife, not just a bed partner. I never really knew what bi-racial women went through back then, but to learn that they themselves were sold into another kind of "slavery" made the story intriging. Ms. Vaughn has a best seller on her hands, and I look forward to her next one. I do not believe that it was too long, but enjoyed every page. If the reader from Denver was disapointed, too bad, you missed the whole point and message behind the length of it.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful
Review: I usually only read romance novels by Beverly Jenkins, but I saw this book featured on Amazon.com, so I ordered it and love it from the first page. What made it so good was the Christian emphasis that the author made sure was known. The fact that Justin not only refused to just "sleep with Sylvia" but he wanted what God had for him. A wife, not just a bed partner. I never really knew what bi-racial women went through back then, but to learn that they themselves were sold into another kind of "slavery" made the story intriging. Ms. Vaughn has a best seller on her hands, and I look forward to her next one. I do not believe that it was too long, but enjoyed every page. If the reader from Denver was disapointed, too bad, you missed the whole point and message behind the length of it.

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Summary: Exceptional Love Story
Review: If you enjoy reading romance novels; then you won't be able to stop reading this deeply affectionate,loving story by Patricia. I've never read any of her books but, this one caught my attention by the Subtitle. I didn't want to put it down. If you haven't purchased it yet, I recommend you purchase a 'used' one because it's out of print. Unfortunately, I loaned this book(h/c) out & forgot to whom I allowed to borrow it, they nvr rtnd it..sigh...

Rating:
Summary: EXCELLENT!!!!
Review: Shadow s on the Bayou is a wonderfully book that is sure yo keep you up all night reading it. The story is about a young woman named Sylvia Dupont . She lives in New Orleans and because of her mixed heritage, is part of the placage system of being "sold" to a rich creole gentleman as his mistress;however, she falls in love with aJustin, an ironworker and must defy her mother and break sociity's rules jsut to be with him!How does the book end? You must read to find out! True, the book is long but, you will never become tired of reading it. Kudos to Mrs. VAughn for yet another well written masterpiece!

Rating:
Summary: Another Masterpeice from Patricia Vaughn!Long but, worth it!
Review: Shadow s on the Bayou is a wonderfully book that is sure yo keep you up all night reading it. The story is about a young woman named Sylvia Dupont . She lives in New Orleans and because of her mixed heritage, is part of the placage system of being "sold" to a rich creole gentleman as his mistress;however, she falls in love with aJustin, an ironworker and must defy her mother and break sociity's rules jsut to be with him!How does the book end? You must read to find out! True, the book is long but, you will never become tired of reading it. Kudos to Mrs. VAughn for yet another well written masterpiece!

Rating:
Summary: EXCELLENT BOOK
Review: SHADOWS ON THE BAYOU WAS A GREAT BOOK. A BOOK "PEOPLE OF COLOR" SHOULD READ. VERY HISTORICAL. THERE WAS MUCH TO LEARN FROM THIS BOOK.