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Summary: A Deep Look into Louisana's "Secret Society"
Review: Not since "Roots" have I read such an in-depth retrospect of African-American family history. Only in this case, Lalita Tademy takes her readers deep into the Louisana bayou where light-skinned black women find themselves involved with French white men. Whether it was Suzette being forced into it by being a product of slavery. Or her granddaughter Emily who actually falls in love and becomes a "secret wife" to Joseph Billes. The secret world begins to crumble right after the Civil War and French men are forced by the "Night Riders" to marry white women or face serious consequences if they continue to be colored women. Although dealing with all of the hardship dealing with white men and having their children. At no time did Suzette, Philomene or Emily ever try to pass for white. I did respect the fact that they were very diligent about speaking French because that was their birth right. But I didn't like when Emily's daughter-in-law Eva decides that children born to her and T.O will learn or speak French. Cane River tells all readers to proud of who they are and where they come from and that family is the greatest legacy of them all.
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Summary: CANE RIVER ROOTS
Review: As the author of a recently published novel dealing with the theme of social inequities in the contemporary American Southwest, I was intrigued by Lalita Tademy's novel dealing with similar themes in a far different time and a much different place. CANE RIVER tells the tale of four generations of women who struggle to bring their family up from slavery despite legal restrictions and local customs. The story in CANE RIVER stretches out for over a century in Louisiana. It shows how these women in this society managed to endure and prevail, yet it also shows some unusual perspectives on racial injustice. It doesn't pull any punches or sugarcoat reality. To some degree, Ms. Tademy based this work on the oral history of her family. It is a fine book, deserving of the recognition it is receiving.
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Summary: Cane River a Fascinating Study of Author's Heritage
Review: Cane River was a very interesting look at the culture of both the blacks and white Creoles in Louisiana in the 1800s and early 1900s. After reading this book, I'll never think of the institution of slavery the same way again. Both races are portrayed as multi-dimensional characters. It took a while for me to get into, but by the time it was over I was deeply touched by the women's dignity under all circumstances and was sorry to see the book end. No matter what race you are, this book will affect you.
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Summary: Unforgettable storytelling
Review: The most heart-piercing book of the year is a timeless tale of the racial boundaries of the times. The book clearly conveys what it felt like to be a woman, who had to endure life in darkness in the face of unimaginable losses and economic hardships. A deeply penetrating and moving book. A worthy reading by all accounts. FinancialNeeds.com
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Summary: GREAT - GREAT - GREAT
Review: This book is wonderful! Everyone should read. It opens your eyes to many things and is truly entertaining though it's based on truth. I salute Ms. Tademy with the highest honor. Such a great read - and her first book, too!
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Summary: A must read
Review: I'm so glad I found this book. It was compelling to read just a little more, a little more. I couldn't find a place to stop. I've learned so much and hunger for more. The characters are people I would have liked to know. The family tree and the photos were a real bonus. I kept referring back to the tree to keep the relations straight. It was so good, I would reccomend it to anyone.
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Summary: Moving trip down the River
Review: What a great job Ms. Tademy did, and what a beautiful tribute to her family. I was caught up in the world, so different from what we know and even what we imagine, of these "slave" women and their story. Sometimes, as in this case, truth is harder to take than fiction. These are stong, courageous women with a sense of what is really important, and the courage to survive in the circumstances they were forced into. I think this is an important story of love, friendship, family and survival. I was glad to get to know these women. Ms. Tademy has a great style of writing, and the pictures of her family enhanced the story, made it really "real". It's hard to imagine, as you're reading, that these women, Elisabeth, Suzette, Philomene, had no "say" in what was happening to them and their lives; but they taught each succeeding generation how to be smarter, and stronger. What was passed down the "line" was strength, courage, love...no matter what color. Enjoy!
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Summary: Lalita Wrote a Winner!
Review: After reading Cane River, I understand how Tademy became so absorbed in her quest to learn more about the women in her family. I was completely enthralled by the story and often referred to the family tree in the front of the book to establish a sense of foreshadowing. I felt as if I knew the women personally, experiencing their frustration with some of the men in their lives and their sense of pride in their strong-willed daughters. I didn't want the story to end! I hope we have a chance to learn more about this interesting family.
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Summary: A History Lesson
Review: Though not a reader of historical accounts, Cane River was a wonderful read. I was amazed at how the behavior of light versus dark was pass downed through the three generations of women, Suzette, Philomene and Emily. What is more amazing is that this stereotype is perpetuated today. Each woman learned many lessons of their behavior but insisted on their children repeating these behaviors at the expense of their mentality. All three generation of women were calculating in their choices and needs and in their own way, were good mothers. One theme that was evident was family. The copies of documents and pictures of Tademy's ancestors were very helpful in visualizing those times. This was a learning tool in that it taught this reader about the French Creole life and was a history lesson. An easy read that captivated the reader from the first page to the last. I will definitely read more on this group of people.
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Summary: Cane River
Review: My mother was born in Cloutierville on the Cane River and use to tell me about the type of life she and other Caroles of color had during the early 20th century. This book vividly brings to life my mothers description of how it was to live in a society were gradations in your skin color gave you greater benefits while treating you as something less than human. There are many Cane River family stories such as the one told in this book. I could not put the book down until I had finished it. This family typifies the interraceial relationships which exsisted between white male slave owners and their female slaves.
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