Flags on the Bayou

In the fall of 1863, Wade Lufkin, an idle spectator since New Orleans surrendered, finds an intriguing new subject: Hannah Laveau, an enslaved woman accused of various crimes. When Hannah goes on the run, she must dodge the local constable and slave catchers as she flees through Louisiana, from the cottonmouth snakes and tree-lined swamps to the dingy saloons of New Orleans. James Lee Burke's novel is a powerful and deeply moving Civil War thriller that explores tragic acts of war, lost and desperate people, and love enduring through it all.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 20 July 2023
Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

In the fall of 1863, the Union Army held control over the Mississippi River and a significant portion of Louisiana as the Civil War continued to unfold. Wade Lufkin, a man without a country or a cause, found himself an idle spectator since the surrender of New Orleans. However, his life took an intriguing turn when he discovered a new subject to paint—Hannah Laveau, an enslaved woman accused of a range of offenses, including adultery, insurrection, magic, and murder.

Hannah's sole desire was to find her missing son, and she was willing to risk everything to achieve it. As she embarked on the run, she had to evade the cunning and relentless local constable and the slave catchers who prowled the bayou, seeking to capture her. Hannah navigated through the treacherous terrain of Louisiana, from the cottonmouth snakes and tree-lined swamps to the dimly lit saloons of New Orleans.

James Lee Burke, hailed as the award-winning king of Southern noir, has crafted a powerful and deeply moving Civil War thriller. This story delves into tragic acts of war, lost and desperate people, and the enduring love that withstands it all. Burke's prose is a testament to his unmatched skill as a novelist, and his work, whether viewed individually or as a whole, stands as unparalleled in the realm of contemporary American literature.

Numerous accolades have been bestowed upon Burke, including the prestigious Edgar Award, the Anthony Award, and the MacArthur Fellowship. His novels have received widespread praise from critics and readers alike, with Michael Connelly describing him as the heavyweight champ of American literature. Stephen King praised Burke's "gorgeous prose stylist," while the Daily Mail hailed him as one of the finest contemporary American novelists.

In "The Tin Roof Blowdown," Burke weaves a captivating tale that explores the complexities of the Civil War era and the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity. Through the characters of Wade Lufkin and Hannah Laveau, he paints a vivid portrait of a society torn apart by conflict and the individuals who struggle to survive and find meaning in the midst of chaos.

This novel is a testament to Burke's enduring legacy as a master storyteller and his ability to transport readers to different times and places with his rich and evocative prose. It is a must-read for anyone who appreciates the art of storytelling and the power of literature to illuminate the human experience.

Weight: 536g
Dimension: 163 x 241 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398715509