In New Orleans before the Civil War, stature in society is directly related to one's skin shade--the lighter the better. Although he has been trained as a physician and studied in Paris, accomplished Creole musician and piano teacher Benjamin January is still looked upon as the son of a slave. So when a young octoroon--a woman only one-eighth black--is murdered, January, this free man of color, is the perfect scapegoat. Online feature.
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In New Orleans before the Civil War, stature in society is directly related to one's skin shade--the lighter the better. Although he has been trained as a physician and studied in Paris, accomplished Creole musician and piano teacher Benjamin January is still looked upon as the son of a slave. So when a young octoroon--a woman only one-eighth black--is murdered, January, this free man of color, is the perfect scapegoat. Online feature.
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This is the first Benjamin January mystery, an outstanding series, especially for anyone interested in New Orleans history. Why hasn't Oprah latched onto this for her book club? I keep picturing Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (the late Mr. Eko on TV's Lost) as Ben. Great characters and incredible atmosphere.
G1948
Apr 17, 2008
A winner
I have enjoyed a number of works by this author. She really makes an impact with this series. I actually read "A Wet Grave" first, then went back and got the first and third books to continue with the series. New Orleans after the Louisianna Purchase, the change in the society from the French and Spanish to the American through the eyes of a free man of color. Family dynamics, and the historical background make for a compelling read. Be prepared though; it will stop and make you think about the slavery issues in this country from a different viewpoint.
