Behind the Columns

Arlette Gaffrey
Outskirts Press (2010)
ISBN 9781432745943
Reviewed by Marcy Blesy for Reader Views (02/10)


“Behind the Columns” by Arlette Gaffrey is the fictional story of Desiree Bordeaux, a young Creole woman living in New Orleans during 1846.  With her parents deceased, she is under the care of her elderly Grandfather who has put himself into gambling debt.  To save their beloved plantation, Chene Vue, he promises Desiree’s hand in marriage to Philippe Jaunet in exchange for a promise to care for the plantation.  Desiree despises Mr. Jaunet.  When her Grandfather dies before the marriage takes place, Desiree is relieved.  The plantation is placed up for auction.  At the auction, much to the surprise of Desiree and Philippe, Chene Vue becomes the property of Lance Van Buren, a Northerner who intends to woe Desiree despite his internal promise to never fall in love again. 
   
It is fair to say that Desiree and Lance lack the best communication skills as they tango around important discussions leading to misunderstandings that complicate their relationship.  Drama as well as personal reflection abounds in “Behind the Columns.”

I loved this book!  At first I was skeptical as thoughts of Scarlett O’Hara and Rhett Butler flooded my memory, and I feared the book would simply mimic their relationship.  Yet, as I read, the characters became their own individuals with their own unique qualities.  The character development is quite good.  Desiree, Lance, Philippe, and various friends and family are clearly defined in the reader’s mind. 
     
The book flows easily from one scene to another with part of the story taking place in New Orleans and part in New York.  Ms. Gaffrey also does a nice job educating the reader about the Creole history in New Orleans and the patroon system in the North.   
    
I highly recommend “Behind the Columns” by Arlette Gaffrey.  I was sad when I finished the book because I will miss the main characters.  I think that readers who enjoy historical love stories will feel the same way.

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