In the Electric Mist with the Confederate Dead in the Electric Mist with the Confederate Dead

Well, there's no need to deliver one more plot synopsis or refine further on the character of Dave Robicheaux. This was only my second reading of a James Lee Burke book ('Jole Blon's Bounce' was the first I read) and all I can think of to say about the wonderful writing, the perfect pacing, the depth and complexity of the characterizations, the tiny bubbles of hilarity that occasionally escape from the dark depths of the story, is to give you a list of adjectives: Lush, evocative, lyrical, breathtaking, gritty, grotesque, poignant, irritating, polemic, dynamic, intimate, sad, painful, peaceful, disturbing, and ultimately seductive. Some of those adjectives may seem contradictory. But so is human nature, and Burke captures that, as well as the landscape of south Louisiana, to a level of perfection that ordinarily escapes homo sapiens. This book made me laugh, made my eyes tear up, made me flinch, made me cheer, made me homesick for a place I haven't seen in 27 years. This book is art. Great art.

I was amused at the reader above who ripped Burke for "waxing on" about a natural setting. Uh, that's a consistent theme of good writers - the ability to describe their surroundings in an original, compelling manner. In my opinion Burke is one of the great writers of our time. Too many folks nowadays are content to read uninspiring books bereft of moving language. Mystifies me. Bottom line: If you want to read a series of books that feature fantastic writing, engaging characters, sparkling dialogue and a likeable but very human protagonist, read Burke's Robicheaux series - you'll find yourself reading a number of excerpts again and again, marvelling at his masterful style. If you want to prattle on at the water cooler about a yawn-inducing "best-seller" that doesn't contain a single memorable piece of writing, go waste your money on the "best-selling", formulaic tripe spewed by the likes of Sparks, Crichton, Grisham, Clancy, etc...or just watch some MTV for an equal measure of empty, immediate gratification.

this writer has once again brought to life the blend of southern,european,spiritual lives of Dave Robicheaux and the inhabitants of his world..My husband is a Vietnam vet,27yrs clean and sober;Catholic;former member of Sheriff's Dept..We have travelled often to New Iberia and Missoulla to experience Dave's search for sanity and reason in an unreasonable world..My husband spent 20yrs in the army and you can't lie to him about combat,or sobriety..the research which goes into Burke's books is not copied from library books..although Dave and company are my favorites,I also enjoy his Texas characters. I was born in E.Texas and lived the first 40yrs in Texas..I would like very much to have an autobiography..also,I would like Alec Baldwin to film some more of the movies based on Dave..God knows it would beat anything being turned out in tinsel town now...

In the Electric Mist with the Confederate Dead James Lee Burke Hyperion Publishers Copyright 1993Of all Burke's novel featuring Dave Robicheaux, this is my favorite - a perfect balance of dialogue, action and luscious description. Written in the first person of the flawed hero, Burke limits the perspective and forces us into a raw intimacy with the main character at times uncomfortable but always compelling. The dialogue is written in dialect when necessary - and Burke gets away with it. He has the gift that reflects the sensuous character of the southern Louisiana setting and never seems trite or overdone-just natural.I developed a sinere affection for Robicheaux as he fought his own demons and remained true to his values in the face of powerful exterior and interior forces. His voice aches with with the sadness of resignation, yet his melancholic descriptions and thoughts never totally surrender to those demons. Each time I thought I had had just about enough of his wallowing, he picked himself up by his boostraps and smashed his fist into somebody's sleazy jaw- always well deserved.From the bayou to the city, the complex plot lines weaves a sultry thread throughout the book looping around the many characters of both locales, then pulling the knot ever so slowly. An intriguing concept that glimmers within the plot are communications with a dead Confederate soldier that blur the line between myth and reality. Questions asked but unanswered. Are they buried memories or messages from beyond the pale? Burke intertwines so many elements in this novel -a poetic eye, profound insights, raw violence, gripping action and of course, the ability of his 20th century Lancelot to eke out a victory in spite of his human frailities. A great read.