Shadows on the Bayou

SHADOWS ON THE BAYOU WAS A GREAT BOOK. A BOOK "PEOPLE OF COLOR" SHOULD READ. VERY HISTORICAL. THERE WAS MUCH TO LEARN FROM THIS BOOK.

THIS IS A NOVEL THAT REALLY GAVE INSIGHT AS TO WHAT AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN OF BI-RACIAL BACKGROUNDS WENT THROUGH. I WEPT TO TINK THAT THIS IS THE SORT OF THINGS MY ANCESTORS ENDURED. I LOVED THIS NOVEL AND I HOPE MS. VAUGHN COMES OUT WITH ANOTHER NOVEL OR SEQUEL TO THIS ONE!

This book brought to surface so many emotions. I laughed, got angry, and was profoundly moved with each page. This was the first book I've read that went into depth about the lifestyle of women of color in New Orleans in that time period. Needless to say, I was shocked. Not at the practice but at the acceptance of it. I cheered Sylvia on as she made the decision to defy tradition. I was proud of Justin for being proud of his heritage and his people. They made a stunning couple not because of their physical appearance, but because of their faith in God and their acceptance of the power of love. Even though they went through hell and high water to weather the storm, they never stopped loving each other. It took them awhile to trust each other, but that was expected since they didn't know each other well enough when they were married.Both of them were stubborn and I think that is what kept them arguing often. He wanted her to give her loyalty to him and not her family (who were willing to sell her to the highest bidder), and at the same time, he kept alot of himself from her.It's always interesting to read about two strong individuals who have to come to terms with their own demons in order to accept what fate as thrown at them. This book was intriguing, full of history and romance, and will have you up all night because you can't wait to see what happens next.

I absolutely adored this book. I couldn't put it down. It was a first rate voyage into a time period when the role of blacks was to be subject to indignities as either a slave or mistress. Either way being used and considered a lesser creature. The historical information was priceless. A glorious recreation of the glamour and heartache of the pre Civil war era. A beautiful story of love conquering all and the evolution of self awareness and determination of one's destiny. Ms. Vaughn has recreated a world of affluent people of color that many people do not know existed in that era. There is a definite need for more of these beautiful stories from Ms. Vaughn -- I cannot wait to read your previous novel Murmur of Rain -- you have found yourself a devoted reader