First a disclaimer...I really like this author! That said Blue Camilla was such a good book. Keyes researches her area and topic, then fills in with very real people. This book is set in 1880's LA and is centered around the rice culture that developed there. The Cajun culture in that area also plays a large part in the story. The plot does not go quite the way you expect it too but is very satisfying, none the less. Excellent historical fiction!
Blue Camelia is one of Mrs. Keyes novels of the Louisiana Cajun country (There are several). This one introduces the reader to the rice producing region. If you enjoy this, read its sequel Victorine (AKA The Golden Slippers). Her novels of the Cajun country overlap the era of Kate Chopin and bring us further from where she left off. In many ways they will foreshadow those of Ernest Gaines. The blue camellia becomes the holy grail of her central family of farmers. Along its trail you will be enchanted with her interpretation of Louisiana plantation culture, the rice industry, and Cajun society folkways and mores. And, dont forget their wonderful cuisine, a she gives it full treatment reminiscent of what she did in Dinner At Antoines.
