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Cover of Louisiana

Louisiana

Erna Brodber (1994)

SubgenreHigh Fantasy
Age groupAdult 18+
Content ratingPG
Pages (Quick Read (<250))
Setting
CSM age13

Content levels

ViolenceNone
Sexual contentNone
LanguageNone

Trigger warnings

Death

Hero archetypes

Scholar / Academic

Heroine archetypes

Fish out of Water

Protagonist archetypes

Coming-of-Age Protagonist

Synopsis

Ella Townsend, a young African-American anthropologist whose roots are Caribbean, researches Louisiana folk life and discovers not only the world of voodoo and carnival but also the mystical connection of the living and the dead. With her tape recorder she explores the rich heritage of Creole Louisiana, but Mammy, Ella's primary informant, dies during the project. From beyond the grave she continues to transmit messages. Although the academically minded Ella is dubious about the authenticity of the medium, gradually, as she confronts her prejudices, the tapes convey enriching mysteries about the past lives of Mammy and her friend Lowly. From this supernatural experience Ella learns much about herself and her background.

Is Louisiana appropriate for my child?

Suitable for most readers 13 and up.

A literary fantasy exploring African-American and Caribbean heritage through anthropological research and supernatural communication. Focuses on cultural identity and spiritual connection with minimal content concerns.

What to know going in

This book has no graphic violence, no sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include death.

Publisher age: Adult·Our content rating: 13+

Publisher ages reflect reading level; our rating reflects content maturity — they can differ.

Who'll love this

A young researcher uncovers mysteries about her own heritage through mystical messages from beyond the grave.

Tags

Literary FictionMagical RealismHistorical FictionAfrican-American LiteratureCaribbean Literature