New Iberia
native and New York Times bestselling author James Lee Burke continues the saga
of the Holland family from his 2014 novel “Wayfaring Stranger” with his latest
novel, the epic “House of the Rising Sun.” The book centers around Texas Ranger
Hackberry Holland who at the turn of the 20th century is determined
to be reunited with his estranged son, Ishmael.
The story
begins in revolutionary Mexico where Holland is hoping to find his son, serving
as a captain in the U.S. Army. Holland discovers a stolen artifact belonging to
an Austrian arms dealer at a remote bordello and, after fighting his way out,
brings the artifact back to Texas. In the process, this artifact, believed to
be the Holy Grail of Christ, brings Ishmael in the crossfires between father
and his enemy, while the three women who make up Holland’s life, including
Ishmael’s mother, play a part.
The New York Journal of Books wrote
of the novel: “James Lee Burke’s finest literary work to date, cementing his
reputation as one of America’s all-time masters.”
New releases
Rebecca Vizard of St. Joseph is
known for her innovative use of rare antique textiles. She has just released a lovely
book spotlighting her collection of pillows and accessories, many of which are
sold in Neiman Marcus and have graced the covers of national publications,
titled “Once Upon a Pillow: A Story of Home, Design, and Exquisite Textiles.”
The book naturally feature Vizard’s
stunning designs but also the landscapes of Louisiana that inspire her. Photos
by Antoine Bootz, for instance, juxtapose a foggy morning of bald cypress on a
lake with a Vizard pillow sporting 18th century distressed metallic
appliqué on French blue velvet. Another shows off the deep reds of an old crepe
myrtle that translates to an Ottoman Empire embroidered pillow on top of a
green settee with deerskin. It’s a gorgeous exploration of her creations and
the environment and history tied to the textiles.
Vizard will be signing copies of
her book from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, at Material Things and from 4 p.m. to
8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, at Parterre, both in Monroe.
At the library
The Shreve
Memorial Library and the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry will host a
Yule Ball from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, at the library, 424 Texas St. in
Shreveport. Open to students in grades sixth through 12th (must have
a completed permission slip to attend) and wizarding attire is encouraged.
Book news
Shane K. Bernard who serves as
historian for the McIlhenny Company was appointed a Research Fellow at the
Center for Louisiana Studies at the UL Lafayette. His forthcoming book, “Teche:
A History of Louisiana’s Most Famous Bayou,” has been accepted for publication
by University Press of Mississippi.
Cheré Dastugue Coen is
the author of “Forest Hill, Louisiana: A Bloom Town History,” “Haunted Lafayette, Louisiana” and “Exploring Cajun Country: A Historic Guide to Acadiana” and co-author of “Magic’s in the Bag: Creating Spellbinding Gris Gris
Bags and Sachets.” She
also writes Louisiana romances under the pen name of Cherie Claire, “A
Cajun Dream” and “The
Letter.” Write her at cherecoen@gmail.com.
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