Book Summary and Reviews of Under the Bayou Moon by Valerie Fraser Luesse

Book Summary

Restless with the familiarity of her Alabama home, Ellie Fields accepts a teaching job in a tiny Louisiana town deep in bayou country.

Though rightfully suspicious of outsiders, who have threatened both their language and their culture, most of the people in tiny Bernadette, Louisiana, come to appreciate the young and idealistic schoolteacher as a boon to the town. She's soon teaching just about everyone--and coming up against opposition from both the school board and a politician with ulterior motives.

Acclimating to a whole new world, Ellie meets a lonely but intriguing Cajun fisherman named Raphe who introduces her to the legendary white alligator that haunts these waters. Raphe and Ellie have barely found their way to each other when a huge bounty is offered for the elusive gator, bringing about a shocking turn of events that will test their love and their will to right a terrible wrong.

A master of the Southern novel, Valerie Fraser Luesse invites you to enter the sultry swamps of Louisiana in a story that illuminates the struggle for the heart and soul of the bayou.

Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!

1. The author has said she thinks of the bayou setting of this novel almost like a main character. Do you agree? Why or why not?
2. What kinds of details make a setting come to life for you as a reader?
3. What first attracted you to the book?
4. Who was your favorite character? Your least favorite?
5. During supper with Ellie, young Remy notices that she doesn't genuflect after saying grace. That sparks a brief discussion in which Ellie explains religion as a language for talking to God. Do you think that's true?
6. Ellie is appalled that school authorities have attempted to rob Cajun children of their native language. How much does the way we speak—language, dialect, or even accent—have to do ...