Author’s Note

Wherever possible, I have inserted a bit of the native language of the Louisiana Acadians. A spoken language rather than a written one, Cajun French—as the language is known—is a blend of proper French, African influences, Indian words, and local dialect. The language has been passed down by word of mouth over generations and thus can vary slightly from one community to the next among the bayou people. A dictionary of common Cajun French phrases has been provided at the end of this novel. Any mistake is mine alone.

Guide to Conversational Cajun French

Allons – Let’s go

Arête – Stop

Bonjour – Good morning

Bonsoir – Good evening

Ça va bien, merci – I am fine, thank you

C’est moi – It’s me

C’est tout – That’s all

Cher – Dear or darling

Comment ça va? – How’s it going?

Dieu te beni – God bless you

Je t’aime – I love you

Le bon Dieu – The good Lord

Madame – A married woman

Mademoiselle – An unmarried woman or girl

Merci – Thank you

Merci beaucoup – Thank you very much

Mes ami(s) – My friend(s)

Monsieur – A man

Pas du tout – Not at all

Quoi y’a – What’s wrong?

Sa fini pas – It never ends

Sa te regard pas – It doesn’t concern you

Vien ici – Come here