Customer Reviews

Gumbo Ya-Ya: A Collection of Louisiana Folk Tales

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Originally published as part of the WPA's Louisiana Writer's Program, this charming book of Louisiana Folk Tales was a favorite book in my home while growing up. (So much so, that as a young adult I searched high and low for a copy to call my own. Imagine my delight to find that Amazon Books carries it!)

While some in this age of "political correctness" might blanch at the phonetic rendering of the words of African-Americans in some of the stories; it should be remembered that this book attempts to replicate the actual speech patterns of the individuals interviewed. These same renderings are not generic and gives one the feel of actually being there, on a sultry Louisiana night, "rocking on the porch, ice-tea and fan in hand", being regaled by the stories of the "old-timers".

In this delightful book you will find everything from "Cajun colloquialisms" to "The Mysterious Axeman's (sic) Jazz".
Or re-visit the songs of the street criers and capture the feel of a long ago "Dixieland funeral".
Explore the legend of Marie Laveau as well as the story of the saintly "Mother Shannon". Looking for ghost tales? or maybe the words to some old-time "Spirituals"? Then search no more! This book lives and breathes and I promise you, you will not forget it!
This review is dedicated to the late Col. Thomas Frith Bienvenu, at who's knee I learned to love the rich tapestry which is Louisiana!

Gumbo Ya-Ya is an excellent read. Learn more about the Cajun and Creole cultures by reading the stories contained within this treasure. An excellent reference to hand down to your children.

I read this book first years ago. Fascinating Book. However, when reading the first chapter about the Black Mardi Gras one must understand that this was written many, many years ago and no longer reflects the Black Louisianian.

As for the rest of the book: Most enjoyable! If you have any interest in Louisiana folklore, you'll cherish it. I do. It's why I ordered another when mine went missing.

This is an old, old book read many years ago. A friend browsed through mine and hoped for a copy.I was delighted to see it still available on Amazon and able to send it to him.
Thank you,
Betty Wilson

I'm very impressed with both the product and service. The book was in pristine condition when I received it, and it arrived very quickly. The book itself - "Gumbo Ya-Ya: Folk Tales of Louisiana" - is a lot of fun! I gave the book as a birthday gift to a friend who is a Lousiana native and he has enjoyed it thoroughly.

If you enjoy reading about Louisiana history- this book is great. The stories lead you through a Louisiana that you might never know if you didn't read this book.

I first saw this book when I was a kid. I am a native of New Orleans. I was always facinated by the old Cajun remedies for various ailments, like roasted rat for bed wetting. We have since purchased 2 copies to give to friends and family. We still have the original hard cover, which was my mother's.