Customer Reviews

Voodoo Queen, The (Pelican Pouch Series)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Tallant's story about Marie Laveau and her daughter is built upon the research he discloses in his Voodoo in New Orleans book. He transforms these facts and legends about the two women into an excellent, spellbinding novel.

This book is absolutely the most interesting and fascinating story I have ever read concerning the subjects of New Orleans History and Marie Laveau. Tallant is the genius of taking the facts that have been gathered on both subjects and combining them into a novel that you cannot and will not put down. It is a page turner from start to finish. I am currently reading the book for the third time, and I am not a big reader. It is THAT GOOD. If you love the call and the mystery of this river city, you will be spell bound! AAA+++

Tallant's novel does a wonderful job of bringing the mysterious life of Marie Laveau, the famous Voodoo Queen of New Orleans, into full color. Called a witch by some, and once falsely accused of murder, this story had me under its spell! Inspired by true events, the novel tells how Marie lived through plagues, wars, poverty, bigotry, family tragedy and remained strong through it all. She often helped her numerous children and friends in difficult times with tremendous energy, even into her seventies. Though feared by some, she was also remembered as a generous spirit who saw her talent as a gift from God. She never once used it for evil, but sought to bring peace and good health to her clients. This was an intriguing tale fitting for the mystique of New Orleans.

Chrissy K. McVay

author of 'Souls of the North Wind'

Marie Laveau was a deeply spiritual woman who, among other things, went out of her way to help and free those enslaved around her.

That doesn't stop Mr. Tallant from portraying her as a vain, selfish con-woman.

To make matters worse, he doesn't even write his slander well. This is not only a bigoted portrayal of a powerful, faith-driven woman, but it is also a boring read.

Avoid this trash.

I was given a First Edition of this book by a friend who knows that I practice Vodou and Rootwork. It is a fascinating story, but sadly the author focuses on "wild orgies" and "blood drinking negros". It was written in the 30s and does indeed reflect the "taste" of this period as well as the prejudice attitude towards Voodoo and Vodou in that time.

Impossible to review and I will not express my personal opinion, however I will state a fact or two. In 1930 also today people are right to be weary of talking about Voodoo-Hoodoo if they really know anything at all, it was not and is still not uncommon in New Orleans to tell 'any ole tale' to get a novice off your back. So read between the lines here if you really want to get some idea about New Orleans Voodoo of the time.
So what if Robert was almost close to 'some' of the truth ? What would you call a working mother with 2 jobs 15 children a community leader a plague nurse with no edcuation who may have signed her name as X ? with no mobile phone or email, should I go on ?....Probally the most inspirational woman in American history. I will leave it at that.

Marie Laveau was the greatest American witch and Voodoo Queen there ever was. I admire and love her so much, that I have written several action-packed, fictional, stories about her in my book titled, "Adult Bedtime Stories." Robert Tallants book titled, "The Voodoo Queen," More accurately tells her life story and escapades in old, New Orleans. I Simply Make here into an action heroine.
Both books are worth reading. I give the book a 5 star rating.

I was expecting this book to be extremely interesting and I am so disappointed. I was reading the back of the book which says "the author creates a vivid, haunting atmosphere, which holds the reader in spell..." Whatever...it is slow paced and it's boring. I'm only half-way through with the book and the way it's going now...I don't know if I will finish it. There may be other books out there about Marie Laveau that will leave you spellbound...Please let me know..because this is not it.