"This vivid collection transports readers to New Orleans, from the delights of Mardi Gras on Bourbon Street, to the quiet Bayou where lovers meet, and to fish fries on the shore of the Mississippi Sound. Alice Dunbar-Nelson focuses the struggles and joys of the Creole community in these intimate stories featuring unforgettable characters. In the title story, Manuela goes to the Wizened One for a charm when her lover strays; in "Little Miss Sophie," a young woman goes to extreme lengths to get back a ring she pawned; in "M'sieu Fortier's Violin," a talented musician finds himself at a loss when his greatest passion is taken away; and in "The Fisherman of Pass Christian," Annette, an aspiring opera singer, falls in love with a beautiful fisherman who has a secret. Together these stories provide a unique window into the world of everyday Creole Louisianians
Alice Dunbar-Nelson Books
Alice Dunbar Nelson was a pivotal figure among the first generation of free African Americans, emerging as a prominent voice during the artistic flourishing of the Harlem Renaissance. Her extensive body of work encompasses poetry, short stories, and journalism, often focusing on themes of social justice and the experiences of African Americans and women. Nelson wielded her literary talents as a tool for political activism, notably in advocating for women's suffrage and combating racial violence. Her writing is characterized by its incisive commentary on the social issues of her era and a powerful exploration of racial and gender identity.
