A World of His Own: In the Land of the Creoles

Arlette Gaffrey
Outskirts Press (2008)
ISBN 9780978889104
Reviewed by Marcy Blesy for Reader Views (02/10)

“A World of His Own” by Arlette Gaffrey is the fictional story of Andre de Javon whose family was killed during the French Revolution when he was a child.  Deciding to establish himself in a new land, he travels to New Orleans and falls in love with the city.  Deciding to aim high, he takes the steps to create a large successful plantation.  He is aided by his mentor Jean-Claude Charlevoix and others who appreciate his honesty, integrity, and work ethic.  Sought after by the ladies of New Orleans, Andre becomes the object of affection of Julie, the daughter of Jean-Claude.  Yet, much too young to marry, she must watch Andre fall under the control of Gabrielle Ste. Claire, a beautiful, yet spoiled, selfish brat.  When Gabrielle and Andre marry, Andre’s life takes a negative turn.  Despite his ability to stay on track to success she brings him down emotionally.  The path his life takes with Gabrielle and Julie, as she matures, brings exciting twists for the reader. 

I really enjoyed “A World of His Own.”  This book is the second I have reviewed by Ms. Gaffrey.  She creates believable, vivid characters that are easy to envision as one is reading.  She totally immerses the reader into the Creole world of New Orleans during the early 1800s.  Much information is given about the customs and history of that time that those familiar with New Orleans, and those wanting to learn more, will appreciate.

The pace of the story is good, and the book is a quick read, keeping the reader interested.  The only issue I had trouble with at times was the mutual attraction between Julie and Andre when she was still quite underage.  I understand that marriages occurred when girls were much younger then and Andre tried to see her as only a child in the beginning, but sometimes it creeped me out.  When I was comfortable with the fact that she had in fact matured in age, I was completely in favor of their time together.  This is simply a personal opinion with the customs of that time.

I recommend Ms. Gaffrey’s “A World of His Own” and look forward to more stories by her set in beautiful New Orleans. 

 


Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (4/09) 


André de Javon, a young man who was whisked out of France before the French Revolution claimed the lives of his parents, has decided to seek his fortune in the New World. A chance encounter with Charles du Fray on the ship crossing the ocean makes him pick New Orleans as his new home. Once there, he’s warmly welcomed by Charles’ family and introduced to people who matter, among them two who will greatly change his life. One of them is Jean-Claude Charlevoix, a smart, successful and rich planter with a young daughter, Julie. M. Charlevoix will become instrumental in André’s choice of career and in his successful introduction to the life of planters. The second person is Gabrielle Ste. Claire, a very charming and very spoiled young lady, who immediately sets her sight on marrying André. Although it becomes clear rather early that Gabrielle is of the “pretty is as pretty does” kind, and what she does is not pretty, André succumbs to her charms – or maybe simply to his lust – and ends up marrying her. In so doing, he breaks the heart of Julie Charlevoix, who “was hurrying to grow up to be able to marry him,” but was not quick enough.

The marriage to Gabrielle proves to be a nightmare, and after a series of horrific events Gabrielle ends up dead, leaving André with the child she conceived with another man and also with the realization that he has never loved her and was in fact in love with the sweet Julie from the start. Does he still stand a chance with Julie or is all lost?

“A World of His Own” is a sweet and in many ways a very touching story, made even more so with the great amount of references to New Orleans and Louisiana - their history, culture and people. Opening the book at random, here are just a few of them: the Ursuline convent, quadroon balls, sugar cane, cotton, plantations, galleries, lagniappe, pralines, Congo Square, voodoo, Jean Lafitte, General Andrew Jackson, coffee shops… If any of them are unfamiliar to you, you need a refresher in New Orleans living, so come on over and visit as soon as possible!

I found “A World of His Own” by Arlette Gaffrey a pleasant and enjoyable book, and one that fans of romances in historic settings will enjoy for sure.

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