New Review! Mamma's Moon: The Hoodoo of Peckerwood Finch by Jerome Antil 5 Cranky Stars

Mamma's Moon: The Hoodoo of Peckerwood Finch by Jerome Mark Antil
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Cranky Stars


This novel is called a sequel novel, but the author relates enough of the story in the Preface that a reader does not need to have read the first book. That being said, I wish that I had read the first book in order to fully appreciate the whole tale.


This is a tale of New Orleans, Acadian Louisiana, and mostly the bond between unlikely friends. The cast includes retired Captain Gabriel Jordan, Boudreaux Clement Finch (Peck), Sasha, Lily Cup Lorelei Tarleton and Millie, along with some lesser players. There is drinking, feasting on wonderful food, jazz dancing at Charlie's Blue Note, alligators, Angola prison, and some quasi-steamy sex.


The book begins with Captain Gabriel Jordan being charged with murder. "I've never been so scared in my life...not of what he was threatening to do...I was frightened of what I wasn't anymore." Gabe's tale is very poignant as he thinks about his past and his waning health.


Lily Cup is a criminal attorney with great courtroom skills and this part of the book is full of wonderful dialogue. The book is full of what the author calls "verbal bouquets" and the prose is absolutely wonderful throughout.


But, the main part of the book is Peck's search for the truth about his past. He is engaged to Millie and wants to be able to tell her about his Mother. But, all he can remember is his Nanna Mama, the moon, and the evil gator man. The truth is finally revealed in all its ugliness and pathos, true to a good Southern tale.


One reason that I thoroughly enjoyed this book is because of the setting of New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Acadian Louisiana. Since I have lived in this area, I could better appreciate the author's familiarity with the area and the mention of things that would only make sense to someone who has lived there.


I also liked the sprinkling of French dialogue throughout the book (with the English translation provided) since this is typical of the people that live in the area.

This is a true Southern tale similar to those by Tennessee Williams and William Faulkner. You can almost smell the swamps and see the ‘gators as you read the book. The story is humorous, sexy, poignant, heartwarming and thoroughly engaging. The characters were wonderful and I definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys book about the South (or anyone who just loves well-written books).

A few examples of the wonderful prose in the book:

"A red satin strapless Chanel designer gown so haute it was insured."

"Each of us are three people. We are who we think we are. We are who others think we are, and we are who we actually are."

"Being poor does not mean a person is criminally oriented."

"Any answers to a lifetime of questions had to be good for the soul."

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