Elysium: The Plantation Series Book IV

With the War Between the States finally at an end, the Yankees now occupy New Orleans and former slaves are learning to adjust to their newly granted freedom. White planters also must learn to cope. Their biggest adjustment is having to pay wages to their former slaves. This additional expense is too much for many of the smaller planters and they find their lifestyle seriously deteriorated along with their bank accounts. Tensions grow as white planters find themselves in an uncomfortable situation; freed blacks are learning that freedom isn’t free. Yet there are those, both black as well as white men, who seek a better life for both sides.Garvey Bickell’s small farm borders the acreage of Toulouse Plantation. It is here that his niece Lily Palmer arrives with her six year old daughter. They are seeking refuge from their past in the North and Garvey wants to go to California to be with his son. It is his intention to leave the place to Lily. But Lily harbors a secret so dark that if anyone knew they would shun her. Maddie, her daughter, likes their new home, called Elysium. She likes her new friend Dawn, daughter of freed slaves; and Maddie likes going to the new schoolhouse meant for blacks and whites alike. Neither Lily nor Maddie is prepared for the residual ill-feelings still simmering beneath the tentative peace.Alistair Whiteaker has returned from the war to take the helm of his plantation in hand. He never much cared for enslavement, even before the war, but he went along with it because it was the done thing. Now he feels obligated to make amends. He works alongside other like-minded men, both black and white, the undercut the violent racist attacks by a group known at the Knights of the White Camellia (a thinly veiled nod to the KKK). Alistair is smitten with the newly arrived Lily Palmer and loses his heart completely to her daughter Maddie. But Lily keeps him at arm’s length. Although her heart yearns to acknowledge her growing desire for Alistair, her darkest secret demands she spurn his advances.Thomas Bickell, a free black young man who is intelligent and literate, is standing for election to the state’s Constitution Convention. If he can defeat his opponent, a well-respected white planter, then the blacks in two parishes will have a chance at earning and keeping the right to vote. He is besieged by violent attacks and beatings but when the woman he loves, Fanny Brown herself a free black woman and teacher, is beaten and raped, it is almost more than he can stand.The interweaving of the stories of these main characters is peppered with appearances by other characters from Books 1, 2, and 3. This is a fitting conclusion to the series.There are a few negatives to this book, none of which reflect on the story itself. It seemed to be that the author was in a bit of a hurry to finish this book as there are several instances of typos and easily caught errors. These should have been caught by the editor. Not enough to make one stop reading but enough to make one pause momentarily.

Sadly this is the last book, book 4, in this series. I really enjoyed getting to know so many diverse characters in this series. This part of American history is shameful, but important to know. There is no changing it, but we can learn from it. The war is over, at least the official fighting. Life as the Southerners knew it is at an end. Blacks are now free, but not having an easy time of it since the whites are so resentful of what has happened to them. Paying wages to former slaves is taking all the profits they used to spend on their lavish lifestyles. Tempers rise. The Klan rises up. There are cross burnings, beatings of blacks, and murders. Blacks don't get real rights until after the 1960s in this country, and from Reconstruction until then it is a constant struggle for them. In this book we see some of this strife and joy. Life in the South is portrayed very well in this novel. I am sorry to see the story end as there were some loose ends as to some of the characters like Musette, Josie, Chamard, and several others.

Very interesting series of wonderful stories. Enjoyed all of them.Even though they are fictional, there is certainly a great deal of truth in them!My Southern roots only go back to the early 20th century but I think that history is not to be forgotten or disregarded simply because it doesn't fit in today.Well written and great reading.

I really loved this book and the entire 4 part series!!! I'm shocked at how few people have read these books. If you love southern historical fiction as much as I do, the books are fantastic!!!!! This book being the last, I'm sad to say goodbye to all the wonderful characters and the rich storylines!

I’d like to see a 5th book of plantation series. I’d ,Ike to read about Fanny & Thomas child.I recommend this series. A good easy read

Detailed descriptions of characters make this book a page turner. It was easy to become interested in the outcome of their lives. Set in Louisiana during the black reformation years, this title gives one pause to think what would have happened to civil rights if reformation continued under President Johnson. Perhaps the civil rights movement of the 60's would not have been necessary. The lives of whites and ex slaves are detailed as they try to live together in harmony and equality following the end of the Civil War. Although these political undertones are present throughout it doesn't detract from the page turning excitement; it offers a look into what it was like in the south during these years. For thought provoking reading as well as entertainment; this book offers both.

Bertrand, Musette, Alistair, Lily, Rachel, Thomas, Fanny, all characters that compare to Rhett, Scarlett, Melanie, Ashley, Mammy in Gone with the Wind withe same flair and with even more historical significance of the years following the Civil War. Loved the emphasis placed on the political climate at that time and triumphant victory of the first blacks entering the Louisiana State legislature against all odds of the White Magnolias aka KKK thwarting the efforts. So heartbreaking the prejudicial and abusive sacrifices given by Thomas, Fanny and Lily. Amazing to see the black men rising to the vote long before women of all colors ever seeing the right to vote. Such history of evolutionary of freedom and human basic rights in America.

Another great story Ms Gretchen. My favorite of course is Thomas Bickell. So much courage and determination. I salute men like Alistair Whitaker also,who are brave enough, against much opposition, to stand up for what is right. Thank you so very much. I learned a lot of history also.

Very similar to book ll and lll . Let's just say I probably would not buy a book v

A good light read--- worth reading

loved it

So much history included into a romance, I have learnt so much, just hope one day life will be equal for everybody

I have read all four books ,and I enjoyed reading each one , a Brilliant author,Looking forward to reading Orchard Island now .