Review of Cajun Crow and the Mockingbird

[Obinna Chima Agoms]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Cajun Crow and the Mockingbird" by Jimmie Martinez.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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In Cajun Crow and the Mockingbird by Jimmie Martinez, Noel 'Crow' Corbin was born to Cajun parents, Edgar Corbin and Ella Mae de Valcourt. They lived on the island of Bon Terre. Noel's mother was a nurse who gave back to the island's people even though she was poor. Noel desired to marry his childhood sweetheart, Corinne Thibodeaux, and they would live together on Bon Terre, but his mother wished for him to go to college. A twist of fate led Noel to New Orleans and into a world he had never imagined for himself. As Noel blossomed into a young man, he soon learned that he had as many enemies as he had friends and would have to be smart to survive. When his past came calling, it brought with it a much-needed change that would affect Noel's life and even the society in which he lived.

The author started the book with a brief insight into the history of the Cajun people. This background provided an excellent guide for me, as I had no prior knowledge about the Cajun people. It helped me understand the historical undertone of the story and the characters. The book highlighted the peculiar challenges of the Cajun people. The most significant part was the author's ability to detach from the Cajun history and examine the experiences of 'colored' people. The author's storytelling was authentic and honest. He admitted that the severity of the black experience of white supremacy superseded that of the Cajun people.

The author grounded the characters in human habits and history, which made them too real. He succeeded in creating characters that were intriguing and inspiring. For instance, Ella, Noel's mother, showed that anyone could make a difference in their corner of the world irrespective of social status. Unsurprisingly, Noel's character was the most refreshing. His intelligent and suave nature attracted and motivated me. His character was something of a cross between Thirsty Rawlings in Empire and Thurgood Marshall in Marshall. It was an exciting blend that would capture the reader's attention.

This story pointed out the many biases that operate within the justice system. In a way, many parts of the story felt like symbols of the ongoing struggles in our society. The case of Gasper Babineaux represented human rights being put on trial by racism and the selfish quest to maintain white supremacy fed by racial segregation.

The book was an easy read and also fast-paced. Readers wouldn't dwell in their curiosity for long. There were many light-hearted moments in the book that added to its easiness. This book was a story about family, history, change, inspiration, love, and bravery. There was nothing about it I did not love.

Cajun Crow and the Mockingbird would be most appreciated by readers who love legal thrillers, especially the ones with a historical undertone. The editing was okay, as there were only a few errors. I’d rate it four out of four stars.

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Cajun Crow and the Mockingbird
View: on Bookshelves

[Samantha Simoneau]

"For instance, Ella, Noel's mother, showed that anyone could make a difference in their corner of the world irrespective of social status."
Books that make points like this are valuable to society. I also enjoy legal thrillers and find Cajun culture interesting, so thanks for bringing this one to my attention!

[Chikapeter+110]

I learned about determitation, and the ability to survive in whatever condition one finds his or herself. Great review.

[Micah_1]

I didn't really understand what this book is about. But, on a second look. It made a lot of meaning to me. Thanks.

[Asma Aisha Ansari]

Jimmie Martinez's 'Cajun Crow and the Mockingbird' sounds like a captivating exploration of Cajun heritage and racial dynamics. Noel's character, a mix of charisma and intelligence, has me curious about the challenges he faces.

[KIrAN RAJpUT---]

Dictating topics like racial discrimination, human rights, and will and determination to survive seems interesting

[KIrAN RAJpUT---]

Dictating topics like racial discrimination, human rights, and will and determination to survive seems interesting

[Hazel Mae Bagarinao]

Noel seems facing a threat to the society he lives in, as enemies become more than his friends. I was intrigued if he and Corinne sealed their love in the end. The characteristic of Ella admires me as well, as her social status is not a hindrance to making a difference. This book is beautiful. Congratulations to the author on BOTD!

[John Atolwa]

learned about determitation, and the ability to survive in whatever condition one finds his or herself.

[esosa123]

What an exhilarating ride! Those who have an affection for the Cajun region south of New Orleans, extending to the Gulf, will surely relish the outset of this book. As the narrative unfolds, it transports us to New Orleans during the mid-fifties, a time marked by the burgeoning Civil Rights movement. However, this isn't just a retrospective glance at a pivotal historical era; it strikingly draws parallels to the contemporary divisions prevalent in America today. The author's choice of Crow, a flawed yet honorable man, as the narrative's voice, is a stroke of brilliance. After all, who among us doesn't relate better to a well-intentioned sinner than to a saint?

[Afroza islam Aume]

Jimmie Martinez's 'Cajun Crow and the Mockingbird' sounds like a captivating exploration of Cajun heritage and racial dynamics. Noel's character, a mix of charisma and intelligence, has me curious about the challenges he faces....

[RomanceBound T]

This sounds like a very interesting read. Mention of topic liked discrimination and human rights and relating the story to history makes it much more appealing to me. Thankyou for your review.

[magoud]

A Cajun lawyer juggles his work for the mob with a commitment to social justice in the mid-20th century.

Noel Corbin’s upbringing was a modest one on Bon Terre, a small island in the Gulf of Mexico and a “childhood paradise.” Both his parents were profoundly Cajun, a culture he happily imbibed. But when his parents died in quick succession, he lost all hope and his faith in God. He meets Armand, his mother’s cousin, who offers him work in New Orleans and turns out to be the “boss of the Cajun mob.” Armand employs him under the condition he attends college, a tedious task for Noel, who does well with minimal effort since he has a photographic memory. He eventually becomes a lawyer working for organized crime, and due to his underhanded tactics, he garners a reputation as a “rogue, a scoundrel, and the devil incarnate.” However, despite his cynicism and total disregard for the law, he’s also a “champion of the underdog, a seersucker-suit warrior fighting the all-powerful establishment.” Corbin ends up defending Black teenager Gasper Babineaux, who is framed by District Attorney Benjamin Heick for being a Communist, a terrifying charge. At the core of Martinez’s book is a rich depiction of Cajun culture, one that the author, who has deep Cajun roots, lucidly portrays (“I could cast a net only feet from my house and catch large, brown shrimp that Mom used to make her lip-smacking gumbo”). However, the plot is glacially slow and equally melodramatic. And the writing is often clichéd. Consider this description of Gale Guidry, a private detective and “Cajun goddess”: “She was the kind of woman who made me glad I was a man. Gale had a body that required a warning sign: BEWARE OF DANGEROUS CURVES.” Still, those interested in an authentic portrayal of New Orleans will find a lot to savor.

A sentimental, clichéd tale that gloriously depicts Cajun country.

[Esther Waithaka]

Today's book of the day is very similar to The Prison of Power in terms of discrimination of a particular minority in the society. It is good that such books are written as a self check and balance within our current society.

[Hazel Arnaiz]

It appears that the story revives interest among the Cajun people. It is an eye-opening depiction of the dynamics of racism and the legal system during a period when racial segregation was the norm. It highlights a piece of the past that will appeal to history, culture, and heritage enthusiasts.