James Lee Burke: Flags on the Bayou, 9781398715516, Orion, 

Since discovering James Lee Burke's excellent Robicheaux's crime series years ago , with his incredibly rich descriptions of Louisiana's lush landscapes, have I been an admirer of his colorful novels. Burke himself considers this latest book his best, its been nominated for the Edgar Award for best novel. 

 Set during the horrors of the Civil War in the New Orleans area, this powerful story  is told thru the very distinct voices of all chief characters.  

 I fell in love with his female protagonists in particular, two runaway slaves and an abolitionist schoolteacher. Burke's language has almost literary quality, his story drives home the price of war,oppression and slavery,  the distruction of any normal life, the senslessness of  fighting to solve a conflict. Only too timely in the current political climate around the world.  Loved "Flags on the Bayou" for its great characters, language and often disturbing tale.