The Seamstress of Acadie
In 1754, Sylvie Galant comes from an upright French family on the coast of Acadia, which is proclaiming neutrality in the expected war between England and France. Sylvie shares her French father with her beloved half-brother, Bleu, whose mother was Mi’kmaq. Despite their neutral stance, the Acadians are most fearful of the British army, which is rumored to be approaching on board a fleet of warships. Bleu has been a covert member of the French Acadian resistance who has been successfully operating alongside the local Mi’kmaq tribes.
Bleu’s enemy counterpart is Major William Blackburn, an American colonist and British Army Rangers officer. Blackburn is now having doubts about supporting the British, which are reinforced when he meets Sylvie while scouting in Acadie. The Acadians are put aboard ships to be sent away, and many are lost at sea amidst hideous conditions. Sylvie loses family members and washes up in the Virginia colony. Aided by a few Americans and shunned by many others, she improbably links up with Blackburn, who has resigned his commission, and both reunite with Bleu after a series of dangerous adventures.
Full of conflict, intrigue, suffering, romance and ultimate inspiration, the novel superbly brings renewed light upon the ethnic cleansing of the Acadians. Sharing their misery with Black slaves, indentured servants, and some Native Americans, the Acadians display resilience throughout. The diverse characters are vibrant, and the times and venues are portrayed with accuracy and lustrous color. Never morbid nor overly sentimental, strong and memorable lead character Sylvie will capture the reader’s empathy and admiration. Very much recommended.
