The Acadian Prairie-Maius
After years of conflict, the Vigilanceâ€"Antiâ€"Vigilance War and the Civil War, the Dupré, Frugé, Ortego, and Nightflower families struggle for survival in that part of the Acadian prairie known as Faquetaique. Conflict continues to fester among the families of the prairie where one bad year could mean famine, where cattle thieves continue to plague the region, and where even the prairie begins to change as settlers continue to filter in. From open range cattle farming, the petit habitants of the prairie must adjust to the growing number of farms, cotton and rice cultivation, the end of the open range, and the new settlers who are increasingly Englishâ€"speaking Americans. Love and loss are a constant part of life on the prairie, and those who survive disease and deadly hatreds do so by holding fast to their faith and their families. Although old hatreds remain, Maius Dupré, the last son of Theodule; Amelina Ortego, the last daughter of Emile; Olivia Nightflower, the mixedâ€"race traiteuse; Clèmante Frugé; and Adèle Reed must find the strength to survive the challenges and harsh life of the prairie as it changes around them.
-- Christopher Fontenot