Prelude to War

Sparrow Wars in the Garden of Bliss #1

by C.A. Portnellus

In 1928, the Barre families of Texas and rural Louisiana are all that remain of the once aristocratic and wealthy La Barre family of Louisiana plantation owners. The constantly changing modern world makes it a struggle to retain their family legacy, although they still enjoy the benefits of an idyllic country lifestyle. Richard Barre-a young man blessed with a wife, three sons and a prospering carpentry business in Beaumont Texas, has all he needs to be happy. As a third son descendant of generations of third sons, Richard feels he is luckier than most people. When he is dealt fateful and tempting wild cards, he must choose wisely if only to save his family and perhaps even his soul. But for every tempting gain, Richard feels an ill wind blow. Perhaps this is the La Barre family curse. After the stock market crash of 1929, any joys or slight rewards are forever diminished by a feeling of foreboding. Thus, Richard Barre believes his youngest son, Barton, is either destined for greatness or ominous ruin perhaps as a result of Richard's actions and the family curse. He hopes to be the spiritual guiding compass to save the boy and the rest of his growing family. This is the first volume of a new series of historical novels that present modern-day parables depicting both the best and the worst of humankind struggling amid hardships and strife to attain the bliss of peace.

646 pages, Paperback

First published September 10, 2013

Reviews

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Prelude to War' is the first book in the historical fiction saga of the La Barre family.

The story begins in the summer of 1928 on the La Barre plantation in Louisiana where we meet Barton, five year old son of Richard La Barre. He's watching a caterpillar inch across a step. Soon we are introduced one by one to three generations of La Barres who are all vacationing at the La Barre plantation. Then we follow those characters through the Depression and up through the Second World War.

The dramas of the La Barre families during this time frame are well documented and richly told. The settings in which these stories unfold are so well-detailed that, as a reader, I'm transported to them. Dialogue is consistent with the era and the locales. It was remarkably easy for me to lose myself in this saga.