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Between the Levees
For Sam Miller, family is what he wants most in the world.
Though with his parents deceased since he was a boy, and with no way of uncovering who they were, finding a sense of family is more than a daunting task—it seems impossible. Until he goes to Louisiana’s Cajun country, with hopes of finding a man who perhaps knew them.
After enduring blistering heat, torment from mosquitoes, venturing into eerie, backwater swamps, and fending off alligators, snakes, and a few sinister locals, Sam finds what he had sought all of his life. He’s also given a second chance, one to leave behind a pained past that he would rather forget.
But finding what he wants most means that he’ll eventually have to lose it.
Though with his parents deceased since he was a boy, and with no way of uncovering who they were, finding a sense of family is more than a daunting task—it seems impossible. Until he goes to Louisiana’s Cajun country, with hopes of finding a man who perhaps knew them.
After enduring blistering heat, torment from mosquitoes, venturing into eerie, backwater swamps, and fending off alligators, snakes, and a few sinister locals, Sam finds what he had sought all of his life. He’s also given a second chance, one to leave behind a pained past that he would rather forget.
But finding what he wants most means that he’ll eventually have to lose it.
- GenresFiction
217 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 4, 2016
66 people are currently reading
637 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 30, 2016
I had the privilege of beta reading this book and received a copy of the published book from the author. I didn’t purchase the book but did not receive a copy in exchange for this review.
I was interested in reading this book because it is set near New Iberia, LA, which is a small city in Cajun-country where my family lived for a few years. We met some of the nicest people there, some of which are still friends. Mr. Olivier did a great job of catching the laid back feeling of this culture. Like most places, these people are hard-working, but there is just such a “take life as it comes” attitude that is relaxing… comforting in a way. When we moved to the area, we were immediately accepted into the family, much like Vincent with Ryan and Martha and then with Sam. As I read the story, I could easily picture the people and hear those Cajun accents in Vincent’s words.
I felt that the story was true to life in all aspects. It made me smile and even tear up in a place or two. The book is very well written with descriptions that will allow you to vividly imagine the scenes and almost hear the sounds of the swamp. I can easily see this story made into a Hallmark-type movie.
I loved everything about this book and highly recommend it to anyone who loves a realistic story that leaves you with a feeling of hope.
I was interested in reading this book because it is set near New Iberia, LA, which is a small city in Cajun-country where my family lived for a few years. We met some of the nicest people there, some of which are still friends. Mr. Olivier did a great job of catching the laid back feeling of this culture. Like most places, these people are hard-working, but there is just such a “take life as it comes” attitude that is relaxing… comforting in a way. When we moved to the area, we were immediately accepted into the family, much like Vincent with Ryan and Martha and then with Sam. As I read the story, I could easily picture the people and hear those Cajun accents in Vincent’s words.
I felt that the story was true to life in all aspects. It made me smile and even tear up in a place or two. The book is very well written with descriptions that will allow you to vividly imagine the scenes and almost hear the sounds of the swamp. I can easily see this story made into a Hallmark-type movie.
I loved everything about this book and highly recommend it to anyone who loves a realistic story that leaves you with a feeling of hope.
August 19, 2016
This was an great first novel from a talented young writer. The author manages to capture the essence of south Louisiana through his vivid descriptions of life between the levees in Louisiana's Atchafalaya Basin for Sam Miller. Miller's mentor in basin life Vincent Dupuis is the perfect personification of the Cajun culture, friendly, loving, welcoming, always down for a cup a coffee a nice visit with friends. This is a heartfelt story of a young man's discovery of self and his home.
October 15, 2016
Rating: 4 OUT OF 5 STARS
* I won a free autographed copy of this book through the Goodreads Giveaway program.
What does home mean to you?
What is the definition of family?
How important is it to find a place where you truly feel that you belong? And, what would you be willing to do to find it?
Sam's parents died when he was only an infant. The courts were able to find a distant relative who was willing to take him in, but his early life was anything but idyllic. Because of this, he left "home" at the young age of seventeen and never looked back.
"It took eight years before his lonely, stagnant life became too much for him. After a night of coming too close to hitting the bottle - something he vowed he'd never again do - he knew he needed to find out who his family was. He knew that he needed to uncover who he was, too."
Based on a name that appeared in court documents, Sam left Boston for the swamps of Louisiana - looking for a man named Vincent in a place called "Bayou Pigeon."
What he finds there changes his view of himself and of his place in the world.
The author's obvious love for the swamps and back lanes of Louisiana c?shines through in this book. With emotive prose and detailed descriptions, readers will find themselves falling in love with Louisiana as well and itching for the opportunity to visit the swamps of the Atchafalaya.
Jonathan Olivier has a definite talent, not only for describing the swamps and their unique landscapes, but also for character building and for bringing his characters to life on the written page.
My only complaint regarding this book is the editing/ proof-reading.
There are multiple instances of editing errors inckuding awkward phrasing. For example:
"Sam had looked forward to getting to again eat the fresh fish Vincent cooked up. As he took his first bite, the freshness of the meat was again apparent, accentuated with a hint of Cajun spices."
I found these two sentences to be both awkward and overly wordy. I realize that this is just my humble opinion, but I believe that many other readers will agree with me. However, even though the book is not perfect, the phrasing issues should have been caught and addressed by the editor, so it is not the author's fault.
There are other small editing errors as well, such as missing commas. These small errors can be distracting to the reader.
For example; "I told you before you left this place gets in your blood."
Without a comma the above sentence can be read many different ways. To change this and to make it less confusing, I would suggest that it be written like this:
"I told you before you left, this place gets in your blood."
The third type of editing errors found in this book were missing or extra words in sentences.
For example: "Two men stood near an outside freezer door talking; they nodded at Sam as he set down the tub of fish, and he Vincent walked by."
It should say: "Two men were talking as they stood near the door of an outside freezer; they nodded at Sam as he set down the tub of fish just as Vincent walked by."
I loved the story and the underlying themes of both family and hope. In a world where people often equate happiness with the accumulation of possessions, it is refreshing to find a book that shuns this ideal and reminds us that we really need very little to be happy. According to Sam's mother there were only two things that a person needs to achieve true happiness, and those consist of: "Famille. Amour. Une vie." I agree.
I rate this debut novel as 4 out of 5 stars.
* I won a free autographed copy of this book through the Goodreads Giveaway program.
What does home mean to you?
What is the definition of family?
How important is it to find a place where you truly feel that you belong? And, what would you be willing to do to find it?
Sam's parents died when he was only an infant. The courts were able to find a distant relative who was willing to take him in, but his early life was anything but idyllic. Because of this, he left "home" at the young age of seventeen and never looked back.
"It took eight years before his lonely, stagnant life became too much for him. After a night of coming too close to hitting the bottle - something he vowed he'd never again do - he knew he needed to find out who his family was. He knew that he needed to uncover who he was, too."
Based on a name that appeared in court documents, Sam left Boston for the swamps of Louisiana - looking for a man named Vincent in a place called "Bayou Pigeon."
What he finds there changes his view of himself and of his place in the world.
The author's obvious love for the swamps and back lanes of Louisiana c?shines through in this book. With emotive prose and detailed descriptions, readers will find themselves falling in love with Louisiana as well and itching for the opportunity to visit the swamps of the Atchafalaya.
Jonathan Olivier has a definite talent, not only for describing the swamps and their unique landscapes, but also for character building and for bringing his characters to life on the written page.
My only complaint regarding this book is the editing/ proof-reading.
There are multiple instances of editing errors inckuding awkward phrasing. For example:
"Sam had looked forward to getting to again eat the fresh fish Vincent cooked up. As he took his first bite, the freshness of the meat was again apparent, accentuated with a hint of Cajun spices."
I found these two sentences to be both awkward and overly wordy. I realize that this is just my humble opinion, but I believe that many other readers will agree with me. However, even though the book is not perfect, the phrasing issues should have been caught and addressed by the editor, so it is not the author's fault.
There are other small editing errors as well, such as missing commas. These small errors can be distracting to the reader.
For example; "I told you before you left this place gets in your blood."
Without a comma the above sentence can be read many different ways. To change this and to make it less confusing, I would suggest that it be written like this:
"I told you before you left, this place gets in your blood."
The third type of editing errors found in this book were missing or extra words in sentences.
For example: "Two men stood near an outside freezer door talking; they nodded at Sam as he set down the tub of fish, and he Vincent walked by."
It should say: "Two men were talking as they stood near the door of an outside freezer; they nodded at Sam as he set down the tub of fish just as Vincent walked by."
I loved the story and the underlying themes of both family and hope. In a world where people often equate happiness with the accumulation of possessions, it is refreshing to find a book that shuns this ideal and reminds us that we really need very little to be happy. According to Sam's mother there were only two things that a person needs to achieve true happiness, and those consist of: "Famille. Amour. Une vie." I agree.
I rate this debut novel as 4 out of 5 stars.
December 10, 2017
Between the Levees is a beautiful tribute to the Cajun culture in Louisiana, and a tale of an orphaned boy trying to avoid the alcoholism he has exposed to and learn about his past. He searches out an elderly man in Louisiana who had tried to adopt him when his parents died, and finds the father he never had. He learns the importance of justice and survivalism that permeates that culture and makes him more resilient and optimistic towards life.
December 11, 2016
I enjoyed this book
March 5, 2018
Bayou Pigeon, LA. Samuel “Sam” Miller (25, son), was trying to locate Vincent Dupuis (55+).
He was curious about his biological parents: Ryan Landry (husband/father, deceased), & Martha Landry (wife/mother, deceased).
At a small gas station, he met Betsy & Mr. Lloyd.
He knew Vincent & gave him somewhat directions to where he lived.
A friendship began & stories of Sam’s parents poured out of the elderly Cajun.
The 2 jumped in his “Ole Blue” (Ford PU) & were off for an adventure.
Vincent’s 1973 18’ skiff was docked in/at the Atchafalaya Basin the largest swamp in the world.
Vincent had taught Sam how to build beautiful handcrafted house boats out of a well planed log.
When Sam awoke, he was lying in the Pierre Part Clinic bed.
Chris (Vincent’s BMF, retired USMC) was laying on the couch.
Officer Ricky had booked Will for assault/battery of an officer.
Vincent had died a year ago.
My #1 city I ever lived in New Orleans, LA. Sea food lover’s paradise. Chicory coffee & Beignets.
Going to the bayou, seeing gators, & the Cajun men with tobacco stains on their shirt & the earthen jar of whiskey in 1 hand. The smell of moss & the swamp is 1 of a kind.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written Cajun Bayou adventure book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great Cajun Bayou adventure movie, or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; BookSends; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
He was curious about his biological parents: Ryan Landry (husband/father, deceased), & Martha Landry (wife/mother, deceased).
At a small gas station, he met Betsy & Mr. Lloyd.
He knew Vincent & gave him somewhat directions to where he lived.
A friendship began & stories of Sam’s parents poured out of the elderly Cajun.
The 2 jumped in his “Ole Blue” (Ford PU) & were off for an adventure.
Vincent’s 1973 18’ skiff was docked in/at the Atchafalaya Basin the largest swamp in the world.
Vincent had taught Sam how to build beautiful handcrafted house boats out of a well planed log.
When Sam awoke, he was lying in the Pierre Part Clinic bed.
Chris (Vincent’s BMF, retired USMC) was laying on the couch.
Officer Ricky had booked Will for assault/battery of an officer.
Vincent had died a year ago.
My #1 city I ever lived in New Orleans, LA. Sea food lover’s paradise. Chicory coffee & Beignets.
Going to the bayou, seeing gators, & the Cajun men with tobacco stains on their shirt & the earthen jar of whiskey in 1 hand. The smell of moss & the swamp is 1 of a kind.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written Cajun Bayou adventure book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great Cajun Bayou adventure movie, or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; BookSends; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
May 5, 2017
I have always been fascinated by the Louisiana swamps and bayous with their lush greenery so I was looking forward to reading this book. Sam hadn't had an easy life so far. His parents were dead and he had been raised by relatives that didn't particularly want him. He lived in Boston, worked a dead end job and was basically unexcited about life. One day he walked away from his job and on a whim decided to go to Louisiana where he had been born. Someone told him there was a man named Vincent there who had known his parents so, flying by the seat of his pants, he took off to find Vincent. By some miracle he found him. It seemed that Vincent had not only known his parents but he had tried to keep Sam and raise him, but the courts thought otherwise. He and Vincent bonded quickly and over the next few months he learned from Vincent how to be like a Cajun an live in the Bayou Pigeon. He loved that life but things don't always turn out the way you want them to.
I won this book on Goodreads. This is my honest review.
I won this book on Goodreads. This is my honest review.
June 10, 2018
Great Descriptions of South Louisiana
Having been born and raised in northeast Louisiana, for years I'd only heard of" South Louisiana". Then I met and married a man from the Lafayette area. We sometimes went to his family home for holidays and his brother took us on rides thru bayou areas. I fell in LOVE with South Louisiana!! This book is so descriptive of the areas and the Cajun culture, as I was reading I felt as though I was actually in the boat-riding through the bayou. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and am really hoping for more books by this author.
Having been born and raised in northeast Louisiana, for years I'd only heard of" South Louisiana". Then I met and married a man from the Lafayette area. We sometimes went to his family home for holidays and his brother took us on rides thru bayou areas. I fell in LOVE with South Louisiana!! This book is so descriptive of the areas and the Cajun culture, as I was reading I felt as though I was actually in the boat-riding through the bayou. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and am really hoping for more books by this author.
January 9, 2018
True Louisiana Description
Since I live in Louisiana I know this book truly describes South Louisiana and the way some of the people live. It's a very interesting area and there is so much history belonging to the Cajun people. I liked the way Vincent took Sam in and taught him the things that would have come natural to him if he had not been taken from there. Yes, this book is worth reading. I thank the author for his real description of the area.
Since I live in Louisiana I know this book truly describes South Louisiana and the way some of the people live. It's a very interesting area and there is so much history belonging to the Cajun people. I liked the way Vincent took Sam in and taught him the things that would have come natural to him if he had not been taken from there. Yes, this book is worth reading. I thank the author for his real description of the area.
December 27, 2017
A beautiful book
This book was one of the best I've received as a free e-book for my Kindle. I sympathized with Sam, and as the story of his life unfolded I became more and more thankful for the life I've had, though I too am a bit of a loner. This also made me sympathize with Vin, who was about my age.
This book was one of the best I've received as a free e-book for my Kindle. I sympathized with Sam, and as the story of his life unfolded I became more and more thankful for the life I've had, though I too am a bit of a loner. This also made me sympathize with Vin, who was about my age.
October 26, 2018
Captivating
It has been a while since I have read something that has been as captivating to me as this book has. I have learned about a culture I knew absolutely nothing about l always thought Cajun was a seasoning, I knew nothing about these strong, brave people. I thought the story was very well told.
It has been a while since I have read something that has been as captivating to me as this book has. I have learned about a culture I knew absolutely nothing about l always thought Cajun was a seasoning, I knew nothing about these strong, brave people. I thought the story was very well told.
February 6, 2018
HeArt warming and inspiring memories of a people and way of life
A reminder of a place that will always keep a segment of America’s past alive. A culture and work ethic that is worth keeping alive.
A reminder of a place that will always keep a segment of America’s past alive. A culture and work ethic that is worth keeping alive.
June 22, 2018
I enjoyed this book and couldn’t put it down. I was able to visit a part of the country I know little about, I got a feel for the environment of a swamp and understood his wanting to connect to his lost family. I truly devoured this book.
June 22, 2018
Slow
If you are a native of Louisiana then I'm thinking this book is for you since that's about all it's about, the scenery , other than that I found this book slow and pretty shallow.
If you are a native of Louisiana then I'm thinking this book is for you since that's about all it's about, the scenery , other than that I found this book slow and pretty shallow.
July 12, 2018
Compelling read
Life of the Louisiana swamp area as if you are on the boat yourself. The characters are so real you relate to them immediately. This book makes my , must read, list.
Life of the Louisiana swamp area as if you are on the boat yourself. The characters are so real you relate to them immediately. This book makes my , must read, list.
December 7, 2018
Great read
This book was worth reading on so many different levels. The journey to find family, change of lifestyle, and acceptance of self shines through out the book. This would make a great movie.
This book was worth reading on so many different levels. The journey to find family, change of lifestyle, and acceptance of self shines through out the book. This would make a great movie.
June 21, 2018
Levees
I found this book was gentle and soothing while the plot kept moving along at a good pace. Great book!
I found this book was gentle and soothing while the plot kept moving along at a good pace. Great book!
September 17, 2018
Sam never knew his parents, he only knew their names and lived in Boston. Decided to go to the Bayou to find a man that knew his parents....and the story begins...great story
September 4, 2016
In Jonathan Olivier’s novel Between the Levees, 25-year-old Sam Miller travels to Bayou Pigeon, Louisiana, to search for Vincent Dupuis, a now-elderly man who had unsuccessfully tried to gain custody of Sam after he was orphaned as a young child. The story deals with realistic life situations, such as overcoming a painful past, though it also has a pleasant feeling of escapism; the book has a calm and peaceful atmosphere to it. Sam is sometimes rough around the edges, but he is a likable, empathic, and well-rounded character.
Olivier writes with rich and beautiful description, and while reading the story, it is easy to feel as if you have been transported to Bayou Pigeon, the Atchafalaya Basin, or any of Olivier’s serene settings. A great thing about the storyline is that throughout the book, the plot was not predictable, and it was intriguing to see what would happen next.
Between the Levees makes the reader think about the meaning of family and friendship – and the meaning of home. It is a hopeful story, showing that even in dark times, hope can be found, and lives can be changed for the better. This novel was very enjoyable to read.
*I received this book for review*
Olivier writes with rich and beautiful description, and while reading the story, it is easy to feel as if you have been transported to Bayou Pigeon, the Atchafalaya Basin, or any of Olivier’s serene settings. A great thing about the storyline is that throughout the book, the plot was not predictable, and it was intriguing to see what would happen next.
Between the Levees makes the reader think about the meaning of family and friendship – and the meaning of home. It is a hopeful story, showing that even in dark times, hope can be found, and lives can be changed for the better. This novel was very enjoyable to read.
*I received this book for review*
October 26, 2016
Heart Warming Story
I loved the people in this story. I like the location and lifestyle of the people of Louisiana . It was a very good and interesting read.
I loved the people in this story. I like the location and lifestyle of the people of Louisiana . It was a very good and interesting read.
April 9, 2017
A place of wonder came to life
When I first started to read this book I didn't know if I would like it. I had heard about the Louisiana bayou, but never gave it much thought. After reading this well written book that completely caught my attention I wish I could have seen the beauty myself. I wish I could have breathed the air and felt the peace that Sam did. I thank you for giving me a little piece of splendor.
When I first started to read this book I didn't know if I would like it. I had heard about the Louisiana bayou, but never gave it much thought. After reading this well written book that completely caught my attention I wish I could have seen the beauty myself. I wish I could have breathed the air and felt the peace that Sam did. I thank you for giving me a little piece of splendor.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews