New Orleans in the mid-nineteenth century: a potent mix of whites, Creoles, free blacks, and African slaves, a city pulsing with crowds, commerce,...
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reviews
Dec 17, 2011
Christina (Reading Thru The Night)
rated it: 
Voodoo Dreams is the story of Marie Laveau, but it's also the story of Maman Marie, Grandmere, and the Voudon Queen. It is about legacy, fate, and bloodline.
When we first meet Marie, she is the Voodoo Queen and through the strength of Damballah, has murdered John, her baby's father in the midst of a ritual performance in New Orleans. We get the sense that she was held prisoner by his unrelenting desire for power.
When we first meet her, she speaks out that sometimes the b More...
When we first meet Marie, she is the Voodoo Queen and through the strength of Damballah, has murdered John, her baby's father in the midst of a ritual performance in New Orleans. We get the sense that she was held prisoner by his unrelenting desire for power.
When we first meet her, she speaks out that sometimes the b More...
Oct 13, 2009
Mocha Girl
rated it: 
There is a legend that the infamous New Orleans native and Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau never died, that, in fact, her spirit lives on in selected female descendents, each a namesake, and Laveau's faithful are awaiting her return. Jewell Parker Rhodes (Voodoo Dreams, Douglass's Women, Magic City) births a modern day Marie in the second book of the Marie Laveau/Voodoo trilogy, Voodoo Season: a Marie Laveau Mystery.
The novel centers on first year medical resident, Marie Levant, a cum lau More...
The novel centers on first year medical resident, Marie Levant, a cum lau More...
May 27, 2011
Jeanette
rated it: 
Okay, I give up! I really really gave this one a good try. Between two libraries all they had was an unabridged audio book; no printed versions. I've been listening and telling myself it will get better, but it's not happening. Extremely bad writing!
I wanted to read this because I thought it would be interesting to learn something about Marie Laveau and her voodoo legend. I think I'd be better off seeking out a nonfiction account.
I wanted to read this because I thought it would be interesting to learn something about Marie Laveau and her voodoo legend. I think I'd be better off seeking out a nonfiction account.
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Jun 23, 2011
Harmonybites
rated it:
Marie Laveau was a powerful, legendary figure in 19th Century New Orleans--despite being a "woman of color" in that day and age in the South. A fascinating figure, but not a fascinating book, I think because Marie never comes into focus for me or feels convincing. This Marie is too passive, too much a victim whose fate is determined by others, and the story doesn't fit with what I know of Laveau, the daughter of a white planter and free Creole born in the French Quarter who married Jac
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Sep 14, 2010
Kathleen
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Dr. Jewell Parker Rhodes has a distinguished background. She is the Artistic Director for Global Engagement and the Piper Endowed Chair of the Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing at Arizona State University. As an African-American woman of considerable accomplishment her perspective on Marie Laveau is considerably different from that of Francine Prose but both are equally fascinating. Rhodes' Marie Laveau is very much a woman of her times, a free black woman raised by a grandmother who
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Dec 27, 2011
Tracy
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This book was not what I expected, so perhaps I am being harsh in giving it 3 stars (If I could I would rate it 3.5 stars.) I was expecting a book that explained more about the voodoo religion and the strong woman who is still remembered today. This was more of a social timepiece about slavery and misogyne. I thought it was well written and about 3/4 of the way through I actually became interested in the story and stayed up late to finish it. I will not be reading the second book in the series h
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May 07, 2008
Ellee
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This novel by Jewell Parker Rhodes is another excellent snapshot of life in New Orleans. This book takes place before the Civil War and paints a vivid picture of the city at that time. Voodoo Dreams is a coming-of-age story wrapped up in spicy Creole Louisiana, slavery, and - of course - voodoo. It's also a self-awakening story as Marie tries to find out who she is and what her purpose in life is - which is something all of us can relate to.
I cannot stress enough what a gifted storyt More...
I cannot stress enough what a gifted storyt More...
Sep 03, 2011
Yvonne
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This one was a page turner, but I think it just barely makes its classification as historical fiction. Four or five of the six main characters didn't exist. One did, but has no historical connection to Marie Laveau. I don't know enough about the genre to know if that is unusual. But there was a Marie and Voudou and 19-century New Orleans--all of which made for a very compelling story. It was hard to put down at times. Next I'm reading a nonfiction about Marie Laveau to put it into perspective.
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Jan 26, 2009
Asymmetrical
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I started this book thinking I was going to love it, but never did finish. I felt the author's modern viewpoint stuffed Marie's. When I read historical fiction, I prefer the illusion of going back in time, not having the author on my back, pointing out the sights over my shoulder.
The book has some things going for it: the subject is fascinating, it has some feel for voodoo, and it's not bad at all for a first novel. I have a feeling this is an author who will age well.
The book has some things going for it: the subject is fascinating, it has some feel for voodoo, and it's not bad at all for a first novel. I have a feeling this is an author who will age well.
Dec 28, 2009
Miranda
rated it: 
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Jan 13, 2009
Pudds
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Wow. Who knew there were so many really revolting ways to describe sex? This could have been a very interesting book if the author had figured out that there are other words in the English language than "cock". It's unfortunate that she is, apparently, so lacking in confidence in her writing ability that she had to fall back on the old ploy of filling pages with vulgar scenes. Because when she finally got around to simply telling the story it was quite well written and intriguing.
Aug 06, 2011
Jennifer
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Beautifully written story revealing the always perilous and mostly underestimated roles of African American women and their lives. Set in New Orleans during early 1800s and full of the violence of that time. Voodoo is of rising interest again in this country. Interesting look at the early pages of its American history.
Apr 24, 2011
Cynthia
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Good heavens. I read this book years and years ago, having seen it peeking out at me from a shelf in a store. I grew up with stories of Marie Laveau and I've always been fascinated by her many incarnations.
The story is interesting and well written. I love how Rhodes speculates on the life of one of New Orleans' most famous daughters.
The story is interesting and well written. I love how Rhodes speculates on the life of one of New Orleans' most famous daughters.
Mar 24, 2010
Katherine
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Since there really isn't much known about the real Marie Laveau, the novel takes it's liberties-but in a good way. It's a fun read and does a decent job of presenting vodoo in a real way along with lovely descriptions of New Orleans in the begining.
For light reading/beach reading only.
For light reading/beach reading only.
Mar 26, 2011
Melinda
rated it:
Solid 3.75. Another glimpse into the ugly later 1800's in NO. Voodoo, Catholic,abuse,rape,sex, love, and slavery are woven tightly in the LONG yet interesting book. Characters are developed however not sure if I want to read another Marie lineage saga for more of sadness, mistreatment and lost powerful women.
Jul 15, 2010
Olympia
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Very interesting and readable. I was looking for a story that emphasized the spiritual side of Voodoo rather than the spooky, zombie-raising stuff that most people associate with it. This book, while probably more fiction than fact, provided an entertaining look at the legendary Marie Laveau and the nature of the religion that she helped to sustain.
Feb 04, 2010
Margaret
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Interesting historical novel. Not the voodoo nonsense you might imagine from the title, but a fictionalized biography of a reluctant voodoo queen of the 19th century. Perspective on slavery & free blacks in New Orleans, white noblesse oblige, and a great portrayal of a business person who will stop at nothing to achieve a dream. There is corruption and redemption. A fascinating look at a time, place and society I never thought to examine.
Oct 26, 2009
Alcqueline
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I enjoyed reading this mystery. It’s a quick read. The momentum of the story picked up after the initial hospital scene. Marie Laveau may be a better detective than a doctor. She has a great gift, but is in denial about it. I love the setting in Southern Louisiana.
Mar 28, 2011
Eboni
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I love books that transport you to another time and makes you feel as if you are seeing the story unfold. This book is haunting, intriguing and weaves a tale of heart-ache, love and betrayal passed down through 3 generations of women!
Sep 04, 2009
Susan
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If you love New Orleans and historical novels you will love this...well written. Centers around a fascinating but little known woman, former slave who became the lead Voudiene in NOLA in the 1800s...a bit spooky, well written, unique.
Mar 16, 2010
Savannah
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Read perhaps 50 pages and just couldn't get into it. I'm not even sure what failed to appeal--maybe I'm just not in the mood for voodoo and mysticism.
Apr 14, 2009
Looking forward to starting this book... I"ve had it for a long time but just never seem to pick it up.
Dec 17, 2009
Gypsy
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awesome historical depictions! ferverent and magical journey through new orleans darkest hour.
Oct 29, 2009
Katie
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I wish there was a "2.5 stars" option. I am fascinated with New Orleans and am very interested in its rich history, including Voodoo. I thought that this book would feed that interest, especially with Marie Laveau starring, right? Wrong. It was a read, and that is it. It had its moments, but probably not enough to win it that half of a star to let people know that I liked it instead of thinking it was just "ok." I'm going to go ahead and read the second installment, Voodoo Se
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May 17, 2008
Claudia
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One of my former students came into the room as I was finishing Rhodes's fictional biography of Marie Laveau, VooDoo Queen of New Orleans. When he saw the tears on my face, at first he was alarmed; then he remembered. I cry. Jewell Parker Rhodes has combined the atmosphere of my favorite city in the US with a story of strong women whose heritage reaches back to Africa. Another student read this first and recommended it.
