Ruin and Renewal: Volume Three of Crescent City in Austen Variations

Sep 10, 2017 Sheila Majczan rated it really liked it

Much of this book describes in great detail everything you might remember or want to know about how Hurricane Katrina affected New Orleans and other locations. There was so much on the news media not only about the coming threat but also about how the populace reacted (to evacuate or not), how the levees failed and why, and then all the political handling, accusations and fall out over the tragedy. Jack gives us all the scientific details about the pressures systems, but also describes geographi Much of this book describes in great detail everything you might remember or want to know about how Hurricane Katrina affected New Orleans and other locations. There was so much on the news media not only about the coming threat but also about how the populace reacted (to evacuate or not), how the levees failed and why, and then all the political handling, accusations and fall out over the tragedy. Jack gives us all the scientific details about the pressures systems, but also describes geographic problems, etc. that allowed so many to suffer or die. It all is fairly fresh in my mind and I remember the news and/or gossip about what was happening in the various domes or centers for refugees and the final evacuations by bus to Houston and other places, the trailers that were brought in and the FEMA failures.

Jack makes this a more personal story as we read of how our characters decide to stay put, go help or evacuate. Elizabeth and Darcy, not yet married, have his estate which has been storm proofed, Chuck decides to stay to help protect his home which is dear to him but his pregnant wife, his daughter and dog to off to stay with his mother. Carrie (Caroline) is also there with her son and dog and Mama Catherine is not too happy with it all - hates the dogs. (She reminds one of Lady Catherine here.) Several parties seal their fate thinking that by staying they can loot or find ways to influence their futures. One doctor finds himself working with little sleep and then still having to evacuate the hospital. The Guardsmen and Police are called out and that has echoes of all we read about back when. And as a madman begins shooting at a copter justice is served...finally.

As the story comes to an end we learn through our connections to various characters that the hurricane and its aftereffects caused permanent changes in most lives. There were those who had to move out due to the loss of homes and/or due to the loss of employment. And we see it all repeated as Harvey and Irma are recent events in the history along our southern coast line. ...more

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Jan 11, 2018 Elin Eriksen rated it it was amazing

Shelves: steamy, modern, thrilling, 2024-jaff, favourite, unique-premises

Oh my! How to write a review that would do this fabulous trilogy justice... I fear I will fail miserably but will give it try...

In this third instalment, the count down towards hurricane Katrina has begun. The city is bracing herself for the onslaught with evacuation and other security measures.
When it is over, none of Caldwell's characters will be unscathed and some will not survive. It was an emotional read... Not only by the torment the characters went through but the mismanagement of the ca ...more

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