Historian, author, editor, educator Remy Benoit's ongoing weblog for Veterans, writers, students, others who believe in learning from and making history. Thousands of articles and posts and a free writing seminar, Using History for Healing and Writing.
—"The best works by living writers on the heart of New Orleans." Miz' Remy is the author of Annie.
Tara and Alex Asher arrive at a major mid-life decision having found that the stress of urban life as University professors is denying them the kind of lifestyle they desire.
The couple decides to accept the offer of Tara's maternal grandmother to share her home on a mid-Atlantic barrier island for a year. The Island House is the setting of the previous novel in this companion piece to Letty.
Alex will continue his research for publication and teach part time in a small mainland college while Tara begins work on her second historical novel.
Their teenage children, Michael, 17, and Miranda, 13, accompany them
Through Gran's efforts, Tara and her family become involved with a series of family journals. These journals have been kept over several centuries dating back to one of a Spanish Conquistador whose words are still affecting his descendants.
As they become more and more enmeshed in the personal histories of the Islanders, they learn about themselves and their personal quest for meaning in their lives.
The rugged environment of the barrier island acquaints them with the forces of nature and man's relationship to them. The story includes a vivid storm scene, gleaned from personal experience, in which the dividing line between land and water vanishes.
In the course of the story, Tara learns to accept her change of life and life style as her daughter moves into womanhood, and Gran faces the problems of old age and loss.
Alex and Michael support each other as the child becomes a man, and the man begins to fashion a new life for himself.
The Ashers become entangled in questions concerning loving, giving, and balance and the responsibilities of personal freedom, the underlying themes of the book. The Islanders assist the Ashers in learning about the patterns of life that we all quilt for ourselves.
Both Sides of the Wall: Reflections of the West Point Class of 1968 (Edited by Remy Benoit).
Read Jerry Wenstrom's review of Loving.
Rhea and Jordan Devereaux had it all: undying devotion, a tender love, and a grand passion. And then the Vietnam War separated them. Follow the course of their love across time and space. Journey with them through the steaming jungle; dance with the Mardi Gras revelers while revolution unseats Louis XVI and protestors on the Washington Mall scream, Hell, NO. We won't Go. Sail with Laffite's pirates into Devil's Isle and rejoice as an unconditional and timeless love emerges victorious.
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