A Free Man of Color

Barbara Hambly

Book 1 in the series:Benjamin January

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Set in 1830's New Orleans, "A Free Man of Color" follows the story of Benjamin January, a free man of color who returns to his hometown after years in Paris. The book delves into the intricate social hierarchy and racial tensions of the time, painting a vivid picture of the city's atmosphere and customs. Benjamin, a musician and surgeon, becomes embroiled in a murder mystery at a quadroon ball, where he is a suspect due to his proximity to the victim. As he navigates through the complexities of New Orleans society, Benjamin must unravel the mystery to clear his name and avoid being wrongfully accused.

The writing style of Barbara Hambly is praised for its rich and detailed descriptions of 19th-century New Orleans, immersing readers in the sights, sounds, and smells of the era. The book is commended for its engaging plot, intriguing characters, and the historical accuracy in depicting the social castes and interactions of the time period.

Characters:

Characters are complex, particularly Benjamin January, and represent the intricate social hierarchies of 19th-century New Orleans.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is rich and descriptive, filled with historical detail and period-specific language that immerses readers in the setting.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around a murder mystery in 1830s New Orleans, focusing on Benjamin January's efforts to clear his name after being implicated in the death of a mixed-race courtesan.

Setting:

The setting of 1830s New Orleans is vividly portrayed, providing a cultural backdrop steeped in social and racial complexities.

Pacing:

Pacing begins slowly to establish context but accelerates in the latter half, leading to a more gripping narrative.

Had Cardinal Richelieu not assaulted the Mohican Princess, thrusting her up against the brick wall of the carriageway and forcing her mouth with his kisses, Benjamin January probably wouldn’t have not...

Notes:

The novel is set in New Orleans during the 1830s, after the Louisiana Purchase and before the Civil War.

Benjamin January is a free man of color, of African heritage, who is also a trained surgeon and an accomplished musician.

He returns to New Orleans after living in France, experiencing culture shock due to the racism he faces.

The story begins with a murdered woman found at a courtesans' ball, sparking January's investigation to clear his name.

The book blends historical fiction and mystery, with detailed descriptions of the social hierarchy based on race.

Hambly's writing provides insight into the complexities of race and society in early 19th century New Orleans.

Benjamin's return to New Orleans is also tied to his grief over his wife's death and a desire for a sense of belonging.

The character faces challenges due to the changing racial dynamics and the influx of American culture.

The narrative effectively incorporates the realities of the caste system and racial tensions present at the time.

This book is the first in a series that follows Benjamin January's further adventures.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of violence, racism, and murder, which may be distressing to some readers.

From The Publisher:

A lush and haunting novel of a city steeped in decadent pleasures . . . and of a man, proud and defiant, caught in a web of murder and betrayal.

It is 1833. In the midst of Mardi Gras, Benjamin January, a Creole physician and music teacher, is playing piano at the Salle d'Orleans when the evenings festivities are interrupted-by murder.

Ravishing Angelique Crozat, a notorious octoroon who travels in the city's finest company, has been strangled to death. With the authorities reluctant to become involved, Ben begins his own inquiry, which will take him through the seamy haunts of riverboatmen and into the huts of voodoo-worshipping slaves.

But soon the eyes of suspicion turn toward Ben-for, black as the slave who fathered him, this free man of color is still the perfect scapegoat. . . .

Praise for A Free Man of Color

"A smashing debut. Rich and exciting with both substance and spice."-Star Tribune, Minneapolis

"A sparkling gem."-King Features Syndicate

"An astonishing tour de force."-Margaret Maron

"Superb."-Drood Review of Mystery

"A darned good murder mystery."-USA Today

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About the Author:

Barbara Hambly is the author of Patriot Hearts and The Emancipator's Wife, a finalist for the Michael Shaara Award for Excellence in Civil War Fiction. She is also the author of Fever Season, a New York Times Notable Book of the Year, and the acclaimed historical Benjamin January series, including…

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