In Raymie Nightingale we met three special girls. One of these was Louisiana Elefante. This book, Louisiana's Way Home, continues her story. This latest book can stand alone so don't worry if you haven't met Raymie but after reading Louisiana's Way Home I am fairly sure you will want to read Raymie Nightingale. Huge thanks to Beachside Bookshop for my advanced reader copy. Louisiana's Way Home will be available in Australia in early October.
Watch this video from Colby Sharp where he explains his reaction to this very special book. Here is a wonderful, heartfelt and detailed review by Betsy Bird at SLJ. I always appreciate her thoughtful comments.
In the middle of the night Louisiana's grandmother wakes her up and bundles her into their old car. She tells Louisiana the day of reckoning has arrived. They drive through the night and cross from Florida into Georgia. They have no money. Granny needs urgent attention by a dentist. They wind up at the Good Night Sleep Tight Motel which has a very unfriendly owner who demands money and shows no compassion. Since they cannot pay for their night at the motel Louisiana will have to sing at a funeral in the town on Friday. These scenes reminded of the movie Paper Moon based on the book Addie Pray by Joe David Brown which I have mentioned in a previous post.
Here is a text quote to give you a flavour of this splendid writing.
"If you have not left your home in the middle of the night without even giving it a backward glance; if you have not left your cat and your friends and also a one-eyed dog named Buddy without getting to tell any of them good-bye; if you have not stood on the side of the road in Georgia, somewhere past the irrevocable state line, and waited for someone to come along and give you a ride, well, then you cannot understand the desperation that was in my heart that day."
Kate DiCamillo has a wonderful skill with characters and Louisiana's Way Home has some truly memorable ones. Bernice the unfriendly mean spirited motel manager who wears hair curlers all day; Miss Lulu who constantly eats caramels which she never shares and who plays the piano very badly; Mrs Ivy the dentist receptionist who is officious and has no compassion; the warm-hearted and loving Betty Allen who is making seventeen cakes for a raffle at the town fair and her wonderful son Burke Allen who "gave me two sandwiches when I had only asked for one." I want to meet Burke Allen, give him and hug and say a huge thank you for being a kind friend to Louisiana.
I read this whole book in one sitting. I almost didn't want to start because I just knew Louisiana's Way Home would be SO GOOD and it was. After you read Louisiana's Way Home you might pick up Waiting for Normal, Almost Home, and Tiger Rising also by Kate DiCamillo.
The book strikes a delicate balance between relating a charming, entertaining story full of colorful characters and imparting a deeply meaningful life lesson about deciding what kind of person to be. Not everyone Louisiana meets is interested in helping her, but those that do reach out to her with great love and compassion. Foreword Reviews
Told in a first person narrative by Louisiana herself her voice is a strong, determined one and her humour lifts the sadness frequently. The plot is both unexpected and moving. Yet again the author manages to weave together a compelling narrative with an underlying theme of resilience, forgiveness, kindness and hope. The Bookbag
For readers who relish thoughtfully constructed plots, well-developed characters, and carefully crafted language, this will be a special treat. Kirkus
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