Author: Craig Mayeux

ISBN: 978-0-595-44219-5

Publishers:  iUniverse, Inc.

From the well-known examples of Oliver Twist, Anne of Green Gables and Harry Potter to more obscure literary figures, orphaned characters are among the most well-beloved in our rich fictional heritage. There’s something about an orphan story that touches our hearts while exploring one of our deepest fears.

In his debut novel, ‘Brothers Forever: An Orphan Story,’ Craig Mayeux draws on his grandfather’s experience in the Orphan Train Movement to create a story about two inseparable young boys who consider themselves brothers for the first four years of their lives in a New York City orphanage before they are separated after a three-day train ride to rural Louisiana.

The boys are taken in by two very different Cajun families and plunged into a totally foreign culture where even the language spoken is not the same as they have become accustomed to hearing and speaking. The strong protector, Thomas Malley, is never actually adopted, but rather becomes an indentured member of the Brassette family for whom he labours and strives to be accepted.

As Mayeux explains it, “Indenturing of children was the forerunner of modern-day foster parenting.” The boy’s uneducated foster parents have little understanding of the legal process, “They simply assumed that once they had physical custody of Thomas, he belonged to them.” The weak misfit, Claude Cassidy, is adopted by the LaBordes, a childless couple who spoil him rotten. Although the boys are separated for the first time in their young lives, they continue to think of themselves as brothers and the two families cultivate this connection by getting together for Sunday dinners until an unspeakable tragedy separates them forever.

Beyond the story of these two orphans and their experiences, Mayeux creates an ambience that immerses not only the characters in the Cajun culture but also the readers. While this may appeal to residents of the region, who will recognize aspects of their own heritage, it is also an interesting encounter for those of us who have limited knowledge of the geographical area and cultural traditions. Within the context of the story, Mayeux introduces us to the Cajun dialect, cuisine and locale. He explains terms we may not be familiar with and translates French conversation, which is quite helpful to the unfamiliar reader.

‘Brothers Forever’ is a heart-warming and at times heart-rending account of the hardships and triumphs of two orphan boys who love each other above all else. You will laugh and cry and struggle with these boys. You will recognize yourself and the people around you in the characters who do their best to live faithful, hard-working lives, cutting out an existence in the midst of trials and tribulations in rural Louisiana in the early-1900s.

The above review was contributed by: Mary Simmons: Mary is an avid reader who is currently writing a family saga following three generations of women. She has worked as a reporter and is presently occupied with freelance writing and editing a doctoral thesis. Mary also reviews for other sites. Click Here to read Mary's reviews.

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