Anne Marie du Bois de Chêne
Based on true events,
“Young Ladies of Good Family”, by Anne Marie du Bois de Chêne, allows you to
experience the most unusual world of one of Haiti's
rare white gentry.
Discover, from the
safety of your arm chair, this incredible land of crushing poverty and rich
optimism; with its zombies, ‘possessed’ people and machines,
overcrowded churches by day, and pounding voodoo drums at night.
The 25
chapters are packed with wild experiences and delirious escapades.
After reading this book, you will
see your own world with more appreciative eyes, yet, also feel a tiny, nagging
urge to step back into the magical land left behind.
"Few native Haitians adjust
happily to living off island. I am one of these; however, my heart aches
for my homeland more than I care to admit." Anne
Marie du Bois de Chêne
Reader Comments & Reviews:
“If
this book were required reading for our schools, we would have far fewer
discontented and disrespectful children.” – Linda Doucet, LA
"What a lovely painting of Haiti from the
words of an islander! The author offers a colorful new picture of the people, …
and especially their views of outsiders. This small book explores real wealth,
freedom, gracious conduct and racial harmony. You’ll wish you were one of them”. – Norma
Richards, LA
" I was immersed in the stories as if I were a character present and watching the action unfold. Great masterpiece!" Kristopher Lemke, FL
“Your book is so
interesting that you definitely don't want to put it down to do your chores “
Olga Turnier, Dom. Rep.
Anne Marie du Bois de Chêne was born and raised in Haiti.
She always
dreamed of visiting other lands; the forlorn horns of visiting
ships seemed to be calling her to board.
She graduated from Loyola
University
in New Orleans,
with a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education, and a minor in French.
Besides teaching, she has worked in Business Administration,
Hotel Management, and Sales.
Anne Marie lives in Louisiana
with her German husband, who shares her love of travel, and strongly supports
her in her writing.
This book is dedicated to her American mother, who asked her
to write "about this crazy family and island!", and
unfortunately died before its publication.
Anne Marie dreams of becoming a Bestselling Author, in order
to sponsor Educational and Reforestation Programs in Haiti.
From Chapter 13
ISLAND PETS AND CREATURES: Felix the iguana was six feet long, counting the tail, and three awesome feet high. It had the same type of notched spine as a dinosaur, and large teeth to match. Although it was a herbivore, its physical aspect belied this fact. This animal caused goose bumps on the thickest arms, at first sight.
After a while, reassured by the quiet, Felix decided to investigate the fresh smelling branches, and being of the lizard family, was delighted to discover that one of the branches could actually hold his weight. Slowly, carefully, but surely, up, over, and down he climbed, and, noted strange murmuring sounds coming from the neighbors.
Island ladies firmly believe that if they see a horrible sight while they are pregnant, their baby will look like it.
The happy Colonel family suddenly froze in horror, for before their very eyes stood the apparition of a monster so evil looking that one could never have imagined it, and it was walking towards them!
Papa Colonel was the first man to regain his wits. He bravely grabbed his large daughter and pushed, and shoved her into the house, where she collapsed in a floor shaking slump. Mme and the husband were tripping over one another, bringing up the rear. The heavy wooden doors were slammed shut, locked, and barricaded. The Colonel, true military man that he still was, summoned the National Guard, then thinking it best to be safe rather than sorry, also demanded the intervention of the Army, the Special Forces, and put the Air Force on alert, as well.
Sounds of falling rocking chairs caused the family to hug one another and pray in earnest, between whimpers.
