I was disappointed by this book. It is a historical look at the French Canadian leader Pierre "Piau" Belliveau. I am sure descendants of the French in Canada will find it a fascinating read. What disappointed me, was that it wasn't about their ending up in Louisiana! Petty, I know, but I really thought that's what the book would be about. It's a fascinating read, just not for me.

I read this book as a publisher's ARC.
An excellent novel about a real-life character, Pierre Belliveau, an Acadian who led his people into exile in 1755 while seeking a better life.
Murray, who is a descendant, of Piau, has done extensive research into the times and the protagonist and brings it all together in a compelling story of hope and courage in the face of hazards, intrigues, and bad luck.
Highly recommended.

Narrative history is tricky. There's always a danger that the history audience will find the book lacking academic rigidity and the fiction crowd will find it too dry. Happily, this book manages to find the delicate balance between meticulous research and detail on the one hand and a well written narrative story on the other.

Despite (or possibly because of) growing up in America, I was not terribly familiar with Acadian history. Pierre Belliveau was a folk hero from the mid 18th century who led a group of persecuted francophone Acadians into exile in the Canadian wilderness in search of a better life rather than suffer under English rule.

At roughly 300 pages, the story develops steadily and evenly. I personally had some trouble keeping the characters distinct in my mind - parents, mothers and daughters & fathers and sons often shared names, which made it challenging to keep them straight sometimes.

Beautifully crafted and entertaining, I really liked this book a lot.

Four stars

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher

Piau, born Pierre Belliveau, is a legendary Acadian folk hero. A man of deep faith who was close to his French Catholic relatives as well as his Protestant English ones, though born and raised Huguenot, he was equally close to First Nation peoples, among whom he lived in peace during his wanderings.

Peace, alas, was not to be found with the British. After a series of tragic encounters, Piau led his people during the 1755 expulsion when some 11,500 Acadians were deported from the maritime region; after seizing a ship in order to save his family, being confined as a prisoner of war, deported to Boston, he eventually came to rest as a patriarch as well as a leader in New Brunswick, the Promised Land.

Murray is a direct descendant of Piau, and chose to fictionalize Piau’s story, writing it as autobiography. The result reminds me of old-fashioned historical novels and fictionalized history, told in stately language, with vivid, beautifully appreciative descriptions of the land in all seasons.

The various historical characters are brought to life, some good, some bad, on all sides, and always a respect and appreciation for the First Nation peoples the Acadians lived among—and were rescued by on more than one occasion.

This was an engrossing read, painful at times—the Acadians suffered badly at British hands during the early to mid eighteenth century—beautiful at others, especially the appreciation for music, art, literature, legends, Biblical tales, and especially nature. There are also descriptions of the stonemason’s art at the time.

Anyone who would like a glimpse into the history of the Acadians from an inside view should take a look at this book.

Pierre Belliveau, nicknamed Piau, was an Acadian folk hero. Acadians were descendants of French colonists. They formed tight knit groups, marrying within their communities and passing down written and oral histories of their ancestors. In 1755, Piau led his people into exile to escape the Acadian Expulsion.

A young Piau spent winters in Grand Pre with his Uncle Pierre LaVerdure. Under Uncle Pierre's tutelage, Piau became fluent in reading and writing both French and English. Speaking English was an asset, Acadia had been an English colony since 1657. Piau was taught stone masonry as well. Uncle Pierre, an elder in Grand Pre, engaged in numerous debates over whether to stay and take an oath of allegiance to the British Crown or leave Acadia.

When British Lt. Gov. Caulfield was in charge of Acadia, the citizenry appeared loyal to the Crown and willing to pledge conditional allegiance. In wartime, however, the Acadians would be unwilling to bear arms against their kinfolk in surrounding French colonies.

Charles Belliveau, Piau's brother, was a master shipbuilder. He designed and built fishing and sailing vessels for the British. Using white pine, he constructed masts for British ships and repaired their sails and hulls. Charles additionally constructed fishing boats which were hidden in the woods for both fishing and available for sudden escape if warranted. When a new Lt. Gov., Lawrence Armstrong, replaced well liked Caulfield, the atmosphere became unsettling.

Armstrong demanded that Acadians pledge an unconditional oath of allegiance to the newly crowned King George ll. Acadian delegates were jailed. Arbitrary decisions sent shock waves through a community used to working together to build and harvest, share stories, songs and memories of the ancestors. Piau, a born leader, asked that his people take a leap of faith and follow him into exile to escape the 1755 expulsion, which included the commandeering of their farms and livestock by the British.

Piau's bilingual abilities and skill in masonry enabled him to become a liaison between the British and the Acadians. His knowledge of seafaring vessels was key in eluding the British. Friendship with the Mi'kmaq Indians helped Piau and his fellow travelers build wigwams for protection from the harsh winters in exile.

"Piau: Journey to the Promised Land" is an historical fiction rendering of a true Acadian hero. After enduring expulsion and eventually surrendering as prisoners of war, Piau led the Acadians to New Brunswick, a land of promise and new beginnings. Author Bruce Murray has written a captivating book about his descendant, Pierre Belliveau aka Piau.

Piau and family enjoyed the rhythms of violins, mouth harps, dancing and singing ancient melodies. Piau was recognized as having a melodious voice. Author Bruce Murray's sister, Canadian singer Anne Murray, wrote the forward for this tome. An enjoyable read.

Thank you Dundurn Press and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review "Piau: Journey to the Promised Land".