SMOKE IN THE CYPRESS

Owen Pataki graduated from Cornell University in 2010 with a degree in history. In 2011, Owen joined the army, and in 2014 was deployed to Afghanistan, serving with the 10th Mountain Division. Following his military service, he attended the MetFilm School in London. His first novel was Where the Light Falls (2017) followed by Searchers in Winter (2021). He now lives in New York where he is working as a screenwriter and filmmaker.

“Pataki’s talent for creating atmosphere that is as dynamic, intriguing, and treacherous as his characters, sweeps readers into the violent secret world of Louisiana’s bayous during the run-up to the Battle of New Orleans.” —Juliet Grey, Author of the acclaimed Marie Antoinette trilogy

“You will love this new, electrifying tale of war, honor, and survival set against the lush backdrop of Louisiana during the War of 1812. This is a special book!” —Michelle Moran, International Bestselling Author

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

1. In Chapter 1, Marcel Moreau presents himself as a man with a singular mission to retrieve Celeste de Beaumais. However, throughout Chapters 3-7, he repeatedly makes choices that complicate and distract him from this goal. What do you think drives him beyond his stated purpose?

2. Chapter 1 introduces us to the Baratarians, while Chapters 5-8 show different communities in 1814 Louisiana: the Creoles, free people of color, enslaved people, and maroons in Le Marais. How do these groups interact with and perceive each other throughout the book?

3. Throughout Chapters 1-13, we see different forms of authority and power. Compare and contrast the leadership styles of characters like Moreau (Chapters 4 and 14), Araza (Chapters 3 and 7), Giroux (Chapter 6), Jean Lafitte (Chapter 8), Diantha/Gran Ibo (Chapter 8), and General Jackson (Chapter 12).

4. In Chapter 6, we witness the brutal treatment of enslaved people at Le Mouton plantation. How does the novel portray the institution of slavery, particularly through the perspectives of different characters like Moreau, Antonia, and Emile Giroux? How does the novel portray the institution of slavery, particularly through the perspectives of characters like Diantha/Gran Ibo, Neremiah, and Edward?

5. Celeste’s letters to her mother reveal a different side to her character than what others perceive. What do these letters tell us about her true nature and motivations?

6. The novel is set against the backdrop of the War of 1812 and the impending Battle of New Orleans, which becomes increasingly apparent in Chapters 12-14. How does this historical context influence the characters’ actions and decisions? How does this historical context influence the way characters interact with one another?

7. Several characters in the novel wear different masks or present false identities (Moreau/Lenoir in Chapters 1-6, Lafitte/”Phantom” in Chapter 8). Why does identity and knowing one’s identity hold power throughout the book?

8. In Chapters 3 and 7, Will Keane is rejected by his community for showing fear in battle, yet he continues to seek acceptance and purpose. What does his character reveal about notions of courage and belonging? Do you feel that Will ultimately proves himself?

9. Consider the depiction of Le Marais (the maroon community) in Chapters 7-8. How does this society function compared to the plantations and New Orleans? What role does it play in the larger narrative?

10. The ruby is first mentioned in Chapter 5 and becomes an object of desire for multiple characters through Chapter 8. Which characters want the ruby, and why? Why does Moreau make it his mission to come into possession of the ruby at one point? What does the ruby symbolize within the story, and how does it drive the plot forward?

11. What does Will and Moreau’s relationship reveal about Moreau’s character?

12. The book contains multiple perspectives on slavery and freedom via characters like Diantha, Nehemiah, Edward, and Giroux. How do these different viewpoints contribute to the novel’s exploration of this complex historical reality?

13. Compare Moreau’s leadership approach in Chapter 32 with other authority figures in the novel, like General Jackson, Plauché, Diantha, Winfield, and Giroux. What makes an effective leader in the circumstances portrayed in the book?

14. How does Pataki use the natural environment of Louisiana as both setting and metaphor throughout the book?

15. What role do the female characters (Diantha, Antonia, Elyse and Celeste) play in advancing the narrative? Are their portrayals historically convincing?

16. The battle scenes show both organized military engagements and guerrilla-style combat. How do these different forms of conflict reveal character and advance themes?

17. How does the author balance historical authenticity with modern sensibilities in portraying this period of American history?