Setting
The novel unfolds with an exhilarating escapade. Andrew dashes over slick tree roots in the heart of the Louisiana swamp, his target a elusive hen. Pierre looks on, anxiety etched in his features. The promise of eggs upon their return to the Hotel de Jacques—a sanctuary in the marshlands named after its creator, their father—hangs in the balance. Yet Pierre is acutely aware that Andrew's act is theft. With the sudden ferocity of an alligator's bite at his foot, Andrew manages to capture three hens and retreat to safety. This dynamic opening thrusts readers headlong into Robinet's tale.
Swamp Life Unveiled
Robinet paints the swamp's tapestry with vivid brushstrokes of wildlife and flora. Her narrative invites the presence of owls, alligators, swamp roosters, chickens, ducks, geese, and elegant egrets, while also hinting at the lurking danger of a venomous cottonmouth snake, nimble green lizards, and eerie cave bats. The story is rooted in the lush swamp vegetation: towering bald cypress trees, majestic live oaks adorned with Spanish moss, ferns, bromeliads, and the ethereal white blooms of ghost orchids, cypress shrubs, rope-like twine, and tall grasses threading through shallow waters. Through these descriptions, Robinet gently educates her audience about the intricacies of swamp ecosystems. She describes the cat-o'-nine-tail roots as "filling, like rice or bread. When raw, they were crunchy; when cooked, they were chewy." The twins' swamp fare, including raw eggs, snails, and frog's legs spiced with wild garlic bulbs, is depicted with tantalizing detail. Additionally, she warns of perilous plants, such as the water lettuce on Lettuce Lake that "no animals eat the leaves." Her evocative imagery draws readers deeper into the life of the swamp.
A Glimpse into History
Interwoven with the vivid depiction of swamp life, Robinet transports readers to the historical landscape of 1814. American soldiers emerge, hidden behind earthworks as they launch their offensive against the British. Their uniforms and weaponry are richly detailed, as the story echoes with the thunder of cannons from American ships: the fourteen-gun Caroline and the twenty-two-gun Louisiana. Robinet delves into the rugged attire of pirates—rawhide trousers, sharp-brimmed hats, crisp white shirts, vibrant sashes and scarves, and their muddy boots—and invites readers to hear the melodies of their sea shanties.
Further enriching the narrative, Robinet uncovers the mystery of Grand Terre, the pirates' bastion island, marked on ancient maps but absent from contemporary ones. Her author's note at the novel's end reveals that a hurricane obliterated the island. This meticulous attention to historical authenticity not only grounds the tale but also allows readers to traverse the annals of history as they journey through the story.
Literary Qualities
In her writing, Robinet masterfully crafts a unique style by weaving in the historical dialect of the enslaved people who once inhabited the United States. Her use of authentic vernacular, intertwined with the distinctive behavior and attitudes of the era, breathes life into her novel. This authenticity grants readers a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics between enslaved individuals and their masters.
Flashbacks: Windows to the Past
Robinet skillfully employs flashbacks to enlighten readers about the grim realities of slavery. By artfully disrupting the chronological flow of the narrative, she unveils the harrowing experiences endured by the twins during their enslavement under the Marquis. Through these vivid glimpses into the past, readers gain insight into the profound impact of these experiences on the twins' lives, while the broader issues of slavery are sharply illuminated.
Immersive Imagery
Throughout her novel, Robinet wields simple yet evocative imagery to great effect. She paints a vivid picture, immersing readers in the tactile experience of the swamps...
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and their teeming wildlife. Simultaneously, she offers a realistic portrayal of the tumultuous events of the Battle of New Orleans. As readers turn each page, they are transported to a pivotal historical era, understanding how it shaped the lives of soldiers, pirates, and enslaved people alike. By the story's conclusion, they emerge with a rich awareness of Louisiana's swampy landscapes and the significant historical moments that unfolded there in the early nineteenth century.
For Further Reference
Interviews and Biographies
"Harriette Gillem Robinet." An engaging and enlightening telephone interview with Michelle Prebilic, a freelance writer, conducted on February 1, 2001.
"Robinet, Harriette Gillem." Featured in Contemporary Authors, New Revision Series, Volume 42. Published in Detroit by Gale in 1994, this entry presents a succinct yet insightful biography of Robinet, along with thoughtful commentary on several of her literary works.
Reviews and Online Presence
Weisman, Kay. Review of The Twins, the Pirates, and the Battle of New Orleans. Booklist (November 15, 1997): 561. In her critique, Weisman lauds the historical novel for its captivating storytelling and rich historical context.
Harriette Gillem Robinet Web Page at http://www.hgrobinet.com/index.html. Accessed March 28, 2001. This digital portal offers a compact biography of Robinet, showcases all her children's literature to date, and features the distinct jacket art for each of her published works.
