Set in the turbulent times of the American twentieth century, Dubus describes the years of 1933-1945 from the viewpoint of a girl growing up in southwest Louisiana, a unique region of manners, mores, daily lives, frequent celebrations, and diverse food of both the French and Cajun settlers. The recipes from the author's family and friends are lagniappe to be enjoyed again and again. Dubus describes a childhood filled with relatives ranging from eccentric Aunt Gabe to a no-nonsense Scottish grandmother, all of whom considered education and the character to use it the most important gifts adults could give to children. Sprinkled among the lessons are stories of adventures with neighborhood children, adolescent growing pains, teen escapades, glimpses into her Catholic education, ice cream socials, and picnics, all under the watchful and amused eyes of a close knit community"--