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Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
The Belly of the Anaconda by C. Arthur Ellis, Jr. blends history and fiction, offering a vivid portrait of New Orleans during the Civil War. The story focuses on Rachel Durand, a widow whose life has been shattered by war. As Union troops take control of the city, she must find ways to survive in a place where power has shifted, alliances are fragile, and every choice carries consequences. Rachel’s journey is both personal and political as she struggles to reconcile her Southern roots with the new realities around her. Her character is at the heart of the story, providing an intimate perspective on a larger historical moment. Her moral struggles reflect the broader conflicts of the era, including questions of loyalty and the meaning of freedom. When she becomes involved in espionage and secret operations, her personal transformation echoes the city’s own upheaval.
C. Arthur Ellis vividly portrays life in occupied New Orleans, from the lively energy of the French Market to the tense parlors where Union officers meet with local elites. The thorough research and extensive bibliography are clear in every chapter. Photographs enhance the realistic depictions. Equally notable is how the book explores the roles of women during wartime. Rachel and other female characters face restrictions in a male-dominated society but find ways to exercise agency, sometimes through quiet acts of defiance and other times through daring risks. The narrative impressively examines these changes without romanticizing the era, allowing the complexity of their choices to stand on its own. Ellis’s careful attention to language and setting, alongside the detailed chapter notes and references, offers a compelling view of how ordinary people navigate extraordinary times. The Belly of the Anaconda is a memorable story that will appeal to readers of all genres. It deserves more than five stars.
