Gumbeaux by Kimberly Vargas is an armchair trip as vivid as if I was there myself. I have never been to New Orleans, but I got the flavor, not only from each character, well drawn out, but from the delicious food—Gumbo, Crawfish, etc—as well. To me, the mark of a successful novel is that I care about the characters, and I did! The protagonist has a problem that she is seeking help for. Her therapist, and the reader, through her diaries, follows her coming of age journey through the men, money, and mysteries of the South. When I finished reading Gumbeaux, I was ready to book a flight to New Orleans, and I envision seeing Gumbeaux on the big screen.
~Andrea Glass, Writer’s Way, San Diego, Calif.
This is a very easy read about a young woman and her experiences in the early 1990′s while attending college in a small town in Louisiana. The story reads as a series of diary entries which chronicle the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of the main character during this time in her life. The novel’s title refers to a cajun restaurant in which the main character works as a waitress. The colorful descriptions of the town of Bayou Bend, the college, its inhabitants and the surrounding areas paint a vivid and amusing tale of life in the South.
~Jennifer Jensen, Oceanside, Calif.
Having spent the first 30 years of my life “on the bayou” I am an authority on Louisiana characters. The characters in Gumbeaux absolutely hit the mark. These ladies and gents are as entertaining as it gets. The writing makes me long for mint julips and magnolias. Thank you Kimberly Vargas, Gumbeaux is truly a love letter to my home!
~Elizabeth Allison, Dallas, Texas
This was an awesome book! With well written characters, a great story, and all around wonderful read. I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait for more from this author, more books please!
~Jennifer Haase, Carlsbad, Calif.