Ernest J. Gaines
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One of Acadiana’s most revered authors, Ernest J. Gaines (1933-2019) is celebrated for his powerful novels set in rural Louisiana, exploring themes of race, justice, and dignity. Works like A Lesson Before Dying, The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman, and A Gathering of Old Men are cornerstones of American literature.
Books related to his legacy can be found at the UL Press Bookshop, such as This Louisiana Thing That Drives Me: The Legacy of Ernest Gaines and A Gathering of Gaines: The Man and the Writer. For his novels, check out Cavalier House Books in downtown Lafayette or Book Rack of Acadiana. The latter is a used books store, so the selection varies.
James Lee Burke
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Known for his popular crime novels, particularly the Dave Robicheaux series set in New Iberia, James Lee Burke brings the trials and tribulations of the Deep South to life. His vivid descriptions paint a picture of south Louisiana and deep characterizations have earned him numerous accolades. Due to his popularity, his books can be easily found at shops like Cavalier House Books and Book Club & Co. The newest addition to Bonne Vie Macaroons, while not an official bookstore, is growing in popularity as a book club. There are dedicated shelves for the owner’s and book club favorites, along with a rotating selection.
Darrell Bourque
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A poet of Acadian heritage, Darrell Bourque served as Louisiana Poet Laureate and is a retired professor from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. His collections, such as "Megan’s Guitar and Other Poems from Acadie", explore themes of displacement, inner conflict, and cultural identity, particularly for Cajun and Francophone heritage. His works can be found at the UL Press Bookshop and sometimes at the Hilliard Art Museum.
Stephanie Fournet
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A contemporary romance author based in Lafayette, Stephanie Fournet often sets her novels "not far from the Saint Streets," drawing inspiration from her local surroundings. Her bibliography includes popular titles like Fall Semester, Legacy, and Butterfly Ginger. Cavalier House Books carries Fournet’s writings with those of other local authors.
Shome Dasgupta
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Another local literary work that can be picked up at Cavalier House is Shome Dasgupta. An author, poet, and educator, Shome Dasgupta's works blend fiction and poetry, earning him national and international recognition. His stories, like those in Atchafalaya Darling, focus on memory, place, and imagination, blending his Bengali heritage with his Cajun surroundings.
Marcelle Bienvenu
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Often called the "Queen of Cajun Cooking," Marcelle Bienvenu is a journalist and food historian dedicated to preserving Cajun and Creole culinary traditions. Her most popular cookbooks, such as Who’s Your Mama, Are You Catholic, and Can You Make a Roux?, blend recipes with cultural history. Her cookbooks are widely available in Louisiana, including Vermilionville and major retailers.
Trent Angers
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A veteran journalist and two-time Nobel Prize in Literature nominee, Trent Angers has authored numerous news stories and books, including The Forgotten Hero of My Lai: The Hugh Thompson Story and The Truth About the Cajuns. His work is recognized for its depth and dedication to investigative journalism. His books can be found at the Book Rack, Cavaliere House Books, and major retailers.
