Antoine of Oak Alley: The Unlikely Origin of Southern Pecans and the Enslaved Man Who Cultivated Them Paperback – November 29, 2021

Antoine was my 4th great grandfather and I was thrilled to learn about him. The author shared some information that we were not able to find and cleared up some mysteries. Reading about slavery times is always hard and knowing that Antoine never got credit for his amazing contribution is hurtful, but it was to be expected because of the times that they were in. I enjoyed learning about him and the generations that followed. This isn't just a story but they are real people. It was told in a palpable way, which I greatly appreciated. This is a good book for students to read to learn about American History, not just African American History.

The author does an impressive job of bringing you into the world of enslaved people on the plantations of Louisiana, in particular Antoine and several generations of his family. Her thorough research and informed observations gave me a sense of what it was like for an enslaved person during that period of American history. She neither sensationalizes, nor romanticizes, their lives as enslaved people. She presents factual information gathered from her research, pieces together what she can of their lives on paper, and provides insight based on the context, laws and stories of that time. To say it was a sobering read is an understatement; her account of Antoine’s family’s lives is a particularly potent - and personal - form of insight into the “institution of slavery.” The author gives you a clear-eyed view of the lives the enslaved, and the people who owned them. But she also gives testament to the joy, determination, talent, intelligence and loving bonds the enslaved people had within their community, and in their lives, making the read a particularly well rounded experience, instead of one-sided. Antoine is the focus of the story but she covers all facets of his life, from his parents, children, community and even the people who actually owned him. The author deftly weaves all the intersecting angles of this complex period of history with relatable humans, Antoine in particular, at the center of it. His unique horticultural talent that produced the origin of the pecan we all know and love today is just the entre into his world. Katy Morales Shannon gives Antoine his voice. He and his family have a lot to tell us about their lives, our country and our history. I’m grateful to have read this book, and congratulate the author for doing the work to give Antoine and his family the opportunity to tell me their story. I highly recommend this book.

Antoine of Oak Alley is so awe-inspiring. I really enjoyed the style of writing Antoine’s story and the connection the author was able to make to the community, families, and history in and around Oak Alley. Simply, bravo.This book is a real gem for those researching African American Creoles in St. James Parish Louisiana and African Americans during slavery period. Katy is an awesome researcher and by sharing her sources, she offers ways to get around the “1870 brick wall” we often run into when doing genealogical research.The story of Antoine brings a smile to your face because he and his community are able to come to life instead of remaining a nameless mark on a slave census. The author does an excellent job of acknowledging the brutality (physical and psychological) of slavery without being graphic. She was able to give Antoine (and other formerly enslaved) humanity, dignity, and the honor he deserves not only for his achievements but for being a survivor. Antoine of Oak Alley is a must read and a real treat. Every time my mom makes a batch of pralines or a delicious pecan pie I can thank Antoine for his gift and leaving his legacy for us to enjoy to this day.

I enjoyed this book so much I was sad when I finished it. Don’t think I’ve ever felt that way about a nonfiction book before. The amount of research put into this book is amazing and so appreciated. The subject matter of this book is so important for everyone. I wish it was required reading for all high schoolers.

This a researched journey into the development and progression of southern plantations and dive into multiple cultures.This is the story you wished the plantations gave on your tour!

This is a wonderful story. !!

I dislike the book because the story was told by a white author who will never know a slaves side of the story!

This author has a way with words! She made an historical tale read like a riveting novel. I loved learning about Antoine and his fascinating story!