Piau

Pierre Belliveau, nicknamed Piau, was an Acadian folk hero. Acadians were descendants of French colonists. They formed tight knit groups, marrying within their communities and passing down written and oral histories of their ancestors. In 1755, Piau led his people into exile to escape the Acadian Expulsion.

A young Piau spent winters in Grand Pre with his Uncle Pierre LaVerdure. Under Uncle Pierre's tutelage, Piau became fluent in reading and writing both French and English. Speaking English was an asset, Acadia had been an English colony since 1657. Piau was taught stone masonry as well. Uncle Pierre, an elder in Grand Pre, engaged in numerous debates over whether to stay and take an oath of allegiance to the British Crown or leave Acadia.

When British Lt. Gov. Caulfield was in charge of Acadia, the citizenry appeared loyal to the Crown and willing to pledge conditional allegiance. In wartime, however, the Acadians would be unwilling to bear arms against their kinfolk in surrounding French colonies.

Charles Belliveau, Piau's brother, was a master shipbuilder. He designed and built fishing and sailing vessels for the British. Using white pine, he constructed masts for British ships and repaired their sails and hulls. Charles additionally constructed fishing boats which were hidden in the woods for both fishing and available for sudden escape if warranted. When a new Lt. Gov., Lawrence Armstrong, replaced well liked Caulfield, the atmosphere became unsettling.

Armstrong demanded that Acadians pledge an unconditional oath of allegiance to the newly crowned King George ll. Acadian delegates were jailed. Arbitrary decisions sent shock waves through a community used to working together to build and harvest, share stories, songs and memories of the ancestors. Piau, a born leader, asked that his people take a leap of faith and follow him into exile to escape the 1755 expulsion, which included the commandeering of their farms and livestock by the British.

Piau's bilingual abilities and skill in masonry enabled him to become a liaison between the British and the Acadians. His knowledge of seafaring vessels was key in eluding the British. Friendship with the Mi'kmaq Indians helped Piau and his fellow travelers build wigwams for protection from the harsh winters in exile.

"Piau: Journey to the Promised Land" is an historical fiction rendering of a true Acadian hero. After enduring expulsion and eventually surrendering as prisoners of war, Piau led the Acadians to New Brunswick, a land of promise and new beginnings. Author Bruce Murray has written a captivating book about his descendant, Pierre Belliveau aka Piau.

Piau and family enjoyed the rhythms of violins, mouth harps, dancing and singing ancient melodies. Piau was recognized as having a melodious voice. Author Bruce Murray's sister, Canadian singer Anne Murray, wrote the forward for this tome. An enjoyable read.

Thank you Dundurn Press and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review "Piau: Journey to the Promised Land".