Review: Back Down Memory Lane
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 07 1, 2014
Lagniappe tells the story of four Army buddies reuniting for one night in New Orleans.Nick Drummond is "happily" married to his very pregnant wife who is upset that he chose a night of gallivanting with his friends than staying home with her. What he finds out in New Orleans is bound to leave his marriage on shaky ground.Derek Janson is excited and nervous about meeting up with his old buddies, but he feels this one-day trip could be what he needs to finally be free of the secret that has been holding him hostage.From the outside looking in Hamilton Porter has it all - looks, money, and status. However, from the inside looking out Hamilton is forced to face reality - something he has been avoiding for a long time.Carmelo Kingston, God's gift to women so he thinks - isn't prepared for the consequences this one-day trip will cause him.Will these friends be able to capture that magic their friendship once had? Or is it best to leave the past in the past?For the readers unfamiliar with the word Lagniappe - (as stated in the novella) it is a little something extra. You can expect to leave the city with a little something extra. Whether that something extra is considered positive or negative, is up to the recipient's interpretation.Lagniappe was a fun and quick read. Even with 48 pages, this author sets the stage for readers and executes the story effortlessly. Brian W. Smith has a gift of creating characters and situations readers can relate to no matter where you may be from.  As a Brian W. Smith fan, I know when I'm reading one of his novellas - I need to think outside of the box, so in saying that - There were a few parts I found predictable.Overall, Lagniappe is a good read. I did close this novel with this thought - The people you knew 10+ years ago are not always the same people you know now.If you are looking for a quick afternoon/evening read - download Lagniappe.