“The Siren” is Léonore Roncival, privateer and mistress of a coral cay during a time when four great nations were disputing the territories of the Caribbean and the Mexican Gulf. In Léonore’s story, history provides a scaffolding for her dream of islands.

Many of the characters in her unique struggle are historical
figures, from William and Sophronie Claiborne, Andrew Jackson and lawyer Edward Livingston, to less public people like Adélaïde Maselari, mistress of Pierre Laffite. I chart Jean’s real life in SIREN: the establishment of Barataria, the auctions at the Temple, the friendship with General Humbert, Jean’s profitable dealings with the citizens of New Orleans and his long contest with the governor. SIREN also includes Jean’s handling of the English flotilla, the Laffites’ war with the Customs officers and the Legislature of Louisiana, the fate of Barataria and the bargain with General Andrew Jackson. And those who meet Jean for the first time in SIREN will be pleased to know that in Battle of New Orleans he behaved with the gift for strategy, the coolness and courage he displays within the pages of my book.
         I am grateful to the Laffite Society historian Jean Epperson, who praised SIREN for its historical authenticity and remarked: “I’m impressed by your geographical knowledge of the region.”