Barbara Hambly discusses her book, “Graveyard Dust.” She begins by explaining the local history of New Orleans, which serves as the backdrop for her novel. Hambly details the racial and cultural history of the antebellum period and the world in which her main character, Benjamin January lives in. The plot begins when Benjamin’s sister, Olympe, who is a voodoo practitioner, is arrested for murder. Hambly goes on to explain her writing process and how she developed the character of Benjamin January as the ideal lead in a historical murder mystery. She also details the rigorous research she conducted not only concerning the history of New Orleans, but also such topics as Voodoo and medicine. From there she goes on to discuss the history of Voodoo and its practice in modern society.
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