Fourth in historical book series released by local author

Barbara Reaume Sandre holds a copy of the latest in the Reaume book series. “Joseph - Under Three Flags” has been recently released.

A local author has released the latest book in her Reaume book series.

“Joseph - Under Three Flags” is the fourth book in the series researched and written by area author Barbara Reaume Sandre. It follows previous books such as “Rene,” “…and his son Joseph,” and “The Detroit Shoemaker.”

The book series has personal ties to her own family history. That includes the new book.

“It’s the story of my Reaume ancestry,” said Sandre. “Under Three Flags is the story of Joseph Reaume. He was my 5th great-grandfather, and the son of one of the early Reaumes to settle in Detroit in the 1700s.”

According to the synopsis of the new book, “Born in 1739, Joseph lived his entire life in the Detroit area. He participated in several wars during his lifetime, including the French and Indian War, Pontiac’s War, the American Revolution, and the Northwest Indian War. His military travels took him to Niagara Falls, Montreal, Essex County, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. Like all settlers of the time, Joseph’s family suffered many hardships.”

Sandre said she did not study history in school but got into her own family history in her 30’s. With the help of the Essex County Geneology Society, she began researching and soon started enjoying it.

“With the help of the genealogical society, I got back to the 1600’s. I found it so fascinating,” she said. “I found it very interesting when I started doing my own research. I learned a lot about Canadian history.”

Early research dated back to 1663 when Rene Reaume came to Quebec City from France. The family would find their way to what is now the Canadian side of the river in 1773. 

“The Reaumes have been in the area ever since,” said Sandre.

Sandre added that “Under Three Flags is a true story of love, family, and adventure.” While it is classified as historical fiction, Sandre said 80-85 per cent is true history.

“The only thing I added was dialogue and I created scenarios,” said Sandre. “It’s very well researched for sure.”

Her first book in the series to 25 years to write, while book two came out three years later. The third book took seven years while the new book “Joseph – Under Three Flags” took three.

“Joseph was born in French Detroit under the fleur-de-lis,” she said. “He lived most of his life in British Detroit. He died and was buried in the new United States of America.”

Sandre continues to work on her fifth book in the series, stating it will be a few years before that is completed. The first four books have been very gratifying to complete, she added.

“I may stop after the fifth book and do a book on my mother’s side of the family – the O’Gorman family,” she said.

The Reaume book series has gained Sandre a following, and she said she has sold books in almost every province and several U.S. states.

The 225-page book is $22.95 and available in Amherstburg at the Marsh Historical Collection and River Bookshop. In Windsor, it can be purchased at Indigo, Biblioasis and Storytellers. It is also available on Amazon.

Fourth in historical book series released by local author

By Ron Giofu