Release Date:
Age Group: Young Adult
Received From: Publisher
IBSN: 9780399256929
Blurb:It’s 1950, and as the French Quarter of New Orleans simmers with secrets, seventeen-year-old Josie Moraine is silently stirring a pot of her own. Known among locals as the daughter of a brothel prostitute, Josie wants more out of life than the Big Easy has to offer. She devises a plan get out, but a mysterious death in the Quarter leaves Josie tangled in an investigation that will challenge her allegiance to her mother, her conscience, and Willie Woodley, the brusque madam on Conti Street.
Josie is caught between the dream of an elite college and a clandestine underworld. New Orleans lures her in her quest for truth, dangling temptation at every turn, and escalating to the ultimate test.
With characters as captivating as those in her internationally bestselling novel Between Shades of Gray, Ruta Sepetys skillfully creates a rich story of secrets, lies, and the haunting reminder that decisions can shape our destiny.
Out of The Easy is not my typical read. I probably would not have considered it if it weren’t for two things, 1.) I read Between Shades of Gray and I was floored by it. The beautiful writing, the utter heartbreak of the story, and the amazingly researched history all came together to ensure a genre jumping incredible read. 2.) It was sent to me unexpectedly. To be honest with you, this is not something I would purchase and read on my own and now that I’ve read it, that makes me a little sad.
Out of The Easy is set in the gritty French Quarter of New Orleans in 1950. Josie’s mother is a prostitute and she’s had to live with the stigma of that from a very young age. Now all she wants is out of New Orleans and away from all the judgements and heartache that it brings her. This book is filled with diverse and incredibly well done characters. Whether it’s the harsh but caring madam of her mother’s brothel, or the easy going loveable Coki, they were all so well developed.
Josie was an amazing character. She was very intelligent and she had a wistful streak that I couldn’t help but relate to. She sometimes made choices that I certainly wouldn’t have in her situation, but that can probably be explained by the 1950′s setting. I think every reader can find a little bit of themselves in Josie.
The plot is much more of a mystery than I was expecting. My one and only complaint is that the pace sometimes seemed to stall and slow way down, but it wasn’t a huge issue for me. The New Orleans atmosphere more than made up for that. Ruta Sepetys’ descriptions were vivid and lovely. Even when it was the gritty and less desirable parts of the French Quarter.
Out of The Easy was an unexpected gem for me, although I should have expected it after Ruta’s first book. I recommend it for any historical fiction fans, but also for anyone that just enjoys a good emotional read.
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Sometimes we have to go out of our comfort zone or usual habits to detect something new. Like you, this book wouldn’t have been a typical read for me, but when you said its so emotional I was all sold
DannyBookworm recently posted..Uses for Boys by Erica Lorraine Scheidt
Yes, I agree. I probably don’t get out of my comfort zone as much as I should.
I adored this book too! I hadn’t realized it was set in the 1950s (although I knew it was in New Orleans) so it was great to read a book set in an unusual time period and setting.
Bookworm1858 recently posted..Cinders and Sapphires
I have seen this all over and really haven’t been that interested in it. The time period isn’t one that I would typical want to read about, but after reading your review I think I might actually like this book if I read it. Awesome review hon!
Amy @ Book Loving Mom recently posted..Introducing Book Girls Don’t Cry… They Vent
I’m not a big historical reader…even if it’s only the 50′s. But I’m really happy I gave this one a shot. I loved it.
I’m really looking forward to reading this book! It just sounds awesome! I’m glad you liked it since I haven’t read many reviews of this one yet. I didn’t read her other book because I don’t much care for stuff about the holocaust so I’m not sure if I’ll like this author’s writing style or not.
KM recently posted..Review: Beautiful Creatures, by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
I can’t wait to see what you think of it!
I loved how you went into with an open mind even though it wasn’t your ususal read. Ive been wanting to read this and after reading this I will def check it out. Im glad you enjoyed it.
I love the setting of this book, and that in itself is enough reason for me to read it. It looks like it’s got an amazing story and, having not really read anything by this author before, I can’t wait to see what her writing is like!
Alexa Y. recently posted..Rapunzel Untangled – Cindy C. Bennett (Review)
I hope you love it, Alexa!
Yay, I’m glad the characters were well developed! I haven’t read anything by this author but I’ve only heard good things. Lovely review. <3
elena recently posted..(i’m a modern girl but i fold in half so easily) review: just one day by gayle forman + soundtrack
Great review, Lori. This also seems like a book outside of my comfort zone + I haven’t read Shades of Grey yet. I just added it to my list.
I think 2013 is the year of unexpected reads… Maybe?
Shades of Gray was beautiful and heartbreaking. I think you would like it.
Yay for unexpected reads!
I’m so glad to hear you loved this book! I got it from NetGalley but admit I am hesitant to read it bc it doesn’t sound like my normal type of read. But I may give it a try now
thanks!!
BookTasty recently posted..Waiting on Wednesday: The Nightmare Affair
I hope you do! It was great.
Absolutely love historical fiction! It sounds incredibly interesting, will check it out
Thank you!
Charlotte @ Gypsy Reviews recently posted..Book Review: Struck By Lightning by Chris Colfer (#05)
It is always so surprising and gratifying when a book you didn’t expect to read or enjoy, turns out to be fantastic! I’m glad to you enjoyed this, I’ve wanted to read it ever since I saw the cover
VeganYANerds recently posted..Life in Outer Space by Melissa Keil
Isn’t the cover gorgeous? I loooove it. I hope you enjoy the book!
I’m happy to see that this one exceeded your expectations. I have a copy because I loved Between Shades of Gray too. Thanks for the heads up that the book can be a little slow at times. I love the setting and your review makes me want to start on this book soon!
Lucy @ The Reading Date recently posted..The Hunt Series: The Prey is Coming Your Way
I can’t wait to see what you think of it, Lucy!
Sooooo glad you loved this one!! I loved Between Shades of Gray and have been looking forward to this one since I heard of it. I’m glad it’s just as good as her first novel. I love anything that has to do with New Orleans too so that’s a big plus. =D
Cynthia recently posted..Prophecy by Ellen Oh
You will definitely love this one then!