Series: None
Genre: Young Adult-Historical Fiction
Author: Ruta Sepetys
Publisher: Philomel Books
Release Date: February 12, 2013
Book: ARC sent by publisher
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.
I want to first take this moment and mention how although this book blew me away with the its intricate wording, its beautiful capturing of the 1950's and its stunning world created by the wonder Ruta Sepetys, this book is one that I recommend for the older teen. It is not one full of graphic scenes but it does contain language and talks about sexual things younger kids should not be exposed to. Now to the review!!!
The world of this book was so emotionally captivating it was hard for me to put the book down. I didn't know how this book would be and once starting it, my mind became captured by the characters emotions that I was seriously mind blown.
Josie is a girl, I don't think, most people could relate to. Having the mother she has, is one of the hardest things she must face. Her life was always revolving around her mother and although she cared for her, she slowly wanted nothing to do with her. She is trapped in the world of her mom and I think the moment meeting the girl with news of this prestigious school is her one and only salvation of being free.
The romance in this book is difficult. Being caught between two guys is one of the hardest things for her and moments in the book prove her decision difficult making. I have my eyes set on one guy but I will let you red for yourself and see which guy you would want to be with her.
Overall this book is a must read of the new year. I will definitely be picking up her earlier book and be on the lookout for all upcoming releases. A literary masterpiece.
I give it 5 bites!
This books sounds SO great! And your 5 star rating has only made me more eager to get to it soon. I'm so glad you loved it. This sounds like my type of book. I really want to know which guy Josie ends up with.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing and lovely review, Chayse! :)
Sarika @ The Readdicts
Oh I loved Between Shades of Grey so I do think I'll pick this one up. I love her characters and it seems that you get it with this book as well. Perfect!
ReplyDeleteI've been hearing so many great things about this one I really have to get to it soon! Great revuew!
ReplyDeleteI've been trying to get to this one. And I will. Her first book was amazing!
ReplyDeleteNitpick- it's 1950s, not 1950's. The apostrophe does not belong! XD (I have my English teacher in grade 10, I think, to thank for that.)
ReplyDeleteMeep. This book sounds so good. I preordered a couple of weeks ago (UK pb). Can't freaking wait. Will read as soon as it arrives. OMG. I loved Between Shades. One of my favourites of 2011...