Title: Out of the Easy
Author: Ruta Sepetys
First published February 12, 2013
348 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780399256929 (ISBN10: 039925692X)
Rating: 4.04
Overview
In the bustling city of New Orleans in the 1950s, seventeen-year-old Josie Moraine is struggling to break free from the stigma of being the daughter of a brothel prostitute. Despite her circumstances, Josie yearns for a better life beyond the French Quarter.
But when a mysterious death occurs in the Quarter, Josie finds herself caught up in a dangerous investigation that challenges her loyalty to her mother and her own conscience. As she navigates the seedy underworld and the allure of a prestigious college, Josie must make difficult decisions that will determine the course of her future.
With her signature style, bestselling author Ruta Sepetys weaves a captivating tale of secrets, temptation, and the power of choice in Out of the Easy.
About the Author
Ruta Sepetys hails from a family of art enthusiasts, bookworms, and music aficionados in Michigan. As a child of a refugee, she gravitates towards stories of resilience in the face of adversity and endeavors to shed light on those who were silenced.
With over 40 literary accolades, her best-selling novels set in history have been translated into 60 languages.
Editoral Review
Out of the Easy, written by Ruta Sepetys, is a captivating historical novel that offers readers an eye-opening and immersive glimpse into the underbelly of New Orleans in the 1950s. Sepetys, who is known for her poignant YA historical fiction, delivers a gripping tale with a cast of multifaceted and relatable characters that are all struggling to survive in a world that is marked by economic disparity, corruption, and crime.
The novel follows the life of a young girl named Josie Moraine, who is the daughter of a prostitute and is desperate to escape her troubled past and build a better life for herself. Despite her mother’s resistance and the odds stacked against her, Josie is determined to go to college and become a writer.
Through Josie’s eyes, readers get an intimate look into the French Quarter and the gritty streets of New Orleans, including the infamous Storyville red-light district, where Josie’s mother works. Sepetys skillfully intertwines the narrative with historical events, such as the opening of the new branch of the library, the Mardi Gras parade and the political scandal involving the mayor.
The author paints a vivid picture of the social tensions and complexities of the time, offering readers a nuanced and authentic portrayal of life in the South. One of the strengths of the book is the depth of character development.
Each character, including the minor ones, is fleshed out with their own unique personality, background, and motivations. The protagonist Josie, in particular, is a standout character who is relatable and inspiring, despite her flawed nature.
Another strength is the pacing, which is just right. The story unfolds at a steady pace, with enough suspense and drama to keep readers engaged without overshadowing the emotional depth of the characters.
The themes in the novel are timeless and universal, such as the importance of family, loyalty, self-discovery, and perseverance. Sepetys explores these themes through the lens of the past, but they remain relevant to this day.
The novel is undoubtedly a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit. However, some readers might find the ending somewhat predictable, and the lack of closure for some characters may leave them wanting more.
Overall, Out of the Easy is an evocative and moving story that is well worth reading. It is a must-read for fans of historical fiction, and also appeals to those who enjoy a compelling and emotional coming-of-age tale.
It is recommended for older teens and adults due to mature content. Rating: 4.5/5.
