Synopsis:
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.
Have you ever read a book that you loved but couldn’t remember the details of the book as to why you loved it? You just knew you loved it? Well, that was this book. This was my first Ruta Sepetys book I read (shortly after it came out so long time ago). I absolutely loved it! I became a huge “Ruta Sepetys” fan and anticipated reading all her books.
For my book club pick this month, I chose this book. My friends had not read any of her books, AND I had been wanting to reread this book since I couldn’t remember all the details of the book (I just knew I loved it). Well, reading it the second time did not disappoint! I quickly remembered why I loved the book. Sepetys has a gift developing characters and building a story line. Also, those of use who live close to New Orleans (or visit frequently) can quickly “feel” this book – the sights, the sounds, the smells, the history.
Many may not know this but this book has been used as a required reading in schools. Sepetys has developed a curriculum guide and questions to help guide teachers. I do think you need to know your students and community well before choosing this book for the classroom. Although there are zero graphic sexual scenes, it does revolve around a brothel in New Orleans and the mother who is a prostitute. There may be some parents who are sensitive to that topic. I wouldn’t want my middle schooler to read it but think my high schooler would love it. If interested, here is the link to the curriculum guide (and other historical resources and a discussion guide): curriculum guide
If you have never read any books by Ruta Sepetys, please do yourself a favor and read her books. I will later update this blog post with my own book club questions. Happy Reading!
