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gkamens's review against another edition
3.0
Least favorite out of all her books so far, more light hearted than the others, plot and characters felt a bit disjointed at times
alicebme's review against another edition
4.0
LOVED this book. What an interesting set of characters.
jadeelizaerrez's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
You could really tell the author did her research. This novel is dripping with the texture of midcentury New Orleans. The storylines are very compelling and all the different characters dealing with their own situations create a really interesting tapestry. There are a lot of different avenues this book travels down, so if you’re looking for a tight plot and singularly constructed storyline, this might not be for you, but I found it compelling. Protagonist Josie seems a little too perfect to me sometimes, but I liked the book overall very much.
jmaschue's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
3.5
rosatulipan's review
3.0
General Reading: 7.5/10
Personal Reading: 7/10
This is a solid little story. Although I do want to (eventually) get into historical fiction, this genre is not yet my cup of tea. So, all things considered, I've highly enjoyed it and I read it in less than a week.
The characters were interesting and they made up for the lack of a strong plot. It's more of a slice of life historical fiction story.
Personal Reading: 7/10
This is a solid little story. Although I do want to (eventually) get into historical fiction, this genre is not yet my cup of tea. So, all things considered, I've highly enjoyed it and I read it in less than a week.
The characters were interesting and they made up for the lack of a strong plot. It's more of a slice of life historical fiction story.
reeyabeegale's review against another edition
3.0
I loved Salt to the Sea and honestly, I’ve been dying to read Out of the Easy since 2017 but have prioritized other novels. After reading this, I’m left a bit disappointed because I was hoping for so much more—I expected it to tear me apart, bring down heavy emotions but it didn’t.
At the start, it was okay, I loved how the characters were written to fit and embody the 1950s vibe (though I have no proof really cause I wasn’t born then). However, what I originally signed up for — the murder mystery and gut-wrenching emotions weren’t present or at the very least highlighted. The plot grew confusing and repetitive, I felt that there were things left unexplained and not elaborated.
I wish there was more of Josie and Willie. I wanted to read Josie’s struggles, and empathize with her.
I will read more of Ruta Sepetys’ novels because I don’t technically dislike her novels, they just have a habit of giving me incomplete feelings and unresolved issues but all in all, interesting story lines and dialogues.
At the start, it was okay, I loved how the characters were written to fit and embody the 1950s vibe (though I have no proof really cause I wasn’t born then). However, what I originally signed up for — the murder mystery and gut-wrenching emotions weren’t present or at the very least highlighted. The plot grew confusing and repetitive, I felt that there were things left unexplained and not elaborated.
I wish there was more of Josie and Willie. I wanted to read Josie’s struggles, and empathize with her.
I will read more of Ruta Sepetys’ novels because I don’t technically dislike her novels, they just have a habit of giving me incomplete feelings and unresolved issues but all in all, interesting story lines and dialogues.
edshara's review against another edition
4.0
I love when you find a book for cheap and it ends up being a good one. I’ve been interested in Ruta Sepetys for awhile now, thanks to BookTube. I decided to go with this book, because her other books seem like they would be more emotionally taxing than this one. I ended up really enjoying the story.
All the characters were interesting but I especially loved Cokie. I loved how loyal he was to Willy and how supportive he was of Josie. As a main character Josie was likable but frustratingly naive. Their were a few times I had to shake my head and say, “Girl, seriously.” Jesse was a dream and Patrick had an interesting storyline, I just wish he could have trusted Josie more (I also understand why he was reluctant). I really appreciated all the bookish references. I would have loved to see Josie’s Goodreads reading challenge, lol.
This wasn’t as much of a mystery, as I thought it was going to be, but the murder did make the plot move along nicely. I llke Ruta Sepetys’ writing style, it’s heartbreaking yet hopeful. While interested in reading more by her, I’m going to have to wait awhile before I take on her other books.
All the characters were interesting but I especially loved Cokie. I loved how loyal he was to Willy and how supportive he was of Josie. As a main character Josie was likable but frustratingly naive. Their were a few times I had to shake my head and say, “Girl, seriously.” Jesse was a dream and Patrick had an interesting storyline, I just wish he could have trusted Josie more (I also understand why he was reluctant). I really appreciated all the bookish references. I would have loved to see Josie’s Goodreads reading challenge, lol.
This wasn’t as much of a mystery, as I thought it was going to be, but the murder did make the plot move along nicely. I llke Ruta Sepetys’ writing style, it’s heartbreaking yet hopeful. While interested in reading more by her, I’m going to have to wait awhile before I take on her other books.
amandaskye's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
halynah's review against another edition
5.0
What an amazing book! It commanded my attention from the first page and didn't let go till the last word. I absolutely loved the style of writing and the plot, but the strongest point was a plenty of colourful and unforgettable characters. Exceptionally precious reading experience! Highly recommended!
suvata's review
5.0
• TBR since March 31, 2018
I can’t believe I waited four years to read this. It’s so, so good. 5-Stars
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.
I can’t believe I waited four years to read this. It’s so, so good. 5-Stars
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.