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4.03 AVERAGE
4.03 AVERAGE
Oh my goodness, Ruta does it again! I am such a huge Ruta fan but was nervous starting this that it would be the one I don't love. Writing about such a scandalous topic such as brothels and mob style murders without crossing over into vulgarity and filth could prove to be a difficult topic for any writer, but Ruta shows us all how it's done! Bravo Ruta!
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Anytime I go into a Ruta Sepetys book now, I have very high expectations. I have loved basically all of her books. This one was a lot different from her other books, but still enjoyable overall. Out of the Easy took me a while to get into. I felt it to be very slow in the beginning. I also felt liek there wasn't much of a storyline. While our main character had growth throughout the novel, and came to terms with her life and background, it felt like there wasn't much of a plot. Obviously, given my rating, I still enjoyed it - it just is not one of my favorite of Sepetys' backlist.
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
challenging
dark
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
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:
Complicated
emotional
funny
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
sad
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
Was very excited to read this book due to an upcoming trip to New Orleans. It was an interesting read, but other than when and where it’s set I didn’t get as much history as I would have liked. The mystery aspect of the story also kind of lacked. There wasn’t many twist and turns as I would have liked. But then again it was likely realistic of the time period.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Alcoholism, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Trafficking, Grief, Death of parent, Abandonment, Alcohol
Minor: Addiction, Bullying, Eating disorder, Gun violence, Infidelity, Self harm, Sexual assault, Torture, Vomit, Gaslighting, Sexual harassment, War
I am ever disappointed by Ruta Sepetys. Every time I pick up a book of hers, I know I am in good hands. Here writing style is simple but heartbreaking in it's beauty. She makes you fall in love with her characters with no guarantee that they will stick with you until the end of the story, but that is what is so beautiful and tragic about her work. I enjoyed this New Orleans saga quite a bit. I think it is a strong read. It is not my favorite of her work but that does not lessen it as a great book to read!
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"No one's life is perfect. I find it much more interesting when people are just honest about it." - Charlotte
"You're a prostitute, not a piñata, for God's sake." - Dora
"I wanted to believe it was possible, that my wings, no matter how thin and torn, could still somehow carry me away from a life of lies and perverted men. I wanted to use my mind for study and research instead of trickery and street hustle." - Josie
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"No one's life is perfect. I find it much more interesting when people are just honest about it." - Charlotte
"You're a prostitute, not a piñata, for God's sake." - Dora
"I wanted to believe it was possible, that my wings, no matter how thin and torn, could still somehow carry me away from a life of lies and perverted men. I wanted to use my mind for study and research instead of trickery and street hustle." - Josie
Such an amazing book. Subtle, beautiful, complex, and real. 1950s New Orleans came to life in Sepetys' novel about a girl striving to rise above her past and believe in a future that feels impossible. I love all the characters, how tenderly Sepetys handled the softer side of the underworld and how she drew young Josie out from under it in a way that let her both embrace her upbringing and strive for more. A definite favorite!
mysterious
medium-paced