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Beverly B
, July 04, 2013
(view all comments by Beverly B)
Out of the Easy is a gripping, fascinating character driven suspense story. Josie Moraine, 18, is a protagonist readers love immediately and cheer for as they read. Josie knows only two very small worlds. The world of the brothel, criminals and crooked cops where she grew up and the world of the book shop a few blocks away from the brothel, a world of scholars, writers and artists. Josie could be the poster child for at risk youth. She has few options, no money, and most of the adults who love and guide her live by a moral compass that is more than a little askew. Her hero is Charles Dickens because "It is so inspirational.. that someone could overcome that kind of suffering and poverty to finally achieve happiness." Josie's moral conundrum has no good possible outcome. She has to decide which outcome causes the least harm. The reader agonizes along with Josie. Author Ruta Sepetys does a brilliant job of taking the reader into the authentic New Orleans French Quarter of the 1950's - The Quarter tourists support, but don't see. The Quarter most citizens of New Orleans pretend doesn't exist. The Quarter that makes for a fabulous setting for novels.
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