"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."
RATING 5 STARS
This is now one of my favorite books to date. The text was pretty simple, but the plot was full of some pretty deep stuff. Jo's narration of the story was, once again, simple, but also mesmerizing to me. And soooo relatable on so many different levels. This is such a brave girl, someone to look up to even she is completely fictitious. I think all girls should read this book especially. It really shows that no matter your situation, you can succeed in life, no matter what you've been given, or what you've been through, there is always hope.
I was deeply touched by the kindness that shown from Cokie, Sweety, Willie, Sadie, Charlotte, and even Jo herself. In the middle of all the catastrophe there still was some inkling of true kindness and hope.
I will definitely be re-reading this one over and over again.