Book Review: Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys

“Let me tell you something ’bout these rich Uptown folk,” said Cokie. “They got everything that money can buy, their bank accounts are fat, but they ain’t happy. They ain’t ever gone be happy. You know why? They soul broke. And money can’t fix that, no sir.”

Ruta Sepetys, Out of the Easy

Review:

I’ve procrastinated reading this book for so long because I’ve read almost all of Ruta Sepetys’ books by now. Is it any surprise that this has been another five-star read for me?

Josie grew up in the French Quarter’s ‘Big Easy’, the daughter of a prostitute. Living above a bookshop at night, working there during the days, and cleaning the brothel in the mornings, her dreams of attending Smith College seem far away. But Josie is determined to get out of New Orleans and start over.

The odds are against her, dealing with a greedy, neglectful mother, a sick boss, a love triangle, and trying to shed the stigma of being a brothel child. She relies on the counsel of Madame Willie, who, despite disliking children, has taken Josie under her protective wing. 

Though I’m partial to Ruta Sepetys’ novels set in wartime, this was still an extraordinary read (with some Cold War elements if you think about it). I loved the sense of found family in unlikely circumstances, and Josie was such a strong protagonist. As always, the meticulous research was phenomenal, creating a vivid atmosphere for the story.

Likes & Dislikes:

What I liked:

• Fantastic era and setting, which was done tastefully.
• Josie’s strength.
• I’m not usually one for love triangles, but this one was done really well.

What I didn’t like:

• Events toward the end felt abrupt.

Afterthoughts:

Now all I have left is The Bletchley Riddle…

Where to buy the book: