Monday 4 March 2013

Out of The Easy by Ruta Sepetys

GoodReads Summary: 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.

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Expected publication date: 07/03/13 (UK)

1950, New Orleans. Josie, the daughter of a heartless and uncaring brothel prostitute dreams of escaping the Big Easy, and going to college. She wants nothing more than to start fresh, and leave behind the whispers that follow her every waking step...

Josie is one of the strongest YA heroines I've ever come across. She moved way from home into an apartment on top of a bookshop at the sheer age of 11, and now (at the age of 17) works there. Her cruel and selfish mother neglects her, steals from her, and obsesses over a abusive man that reeks of trouble. But, despite all of this, Josie is not one to dwell on her misfortunes, instead she soldiers on, determined to one day achieve her dreams.
Out of The Easy features a colourful cast of characters. My favourite character by far, though, has to be Willie, the madame of the brothel. I think this description "wicked stepmother with the fairy godmother heart" fits her well. Despite her ice-y exterior, she cares deeply for Josie. She was a brilliant, if not unconventional mother figure.

Jesse, with his leather jacket and motorbike quickly won me over. His quiet and shy demeanour slowly gives way to an intelligent and charming young man. The blossoming romance between Jesse and Josie is very subtle, it develops at a steady place and is honestly just down right swoon worthy.

I appreciated Sepetys portrayal of the prostitutes, she shows that they're not tragic, bitter characters, instead they're just like us - they have feelings and do what they have to do to survive. Strong, funny, and caring these women oddly found a place in my heart.

I never would have picked this up before I  became a book blogger. YA historical fiction is just one of the many genres that book blogging has introduced me to, and for that I am grateful. Out of The Easy is a beautiful, heart-wrenching story that has quickly made it to my favourites shelf.

"The only reason I'd lift my skirt is to pull out my pistol and plug you in the head."

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23 comments:

  1. A-ha! I got this one yesterday as a gift and was wondering whether or not to actually read it. But your review gave me a nudge in the positive direction. Strong, independent heroines are a big plus in a book. Glad you liked it!

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  2. It always makes me happy when I see someone saying that "book blogging made me read x genre" It's wonderful that we all read and find these great books we normally wouldn't read.

    Back to the review. I'm glad to hear you liked it so much. I've been excited about this book for a while, because I loved her other work. Josie sounds like a great character.

    Great review!
    Mel@thedailyprophecy.

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  3. I'm so glad you enjoyed this one, Renu! I loved it and Josie is such an inspiring character. I particularly enjoyed the strong setting and Josie's gradual growth and presence throughout the novel was fantastic! Amazing review, dear! :D

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  4. I'm so excited to read this book! I've had an ARC I just haven't had the time to read it yet :( I really loved Between Shades of Gray and Sepetys is an exceptional writer! Awesome review!

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  5. Awesome review, Renu! This one sounds really great and I'm glad that Josie was a fantastic main character and was really strong, especially dealing with a mom like that O_O I think I'm in love ALREADY with Jesse lol ;)

    I'm glad you enjoyed this one!

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  6. I completely agree.. I love how book blogging has introduced me to SO many books and made me take a leap to read books like Out of the Easy that I end up LOVING.. because if I wasn't a book blogger I don't think I would ever pick this up.. and you are right, Willie was also my favorite character! I LOVED how motherly she was to Josie but at the same time trying to look tough and all..

    Sepetys is an amazing writer!

    - Juhina @ Maji Bookshelf

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  7. I've seen this book around but never tried to read it because it's YA historical fiction. I'm not a fan of that genre but now after reading your review I see that I should read it :) Sounds amazing. Great review Renu :)

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  8. Wow that mother sounds like she needs a bitch slap! I've heard a lot of great reviews on this one I've been meaning to try it too. Historicals are not my strong suit but I do find I enjoy certain ones--those who are overly political get me lost >.< Great review, muffin!

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  9. Ha I love the quote you used at the end. I love how I've discovered so many great titles too once I started blogging and so many of them I honestly would never have picked up. Me and historical fiction never saw eye to eye before, but I've had a great run so far. I will be picking up Out of the Easy soon, so I'm glad that you enjoyed it so much! :)

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  10. I can't wait to read this. I have it but still haven't picked it up. Everyone is raving about it. I like that Ruta shows even people most consider to be "bad" as real people.

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  11. Ah, I'm so glad you loved this one! I haven't read much historical fiction, though I do like it a lot, and I can't wait to read this one. Josie sounds like a great main character, and I love to read about strong heroines. Lovely review, and the quote is great haha :)

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  12. I've been seeing this book around a lot lately and I must say that I'm intrigued. I hope to get to it sometime and lovely review! :)


    Sarika @ The Readdicts

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  13. I think Willie won everyone over. She was such an amazing character. Obviously I adored Cokie, Dora and especially Jesse too. Patrick was NOT my favorite.
    Ruta Sepetys proved herself with this one and I'm glad you liked it.
    Fantastic review.

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  14. Oooh, I liked the quote!! Thanks for introducing me to the book - I think I'll like to meet Josie and Willie :)

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  15. I really need to read this Renu! Josie sounds like an amazing character, as does Jesse, and I love books that are really character driving. I already want to throttle Josie's mother, and I imagine that feeling will only intensify once I read the actual book. Fabulous review, so glad you loved this one!

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  16. Historical fiction is not something that I would rush to pick up. But this sounds good with a nice romance and Willie sounds like a brilliant character. Great review Renu and I like the quote you picked :)

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  17. OH! The strongest female mc so far? I am def intrigued about Josie, even though I didn't originally think this book would be for me.

    Brandi @ Blkosiner’s Book Blog

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  18. I am so glad this is such an amazing book, I have loved the cover since it was revealed, and it's nice to know the inside is just as good!

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  19. I haven't read either of Sepetys' books yet but they both have such great reviews that I need to get around to doing so. I'm liking the sound of the romance and Sepetrys' portrayal of prostitutes seems well done.

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  20. I went to a book signing and picked this one up. I'm super excited to read it especially after your review.

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  21. Oh. Never heard of this book before. But ahh! After reading your review I really want it :) Sigh. It seems like an amazing book. I'm so glad you loved it. Thank you for sharing. <3

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  22. I love the setting! Plus I like strong protagonists. This is book is my cup of tea. Thanks for sharing your review.

    -Dannielle

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  23. Glad you liked this book! I've been meaning to read this since July or something, but somehow I never really felt in the mood. I hope I'll have the chance to read it soon, since I already bought it and it's been uselessly lying around for months now. And supposedly, it's extremely good. :D

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