Review: Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys

Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys

Release Date: February 12^th, 2013

Number of Pages: 352

Publisher: Philomel Books

Source: Finished Copy from Publisher

GR - Amazon - BD - Chapters

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.

Wow. Wow. Wow.

I simply I loved this book. Am I the only one who felt like I was reading some kind of American classic, the kind of book that will certainly live on? Out of the Easy was a powerful, breathtaking, and touching novel about poverty, prostitution, and the struggle of one to make his or her way in the world. It is a story of betrayal, of pain and of friendship that will stay with you long after you have closed the pages of this book.

Josie was the kind of character you just can’t help hope she’ll succeed. Her life hasn’t been easy. Her mother neglected her. She has been living on her own since she was twelve years old, in a small room above the bookstore where she works. And of course, we can’t forget over the fact she was under the care of her mother’s madam, Willie, and that most of her friends worked for Willie. I have to say that all these characters were so interesting even those we didn’t get to see them that much. They all had their own story, adding layers to the novel. Even the characters you can’t help disliking were so interesting. I just couldn’t help myself wanting to know more about them.

Ruta Sepetys created an amazing story that will captivate many readers. Between Shades of Gray was excellent, but I have to say that Out of the Easy was even ten times better. There is something about this book and the way it is written that reminded me of the American classic novels I’ve read in the past. This is the kind of story that has a certain longevity, as the themes seem almost timeless.

Out of the Easy was a novel I have loved from the first page to the last. Those who have enjoyed Between Shades of Gray will love this book. It is simply a masterpiece that will definitely be one of my favorites this year. Out of the Easy is a must read.

About the Author

From NetGalley

Ruta Sepetys was born and raised in Michigan in a family of artists, readers, and music lovers. Her award-winning debut novel, "Between Shades of Gray" was inspired by her family's history in Lithuania and is published in 40 countries. Her new novel, "Out of the Easy" is set in the French Quarter of New Orleans in 1950. A historical tale of secrets and lies, "Out of the Easy" is a haunting reminder that decisions can shape our destiny. Ruta lives with her family in Tennessee.

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