Book Review: Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys
I really enjoyed this book. My third Ruta book and while it wasn't as impactful as I Must Betray You and Between Shades of Grey, it was still a great story that I think is worth the read. Be aware of the content in this one -- some language, domestic abuse, prostitution details (not explicit but discussed), a brothel as a main location, innuendo (not graphic), a mother who mistreats her daughter, and mild violence. The content did not bother me for the most part personally as it was a realistic viewpoint of Josie's life trying to get out and live a better life -- but I want my followers to be aware of content to make their own decision. There is one part in this that bothered me but it's a spoiler for a character so I don't feel like I can say that in the review.
I loved Josie's character, she felt like a girl you just ROOTED for in this book and wanted to see her get out of this town and make it to college. It felt like a coming of age story for her throughout the book, even though I wish the ending was a bit more finished.
It was devastating what Josie went through with her mother and how horrible she treated her. We see a murder mystery with her mother/mother's boyfriend at the forefront as suspects and Josie gets wrapped up in that too, which is heartbreaking. I do think I would have liked a bit more details about why her mother was the way she was, what happened in her life to make her this way.
The side characters in this book were great too. Charlie, Jesse, Patrick - they were great. Even Willie gave me mixed emotions because you could tell she cared about the people around her, despite the nature of her business, but you also felt she did many things for her own selfish gain so it was a lot of different emotions with her. I think Ruta wanted us to care for Willie in some way because Willie cared for Josie -- even if she didn't want her to flourish away from her in college.
The atmosphere really felt like 1950s New Orleans too, loved how Ruta can draw you in her stories like this. Audiobook is wonderful too. Keeps your interest.
Overall, fans of general historical fiction who can handle some of the content would enjoy this. Ruta really brings so much to her stories and I am glad I read this one.
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4738743217
Amazon: https://amzn.to/42zq5v8
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