What
would you do if your sole means of support was going to be deemed
illegal? In 1897, Mary Deubler faced this problem, finding a way not
only to survive but to thrive by complying with the morality regulations
of New Orleans. She moved her business to Storyville.I come from a long line of whores.—Madam: A Novel of New Orleans by Cari Lynn and Kellie Martin (Penguin Random House / Plume, 2014, prologue, uncorrected proof)
In my nine decades on this earth I have never uttered these words, let alone seen them written, in my own hand, indelibly staring back at me. But now, as a summer storm rages strong enough to send the Pontchartrain right through my front door, I sit with a curious sense of peace and clarity. My past is more than just my own history. Although this story shames me in so many ways, it is the legacy I leave. I must embrace the very truth I spent my life denying.
Quick Facts
- Setting: Storyville, the red-light district of New Orleans, at the turn of the twentieth century
- Circumstances: Common prostitute Mary Deubler's transformation into the successful and powerful Madam Josie Arlington
- Characters: Mary/Josie; her brother & his wife; voodoo queens & underworld figures; morality crusaders; fellow whores; musicians, actresses, & politicians
- Genre & themes: historical fiction; period details (food, drink, music); politics; morality; race relations; women's choices
- Miscellaneous: based on a true story; book contains period photos, postcards, and broadsheets; well researched
- Authors: Cari Lynn is a journalist and nonfiction writer; Kellie Martin is an actress and television writer
Copyright © cbl for Beth Fish Reads, all rights reserved (see review policy).
Love the intro and definitely plan to read this one. Great pick.
ReplyDeleteKind of an abrupt intro. Not sure if I would keep reading this one.
ReplyDeleteSounds interesting to me!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds really good! I love New Orleans and have always wanted to go there, it just has so much history. Thanks for sharing :) hope you have a good week!
ReplyDeleteMy Teaser Tuesday
Juli @ Universe in Words
I like the sound of that one. Hope you enjoy it. Here's Mine
ReplyDeleteIt's caught my interest. I'd keep reading.
ReplyDeleteI'm spotlighting Mrs. Lincoln's Rival today.
Agree with previous posters, the first line would have made me pick up the book.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ManOfLaBook.com
i am intrigued .. especially as i recall Kellie Martin from Life Goes On
ReplyDeleteI'd keep reading for sure! I've had this book on my list since I first heard about it.
ReplyDeleteThe first sentence is an attention grabber.
ReplyDeleteThe opening of Madam really drew me in and makes me want to know more. I especially like the line:
ReplyDelete"My past is more than just my own history."
I'm fascinated! Love the setting. I'll read this one for sure.
ReplyDeleteMy Teaser is from WITHOUT A TRACE.
Guess we have different taste in books today--this one doesn't appeal to me.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like quite the book. Great teaser.
ReplyDeleteMy teaser is here.
This sounds so interesting! And I love that it's set in New Orleans.
ReplyDeleteHere's Mine: http://www.sarahsbookshelves.com/fiction/first-chapter-first-paragraph-tuesday-intros-black-chalk-christopher-j-yates/
I love those kind of stories and the writing is enticing, I would continue.
ReplyDeleteSounds like an interesting read.
ReplyDeleteAn interesting and intriguing intro. My teaser: The Perfect Hope
ReplyDeleteThe first paragraph grabbed me and made me want to know more. I'd like to read this one.
ReplyDeletean interesting way to begin your own story--dealing with the truth. Thanks for stopping by today. kelley—the road goes ever ever on
ReplyDeleteSounds good, I would keep reading.
ReplyDeleteThe last line is so powerful.
ReplyDeleteYes from me.
ReplyDelete