Books matching: 19th century new orleans
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- #1
Save:Set in 1830's New Orleans, "A Free Man of Color" follows the story of Benjamin January, a free man of color who returns to his hometown after years in Paris. The book delves into the intricate social hierarchy and racial tensions of the time, painting a vivid picture of the city's atmosphere and customs. Benjamin, a musician and surgeon, becomes embroiled in a murder mystery at a quadroon ball, where he is a suspect due to his proximity to the victim. As he navigates through the complexities of New Orleans society, Benjamin must unravel the mystery to clear his name and avoid being wrongfully accused.
The writing style of Barbara Hambly is praised for its rich and detailed descriptions of 19th-century New Orleans, immersing readers in the sights, sounds, and smells of the era. The book is commended for its engaging plot, intriguing characters, and the historical accuracy in depicting the social castes and interactions of the time period.
Had Cardinal Richelieu not assaulted the Mohican Princess, thrusting her up against the brick wall of the carriageway and forcing her mouth with his kisses, Benjamin January probably wouldn’t have not... - #2
Save:Celine escapes her past in Paris by venturing with other girls to New Orleans where they are meant to better themselves and find suitable husbands in the 1800s. However, she quickly becomes entangled in a dark mystery filled with murder and suspense as young girls start being found dead, leading her to delve into the dark underworld of the city to find the murderer. The book is set in historical New Orleans, portraying a rich atmosphere and diverse characters with intriguing backstories, while also exploring a developing romance between Celine and Sebastien amidst a courtship filled with problems and suspense.
She’d begun collecting these phrases not long after she’d met Pippa four weeks ago, when the Aramis had docked for two days in Liverpool. Her favorite so far was “not bloody likely.” Celine didn’t kno... - #3
Save:'Die Upon a Kiss' in the 'Benjamin January' series by Barbara Hambly is set in New Orleans in the early 1800s and follows the protagonist Benjamin January, a Freeman and talented pianist for the Opera Othello. The plot revolves around a series of threats and attacks on key figures in the opera house, exposing shady dealings, jealousy, and major rivalries. The narrative is rich in historical facts detailing Southern customs, slavery, mistresses of color, and prejudices of the era. Despite the complexity of the plot and the abundance of background information, readers find the vivid descriptions of smells and sights, alongside the incorporation of world history and opera elements, engaging and educational.
Benjamin January froze in his tracks. Would this, he wondered, be the occasion on which he’d be hauled into court and hanged—or, more informally, beaten to death on the public street—for the crime of ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Benjamin January ) - #4
Save:In 'The Awakening' by Kate Chopin, the story follows Edna Pontellier, a woman who feels trapped by societal expectations and her roles as a wife and mother. As she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, Edna's awakening leads her to question her own desires and the constraints imposed by society in the 1890s. The novel explores themes of feminism, individuality, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment amidst societal pressures, culminating in a tragic ending that challenges traditional norms.
Set in the idyllic coastal community of 1890s New Orleans, 'The Awakening' delves into the inner turmoil of Edna Pontellier as she grapples with her unfulfilled yearnings and embarks on an illicit liaison that reignites her passions. Through sparse prose and poignant storytelling, Kate Chopin crafts a powerful narrative that challenges societal conventions and explores the complexities of women's roles and desires during a time of rigid social norms.
IT WAS ELEVEN O'CLOCK that night when Mr. Pontellier returned from Klein's hotel. He was in an excellent humor, in high spirits, and very talkative. His entrance awoke his wife, who was in bed and fas... - #5
Save:In "Interview with the Vampire," readers are introduced to Louis, a vampire who opens up about his origins, nature, and experiences to a young journalist in New Orleans. The book offers a fresh and innovative look at vampires and their lore, exploring themes of immortality, love, loneliness, and existential musings. The narrative style draws readers into a world of vampirism that Anne Rice vividly recreates, making it hard to believe it's fantasy, and leaving a lasting impact on those who delve into the story.
The book delves into the emotional elements of vampirism, portraying the struggles and complexities of being a vampire without romanticizing the experience. Through the eyes of Louis, readers get a glimpse into a world where the act of being a vampire is not idealized, but rather depicted as an intense emotional crisis that surpasses human struggles. The characters, including Louis, Lestat, and Claudia, are brought to life in a mesmerizing and realistic manner, making the reader live with them until the end of the journey.
ISEE…” said the vampire thoughtfully, and slowly he walked across the room towards the window. For a long time he stood there against the dim light from Divisadero Street and the passing beams of traf... - #6
Save:'The Feast of All Saints' by Anne Rice is a historical novel set in New Orleans before the Civil War, focusing on the lives of the Free People of Color. The book delves into the complexities of race, identity, and societal expectations faced by the gens de couleur libre, portraying their struggles and freedoms in a world divided between master and slave, privilege and oppression. Through the characters like Marcel, Marie, Richard, and others, the author explores themes of family drama, lineage, societal norms, and the quest for identity within a society that dictates their place based on skin color and heritage.
Anne Rice's writing style in 'The Feast of All Saints' is praised for its historical accuracy, beautiful prose, and engaging storytelling. The book is commended for its in-depth exploration of a lesser-known aspect of Southern history, providing insight into the lives and challenges of the Free People of Color community in antebellum New Orleans. Readers appreciate the rich historical information, well-developed characters, and the nuanced portrayal of a hidden society struggling to navigate the complexities of a racially divided world.
ONE MORNING in New Orleans, in that part of the Rue Ste. Anne before it crosses Condé and becomes the lower boundary of the Place d’Armes, a young boy who had been running full tilt down the middle of... - #7
Save:Readers of 'Dead Water' in the Benjamin January series by Barbara Hambly praise the author's ability to transport them to early 19th century New Orleans, where they immerse themselves in a rich historical setting while following a compelling mystery. The characters in the book are lauded for their complexity and depth, with readers feeling a strong connection to them. The plot is filled with twists and turns, set against the backdrop of the Mississippi River, making the story both evocative and engaging.
Barbara Hambly's writing style is commended for its descriptive nature, painting a vivid picture of the time and place in which the story unfolds. The author's meticulous research into 19th century Louisiana shines through, as she explores themes of culture, race, and historical accuracy. The book delves into surprising facets of abolitionism, showcasing the author's ability to weave together a gripping narrative with thought-provoking social commentary.
Six days out of seven, the ten thousand or so people in the city of New Orleans whose bodies were the property of other people were kept pretty busy. Having no legal right to choose what they'd rather...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Benjamin January ) Waltz Into Darkness by William Irish (Cornell Woolrich) is a dark suspense novel set in the late nineteenth century American South, portraying a tale of obsessive passion, criminality, amorality, and violence in a long-distance epistolary romance gone terribly wrong. The story follows Louis Durant, a businessman hoping to marry a mail-order bride, who falls victim to the charms of a beautiful young woman named Julia, leading to a downward spiral of deception, betrayal, and tragic consequences. Woolrich's writing style is described as wryly observant, with a fundamentally cynical view of human nature, particularly women's deviousness and men's foolishness and lust, creating a noir atmosphere that keeps readers engaged until the unexpected redemptive ending.
In his bachelor quarters on St. Charles Street, Louis Durand was getting dressed. Not for the first time that day, for the sun was already high and he’d been up and about for hours; but for the great ...- #9
Save:'Saratoga Trunk' by Edna Ferber is a historical novel set in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, focusing on the lives of two main characters, Clio Dulaine and Clint Maroon. The plot delves into the societal norms and struggles of the time, particularly in locations like New Orleans and Texas. The writing style of the author is described as powerfully descriptive, providing meticulous characterizations and vivid details of the era's food, dress, and architecture. The novel intertwines elements of romance, historical accuracy, and social commentary, creating a story that transports readers to a bygone era of lawlessness and development.
- #10
Save:'Empire of Sin: A Story of Sex, Jazz, Murder, and the Battle for Modern New Orleans' by Gary Krist delves into the dark and intriguing history of New Orleans, focusing on themes of vice, crime, and jazz music. Krist expertly weaves together narratives of prostitution, murders, and the evolution of jazz in Storyville, bringing to life the struggles for power and the blurred lines between illegal crime and legal politics in the city. Through detailed accounts spanning from the 1890s to post-Hurricane Katrina era, Krist paints a vivid picture of New Orleans' complex and captivating past, intertwined with stories of individuals who shaped the city's notorious reputation.
The author's writing style captivates readers with a somber yet engaging tone, highlighting the societal issues faced by people of color and the impact of institutionalized racial systems in the 1930s. Krist skillfully combines historical facts with compelling narratives, drawing readers into a world where seduction, brute force, and political power collide in the vibrant streets of New Orleans. From the origins of jazz music to the rise and fall of vice in the city, 'Empire of Sin' offers a fascinating exploration of a tumultuous period in New Orleans' history, leaving readers enthralled by its rich tapestry of characters and events.
SHORTLY AFTER ELEVEN O’CLOCK ON A BRIGHT November morning, a handsome middle-aged man dashed up to the front door of the brothel at 172 Customhouse Street in the French Quarter and let himself in with...
