I have been in love with the New Orleans history for years, and have read many historical books about the city.
A few years ago, my husband and I spent some time in New Orleans and I fell in love with the city even more. I am so intrigued my the history, architecture, and rich culture that fills every square inch of this town. I researched for months before we went so I could see every historical spot I was interested in.
When I saw a review of this book, I knew I had to read it! I discovered even more neat history about New Orleans and now I can’t wait to go back again to check out some new spots.
Summary:
” Empire of Sin re-creates the remarkable story of New Orleans’ thirty-years war against itself, pitting the city’s elite “better half” against its powerful and long-entrenched underworld of vice, perversity, and crime. This early-20th-century battle centers on one man: Tom Anderson, the undisputed czar of the city’s Storyville vice district, who fights desperately to keep his empire intact as it faces onslaughts from all sides. Surrounding him are the stories of flamboyant prostitutes, crusading moral reformers, dissolute jazzmen, ruthless Mafiosi, venal politicians, and one extremely violent serial killer, all battling for primacy in a wild and wicked city unlike any other in the world. ”
My Take:
Well, if you are a New Orleans or history buff, then you will enjoy this book. Although historical, it read like a fiction novel. It was intriguing and interesting to the point I found myself wondering what would happen next. There were even a few stories I read about that were new to me. Set in the era of about 1890 to the 1920s, it really touched on all the dark history of that time period.
I will say that I found some of the chapters to be fairly dull, namely the long background of certain jazz musicians. Jazz is a very important part of the cities history, but I found it to be a little too much on some points. Other than that, it was a great learning experience, and I am excited to see some areas where famous events happened when I go back.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars.
What have you been reading lately?
“I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.”
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This looks like a fun book! I’m a huge history buff and would probably like something like this. I wouldn’t like all the musician history though. I like more of an overview.
Tif
http://www.brightonabudget.com
I’m the same way! I preferred all the historical murders & exciting events 🙂