Storyville

Well developed characters in an intersting situation. This is an adult's book and is not only factual but an entertaining read. Lois Battle did a magnificent job detailing life for an abandoned girl who climbs above her predicament. Battle touches on the beginnings of the suffragette movement which leads to a surpizing conclusion. I've recommeded Storyville to several friends. Ron

This is a really captivating story (fiction) that takes place during the time when prostitution was legal in a neighborhood known as "Storyville" in New Orleans. The characters are interesting and colorful, the writing is wonderful. I have only visited New Orleans once in my life, but the author's descriptions of the streets and shops and homes took me right back there. I highy recommend this for a really enjoyable reading experience

This is a beautifully told, extremely well-written story that brought old New Orleans to life with such clarity, it was as though I were walking down Bourbon Street every time I opened the book. I do agree the ending was a bit rushed but only because I didn't want the book to end. Kate and Julia, Mollie Q, Billy Shakespeare and all the characters were well-defined and believable. I have read Ms Battle before and will continue to read everything she writes. (And I don't understand the "bodice-ripper" review, either)!!

Storyville was recommended to me by several friends in my book club. I enjoyed the book very much. The book focuses on two main characters: a forwarded thinking society matron (Julia) and a beautiful girl (Kate) who, through a sad series of circumstances, winds up in a New Orleans brothel. Though their worlds are quite different, the two women's paths cross. The characters are well developed and believable. I do agree with the other reviewers, and feel the ending while good, was a bit rushed.

Lois Battle writes strong, solid fiction about strong (usually Southern) women. Her novels are realistic and yet entertaining. "Storyville" was excellent and I could barely put it down. "Bed and breakfast" and "The past is another country" , also by Battle, are equally well written. I usually read only British authors, but I make an exception in Lois Battle's case.