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Out of the Easy: A Historical Fiction Masterpiece by Ruta Sepetys Explores the Dark Side of the American Dream

Casey Bell

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Published in Out Of The Easy Ruta Sepetys

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Ruta Sepetys's acclaimed historical fiction novel, Out of the Easy, is a powerful and moving exploration of the underbelly of the American Dream during the Great Depression. Set in New Orleans' infamous Storyville district, the novel follows Josie Moraine, a determined young woman who defies societal norms to survive. With its rich characters, vivid setting, and exploration of complex social issues, Out of the Easy is a must-read for anyone interested in American history, social justice, and the complexities of the human spirit.

Out of The Easy

by Ruta Sepetys

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5542 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Print length	:	356 pages

A Journey into the Heart of Storyville

Storyville, New Orleans, was a notorious red-light district that operated from 1897 to 1917. It was a place of vice and corruption, where prostitution, gambling, and drugs were rampant. Sepetys's novel takes us into the heart of this dangerous and fascinating world, introducing us to a cast of characters who are struggling to survive in the face of poverty, prejudice, and violence.

Josie Moraine is our protagonist, an 18-year-old woman who has been forced into prostitution by her abusive stepfather. Despite her circumstances, Josie is determined to escape Storyville and build a better life for herself. She is a complex and sympathetic character, whose strength and resilience are tested to the limits.

Josie's journey is intertwined with a cast of other characters, each of them with their own unique story to tell. There's Peanut, a young prostitute who dreams of a better life but is trapped by addiction; Big Mike, a madam who rules Storyville with an iron fist; and Jazz, a talented musician who is struggling to make it in a world that is often hostile to black people.

The American Dream and Its Dark Underbelly

Out of the Easy is not just a story about Storyville; it's also a story about the American Dream. Sepetys shows us how the Dream can be both a promise and a curse, how it can inspire hope and despair in equal measure.

Josie Moraine is a symbol of the American Dream. She is a young woman who has been dealt a bad hand, but she is determined to make something of her life. She is willing to fight for what she believes in, even if it means putting herself in danger.

However, Josie's story also shows us the dark underbelly of the American Dream. Storyville is a place where the Dream has gone sour, where poverty, violence, and injustice are rampant. It's a place where people are treated as commodities, and where dreams are easily crushed.

A Masterpiece of Historical Fiction

Out of the Easy is a masterpiece of historical fiction. Sepetys has created a vivid and immersive world that draws us into the lives of her characters. She writes with compassion and insight, and she doesn't shy away from difficult topics such as poverty, prostitution, and racism.

Out of the Easy is a powerful and moving novel that will stay with you long after you finish reading it. It's a story about resilience, hope, and the indomitable human spirit. It's a must-read for anyone interested in American history, social justice, and the complexities of the human heart.

Discussion Questions

What did you think of the novel's protagonist, Josie Moraine? Did you find her to be a sympathetic and relatable character?
How does Sepetys portray the American Dream in the novel? Do you think she presents a balanced view of the Dream, or does she focus too much on its dark side?
What are the major social issues that Sepetys explores in the novel? How does she use her characters to illustrate these issues?
What did you think of the novel's ending? Do you think it was a satisfying to Josie's story?
Would you recommend Out of the Easy to others? Why or why not?

* [Ruta Sepetys's website](https://www.rutasepetys.com/) * [Out of the Easy on Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15840172-out-of-the-easy) * [Historical fiction novels set in New Orleans](https://www.bookbub.com/blog/historical-fiction-new-orleans) * [The real Storyville: New Orleans' infamous red-light district](https://www.history.com/topics/us-history/storyville)

Out of The Easy

by Ruta Sepetys

4.6 out of 5