“A Confederacy of Dunces” is a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that follows the misadventures of Ignatius J. Reilly, an eccentric and unemployed scholar living in New Orleans.
The story is filled with humor and satire as Ignatius navigates the city’s vibrant and chaotic landscape, encountering a cast of colorful characters along the way. The novel is celebrated for its vivid portrayal of New Orleans and its unique culture.
The Awakening” by Kate Chopin is about Edna Pontellier, a woman who begins to question her role as a wife and mother in 19th-century New Orleans.
While spending time at Grand Isle, she experiences a deep sense of longing for freedom and self-discovery. Her relationships with others, especially Robert Lebrun, lead her to make choices that go against societal expectations.
The story captures the beauty of the Louisiana coast, while also exploring Edna’s inner struggle to define herself outside of her traditional role.
“Interview with the Vampire” by Anne Rice introduces us to Louis, a vampire who shares his 200-year-long story with a young reporter in present-day New Orleans.
There is a 1994 American gothic horror film based on this novel that stars Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt (the movie is also called “Interview with the Vampire”).
“The Moviegoer” by Walker Percy is a charming novel set in New Orleans. It follows Binx Bolling, a young stock-broker who finds everyday life lacks meaning. Binx seeks escape in movies, seeing them as more real than his own life.
He meets his cousin Kate, who struggles with her own mental health battles. The story explores themes of identity and the search for purpose, all wrapped in the vibrant backdrop of New Orleans.
“The Feast of All Saints” by Anne Rice is a rich tale set in the vibrant backdrop of 19th-century New Orleans. The story follows Marcel Ste. Marie, a free man of color, and his family, as they navigate the complex social structures of the time.
Marcel’s life takes a dramatic turn when he learns about his family’s past, leading him to question his identity and place in society.
The narrative beautifully captures the essence of New Orleans, with its unique cultural blend and historical significance, making it a captivating read for anyone interested in the city’s past.
“The Pelican Brief” by John Grisham is a fast-paced legal thriller set in New Orleans. The story follows Darby Shaw, a law student who writes a legal brief that accidentally uncovers a conspiracy. When her brief gets into the wrong hands, Darby finds herself in danger.
She teams up with journalist Gray Grantham to expose the truth. The story involves a chase through New Orleans, with Darby and Gray evading those who want to silence them. It’s a tense journey that keeps you guessing until the end.
“The Tin Roof Blowdown” by James Lee Burke follows detective Dave Robicheaux as he navigates post-Katrina New Orleans. The city is in chaos, and Robicheaux investigates the death of two small-time criminals.
The story takes you through the French Quarter and other iconic New Orleans locations. Burke’s characters are vivid, and the mystery keeps you guessing. Robicheaux’s personal struggles add depth to the narrative, making it a memorable read.
“The House on Coliseum Street” by Shirley Ann Grau is set in the Garden District of New Orleans. It follows a young woman who returns to her childhood home after her father’s death. She discovers secrets about her family, including her late mother’s past.
The story captures the essence of New Orleans, with its rich history and unique culture.
“The Grandissimes” by George Washington Cable is a fascinating tale set in 19th-century New Orleans. The story revolves around the Grandissime family, who are part of the city’s Creole aristocracy.
The plot follows the characters as they navigate issues of race, identity, and social status in post-Civil War Louisiana. One memorable detail is the depiction of the city’s rich cultural heritage, including its unique blend of French, Spanish, and African influences.
The narrative also touches on the complex relationships within the Grandissime family, making it a rich exploration of New Orleans’ history and society.
“Jitterbug Perfume” by Tom Robbins is a wild ride through New Orleans and beyond. The story jumps between ancient Bohemia and modern-day, following the adventures of a janitor-turned-perfumer and a lovesick teenager.
The book is filled with eccentric characters, including a group of immortal beet-eaters and a goat-turned-god. It’s a comedic tale that blends history, myth, and romance in unexpected ways.
“Anne Rice’s ”The Lives of the Mayfair Witches“ is a book that centers around the Mayfair family, a powerful dynasty of witches living in New Orleans. The story begins with Dr. Rowan Mayfair, a talented neurosurgeon, who discovers she is the heiress to this legacy.
The book follows her journey as she uncovers her family’s secret history and the dark presence that has haunted them for generations. One interesting aspect is the use of a mysterious entity known as Lasher, which adds a supernatural element to the story.
The narrative also includes the Talamasca, a secret organization dedicated to studying the occult, which has long monitored the Mayfair family.”
“Midnight Bayou” by Nora Roberts tells the story of Declan Fitzgerald, a guy who moves to New Orleans and buys a grand old house called Manet Hall. He finds out that the house has a history of hauntings and mystery.
There’s a local legend about a ghost named Abigail that haunts the house. Declan starts to experience strange things that make him question reality. He meets a woman named Lena who knows a lot about the house’s past.
Together, they uncover secrets that have been buried for years. The story mixes romance with mystery, making it a great read for anyone who loves a good ghost story.
“Neon Rain” by James Lee Burke introduces us to Dave Robicheaux, a troubled Vietnam vet turned cop. He returns to New Orleans and finds his city changed, full of crime and corruption.
When he investigates a series of murders, he uncovers a conspiracy that goes deeper than he imagined. The city’s atmosphere is almost a character itself, with its hot, sticky weather and dark, winding streets.
“New Orleans Mourning” by Julie Smith introduces Skip Langdon, a tall, gangly rookie cop. She’s new to the New Orleans Police Department and adjusts to her job while solving a mysterious case. The story begins when Skip finds a dead body in the beautiful Garden District.
The victim is a well-known business owner with many secrets. Skip must navigate the unique culture and characters of New Orleans to solve the case. Readers will enjoy the vibrant descriptions of the city’s food and music scene as Skip unravels the mystery.
“A Streetcar Named Desire” by Tennessee Williams is set in the French Quarter of New Orleans. The story revolves around Blanche DuBois, a former schoolteacher who moves in with her sister Stella and brother-in-law Stanley Kowalski.
Blanche’s arrival brings tension, especially between her and Stanley. The story includes memorable scenes, such as Blanche’s famous line about depending on the kindness of strangers. The vibrant and lively setting of New Orleans adds a unique flavor to the narrative.
“Zeitoun” by Dave Eggers follows Abdulrahman Zeitoun, a Syrian-American, during Hurricane Katrina. Zeitoun stays in New Orleans to protect his property. He travels the flooded city in a canoe, helping those in need.
However, Zeitoun’s good deeds lead to a troubling encounter with the law. This story highlights Zeitoun’s strength and the challenges he faces in a city turned upside down by disaster.
“A Free Man of Color” by Barbara Hambly is set in 1830s New Orleans, a city filled with vibrant culture and dangerous secrets. The story follows Benjamin January, a Creole physician and musician who uncovers the truth behind a brutal murder.
“The Quarter Storm” by Veronica Henry follows Mambo Reina Dumond, a Vodou priestess in New Orleans, as she investigates the murder of a man found dead in a bar.
When a fellow Vodou practitioner becomes the prime suspect, Reina steps in to find the real killer. The book weaves in Vodou culture, community dynamics, and the vibrant streets of the French Quarter. Reina is a strong and determined character, and the story brings out the city’s energy and mystery.
“City of Refuge” by Tom Piazza follows two families in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, each from vastly different backgrounds.
SJ Williams, a carpenter who has lived in New Orleans his whole life, struggles to navigate the devastation while holding on to his sense of home. Meanwhile, Craig Donaldson, a writer from the Midwest, faces a crisis as he tries to protect his family and decide their future. The story explores their experiences during and after the storm, showing how the disaster reshapes their lives.