A lesser - known but great New Orleans novel is 'City of Refuge' by Tom Piazza. It focuses on the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in the city. It shows how the people of New Orleans coped, their resilience, and how the city itself changed. It gives a very real and emotional look at the city during that difficult time.
One well - known 'New Orleans East' fiction novel could be 'A Confederacy of Dunces'. It is set in New Orleans and captures the unique local flavor, with its eccentric characters and satirical take on society. It gives readers a vivid picture of the area's culture.
One great New Orleans thriller novel is 'The Neon Rain' by James Lee Burke. It features detective Dave Robicheaux and the seedy, yet alluring, underbelly of New Orleans.
John Kennedy Toole is a well - known author in the realm of New Orleans fiction. He wrote 'A Confederacy of Dunces' which is full of colorful characters and a vivid portrayal of the city. His writing style is humorous and engaging, making the city come alive on the pages.
Another good option for a beginner could be 'The Neon Rain'. It has an interesting mystery aspect to it along with great descriptions of New Orleans. You can easily get immersed in the story and at the same time learn about the city.
Another one is 'The Moviegoer' by Walker Percy. It gives a deep look into the human condition against the backdrop of New Orleans. It has a lot of local flavor and interesting characters.
There's also 'The Awakening' which is set in New Orleans and its surrounding areas. It tells the story of a woman's struggle for self - realization. The setting of New Orleans, with its mix of different cultures and social norms, provides a rich backdrop for the story's exploration of female identity and liberation.
Another notable one is 'The Moviegoer' by Walker Percy. It captures the mood and the sense of place in New Orleans. The protagonist's exploration of the city and his own identity is intertwined with the city's charm, from its bustling streets to its more quiet, reflective corners.
Sure. 'A Streetcar Named Desire' by Tennessee Williams is a great example. It's set in New Orleans and delves deep into the complex human relationships and the unique atmosphere of the city.
There is also 'The House of the Seven Gables' which, while not solely set in New Orleans, has elements related to the early southern gothic genre that was prevalent in New Orleans. It has a sense of mystery and old - world charm that was characteristic of early New Orleans fiction.
I would recommend 'Interview with the Vampire'. It's very popular and the way Anne Rice writes about New Orleans is very engaging. The vampire lore combined with the city's unique setting makes it a great read for those new to New Orleans fiction. You'll be introduced to the dark and mysterious side of the city.