Well, 'The Neon Rain' by James Lee Burke is a great New Orleans fiction novel. It features detective Dave Robicheaux and showcases the seedy underbelly as well as the charm of New Orleans. 'Confederacy of Dunces' by John Kennedy Toole is another classic. It's a humorous and satirical take on the city and its inhabitants. Also, 'Garden of Invention' by Chiara Barzini has a part of its story set in New Orleans, exploring the city's creative and bohemian side.
Some notable New Orleans fiction novels include 'The Feast of All Saints' by Anne Rice. It's set in the city's antebellum era and offers a rich look at the different social strata. Then there's 'Jitterbug Perfume' by Tom Robbins, which has elements of New Orleans' unique culture woven into its strange and wonderful story. And 'Zeitoun' by Dave Eggers tells a more contemporary story set in the city.
Laura Joh Rowland's 'The Shogun's Daughter' which is set in part in New Orleans. It combines historical elements with mystery as the main character, Sano Ichiro, tries to solve crimes while also dealing with the cultural and social differences in the city.
Well, 'Interview with the Vampire' is very famous. It's set in a spooky and alluring New Orleans. The city's old - world charm and mystery are perfect for a vampire story. The French Quarter, with its narrow streets and old buildings, becomes a character in the story itself.
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.
New Orleans fiction typically has a certain charm. It often portrays the city's laid - back yet energetic lifestyle. The food culture, with its gumbo and other local delicacies, can be part of the narrative. The stories might also touch on the city's history of disasters like hurricanes and how the people of New Orleans have persevered. The language used in this type of fiction can be very vivid, with local dialects adding flavor to the characters' voices.
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.
The people of New Orleans East in novels are often portrayed as having a strong sense of community. There could be stories of neighborly help during tough times, like after a hurricane. The area's music, especially jazz and blues, also plays a role, with characters perhaps being musicians or music enthusiasts, and the music becoming a backdrop to the story, adding rhythm and mood.
New Orleans' history of crime and corruption also features prominently. There have been real - life events like the mob activity in the past. In fiction novels, this can be exaggerated or used as inspiration. So you might have a story where the protagonist is trying to solve a crime that is linked to an old - time New Orleans crime syndicate. The city's past also includes disasters like floods, which can be used to create a sense of chaos and danger in the story.
I would suggest 'The Awakening' by Kate Chopin. It's set in New Orleans and delves into themes of female liberation and self - discovery. Also, 'Jitterbug Perfume' by Tom Robbins has elements of New Orleans in it, with its unique blend of magic, history, and eccentric characters. 'The Neon Rain' by James Lee Burke is a crime novel set in New Orleans, showing the seedy underbelly as well as the charm of the city.
One of the best is 'A Confederacy of Dunces' by John Kennedy Toole. It vividly portrays the unique characters and the eccentric atmosphere of New Orleans. Another great one could be 'The Moviegoer' by Walker Percy which also captures the essence of the city in a very nuanced way.
Anne Rice's 'Interview with the Vampire' is quite popular. It's set in New Orleans and has contributed to the city's allure in the world of fiction. The book delves into the vampire lore against the backdrop of the unique New Orleans setting.