Kate Chopin is also an important figure. Her novel 'The Awakening' uses the New Orleans setting effectively. She was one of the early writers to explore female consciousness, and the New Orleans setting, with its blend of cultures and social mores, added depth to her exploration.
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.
Walker Percy is another. His work 'The Moviegoer' showcases his ability to capture the essence of New Orleans. He explores deep psychological and philosophical themes within the context of the city, making his works both thought - provoking and a great representation of New Orleans life.
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.
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.
James Lee Burke is worth mentioning too. His Dave Robicheaux series, for example, gives readers a sense of the real New Orleans. You can feel the bayous, smell the Cajun cooking, and understand the complex relationships among the people in the city through his writing.
As I mentioned before, Walker Percy. His works are deeply influenced by the New Orleans environment, including its jazz culture.
James Lee Burke is a very well - known author. His Dave Robicheaux series is set in New Orleans and is full of mystery, with a sense of the city's unique atmosphere, culture, and its darker side.
Margaret Atwood released a new work in 2017. She is well - known for her dystopian and thought - provoking stories.
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.
Ashley Audrain is an author to look out for in new women's fiction. Her 'The Push' is a really thought - provoking book. Liane Moriarty is well - known for her works like 'Big Little Lies'. She creates complex and engaging stories about women. Also, Delia Owens, the author of 'Where the Crawdads Sing', she has a talent for creating vivid settings and strong female characters.
Sure. Cormac McCarthy is a great one. His works often have a dark and gritty take on the western landscape and human nature within it. Another is Annie Proulx. Her writing can vividly bring the western settings and characters to life.