Review: Beautifully written stories and sketches about New Orleans and its people
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 09 28, 2011
This is a collection of stories, sketches, and essays about the city of New Orleans, its citizens, leaders, visitors, and crime. Many "are the transients who came to town looking for a place to belong, a place that accepted misfits and rejects, no questions asked. (Also) locals who have been here for seven generations," as well as those who now or who in the past passed through. Some are clear thinkers; others seem a little crazy. These are "half made up stories" that reflect the truth of a city and people in trouble as seen through the clear eye of a sharp observer who may sometimes seem somewhat pessimistic. But, then, New Orleans is a city where twice as many people are murdered than are given government checks for hurricane damage.This is Maistros' second book. The first, a novel, received wide acclaim. The stories sometimes seem surreal. Sometimes it is the protagonist who is speaking in his or her own way of speaking. Every entry is well-written, fun to read, and informative.