SPECTACULAR WICKEDNESS Sex, Race, and Memory in Storyville, New Orleans

The topic of the historical red light district of New Orleans sounds like graphic subject matter. But the author takes a scholarly approach, and narrator Lee Ann Howlett's conversational Southern delivery makes it engaging. Storyville (1897-1917) was created in an attempt to segregate prostitution in New Orleans. Notorious resident Lulu White--an octoroon, madam, and brilliant businesswoman, who frequently changed her life story--is skillfully portrayed by Howlett. She also deftly conveys the realities of sex across the color line--as well as the ambiance of the region itself, especially the beauty of the Mississippi River. Since Storyville is considered by many to be the birthplace of jazz, quotes from Louis Armstrong and Jelly Roll Morton add authenticity. Listeners will chuckle as things come full circle and Howlett concludes in an amused tone that in 1917 "the law stepped in and outlawed fun." S.G.B. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2015]