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gracefullypunk's review
3.0
The writer of this book wasn't the best, but it was a fairly interesting subject on life in the underworld of New Orleans. I wish it had been more about the history rather than Norma, but the book was meant to be a biography I suppose
klippy's review
5.0
This was a very interesting book. I had no idea about how the underworld worked in New Orleans!!!
wildgurl's review against another edition
4.0
The Last Madam: A Life In New Orleans Underworld
by: Christine Wiltz
Faber + Faber , 2000
**** ( 4 stars)
Norma Wallace was not always the Grande Dame of the French Quarter. She can from utter poverty to establish, and keep open the longest survivng house of prostitution in The French Quarter. By befriending powerful politicians, and local constable and Police, Norma was able to keep her girls in business and her house open for 40 years. She was even given a key to the city. Her house on Conti Street was well known, raided frequently but her friendships were strong and she was always tipped off.
There is much about the history of the French Quarter, especially in the 1940's, when most of this book is centered.
Christine Wiltz weaves a fascinating story of that time and place in American history. Rife with sensationalism and seeped in criminal elements, this city was a dangerous place. To crawl to the top took ambition, courage and the ability to outsmart everyone else. With Norma's mixture of ambition, guts, intelligence and sex she made a life that afforded her everything she wished she had, as a child. Her violent and tragic death were thematic to her life. This is a well written and engaging look into the life of Norma Wallace. Highly recommended.
by: Christine Wiltz
Faber + Faber , 2000
**** ( 4 stars)
Norma Wallace was not always the Grande Dame of the French Quarter. She can from utter poverty to establish, and keep open the longest survivng house of prostitution in The French Quarter. By befriending powerful politicians, and local constable and Police, Norma was able to keep her girls in business and her house open for 40 years. She was even given a key to the city. Her house on Conti Street was well known, raided frequently but her friendships were strong and she was always tipped off.
There is much about the history of the French Quarter, especially in the 1940's, when most of this book is centered.
Christine Wiltz weaves a fascinating story of that time and place in American history. Rife with sensationalism and seeped in criminal elements, this city was a dangerous place. To crawl to the top took ambition, courage and the ability to outsmart everyone else. With Norma's mixture of ambition, guts, intelligence and sex she made a life that afforded her everything she wished she had, as a child. Her violent and tragic death were thematic to her life. This is a well written and engaging look into the life of Norma Wallace. Highly recommended.
sleightoffeet's review
3.0
This book was what I had hoped the last book I read about madams would be. We, as the reader, got to hear more about the lady who was a madam and what her life was like and the amazing stories from that time. The cat and mouse with law enforcement was great, and I just loved how smart she was.
The book wasn't all fun and laughs, though, she went through what many women go through that made a living in any entertainment field. It's the fear and then the reality of growing old. That part was a little tough to read about.
I wish I could have met her, her stories are just as fun as many old school entertainers in Vegas that I know.
The book wasn't all fun and laughs, though, she went through what many women go through that made a living in any entertainment field. It's the fear and then the reality of growing old. That part was a little tough to read about.
I wish I could have met her, her stories are just as fun as many old school entertainers in Vegas that I know.