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.
I'm not sure about the exact best - selling ones all the time, but 'A Confederacy of Dunces' has been extremely popular over the years. Its unique characters and vivid portrayal of New Orleans life have made it a classic that sells well.
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.
Fiction about the early history of New Orleans can show the development of voodoo culture in the area. It was a part of the city's early identity. Writers may depict how the slaves brought their African beliefs and mixed them with local religions. This added an air of mystery to the city's early history and made it a rich source for fictional tales.
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.
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.
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.
Well, the story of a local New Orleans athlete who overcame a serious injury and then went on to win a major championship. This athlete had been sidelined for months due to a knee injury. But through sheer determination and hard work in rehabilitation, they not only made a full recovery but also dominated in their sport, bringing pride to 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.
Julie Smith's Skip Langdon series is also excellent. In 'Huck Finn's Blood', Skip has to deal with a mystery that involves family secrets and the unique cultural aspects of New Orleans. Smith does a great job of making the city a character in itself. The reader gets a sense of the local traditions, the food, and the different types of people who call New Orleans home, all while following Skip's investigation.