Jesus Out to Sea

by James Lee Burke
Jesus Out to Sea cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Short Story Collections
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  • ID: 6544
  • Added: 2025-11-21
  • Updated: 2025-11-21
  • ISBN: 9781409106401
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2008-09-18
  • Reviews: 3

James Lee Burke, renowned for his highly acclaimed crime fiction, particularly the Dave Robicheaux series, presents a vivid tapestry of life in 1940s and 1950s Texas and Louisiana. This collection spans from heartbreaking childhood reminiscences to tales of betrayal and death on an oil drilling barge, and even within a rock 'n' roll band. Burke's passion for his fellow man and the environment shines through in more contemporary stories that deal with the devastation left by a hurricane, capturing the despair of those stranded or left widowed by the disaster. /n/n This remarkable assortment of tales showcases Burke's masterful storytelling, blending melancholy beauty with compelling narratives. It's the first collection of stories by Burke in a decade, offering readers a chance to become lost in his evocative prose and vivid imagery.

Reviews
BookLoons · 2025-11-21
great 4.50

All the stories in this collection are great reads and deserve to be perused. The author's storytelling is gripping and lyrical.

This collection is a standout, with each story offering a unique and engaging narrative. The author's storytelling is gripping and lyrical, making it a joy to read. The stories are well-crafted and deserve to be perused at leisure. The collection showcases the author's ability to weave complex themes and characters into compelling tales, leaving readers eager for more.

Quick quotes

    All the stories in this collection, Jesus Out to Sea, are great reads, and deserve to be perused.

    James Lee Burke elegantly marries his flair for gripping storytelling with his lyrical writing style.

    The stories are well-crafted and deserve to be perused at leisure.

Pages of Julia · 2016-10-04
powerful 4.00

The stories are deeply powerful and range widely in setting. They capture the essence of the Gulf Coast and its people.

This collection is a moving testament to Burke's skill as a storyteller. The stories are deeply powerful and range widely in setting, from the Gulf Coast to South Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. They capture the essence of the region and its people, offering a vivid and emotional journey. The author's lyrical writing style and complex characters make each story a compelling read, leaving a lasting impact.

Quick quotes

    I found it deeply powerful.

    The stories range widely: geographically, they are set in Gulf Coast south Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi.

    The author's lyrical writing style and complex characters make each story a compelling read.

MetroWest Daily News · 2007-07-08
moving 4.25

The collection is inspired by Hurricane Katrina and offers a vivid picture of the region. The stories are emotionally resonant and well-crafted.

This collection is a moving tribute to the people and places affected by Hurricane Katrina. The stories are emotionally resonant and well-crafted, offering a vivid picture of the region and its struggles. The author's lyrical writing style and complex characters bring each story to life, making it a compelling read. The collection is a testament to the author's skill as a storyteller and his ability to capture the essence of the human experience.

Quick quotes

    Author James Lee Burke's latest book, 'Jesus Out to Sea,' is a short story collection inspired by Hurricane Katrina.

    Burke paints a vivid picture of 1940s and 1950s Texas and Louisiana, from heartbreaking childhood reminiscences to death on an oil drilling barge and betrayal.

    The stories are emotionally resonant and well-crafted, offering a vivid picture of the region and its struggles.

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