Half of Paradise

by James Lee Burke
Half of Paradise cover
Good Books rating 3.75
Historical Fiction
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Paperback • £10.99
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Technical
  • ID: 6545
  • Added: 2025-11-21
  • Updated: 2025-11-29
  • ISBN: 9781401304232
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2011-08-23
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

James Lee Burke's debut novel, Half of Paradise, introduces readers to the intertwined lives of three men in 1950s Louisiana. Toussaint Boudreaux, a black docker, endures racism and fights for a better life; J.P. Winfield, a talented guitarist, chases the American dream; and Avery Broussard, an aristocrat, turns to running whiskey when his land is repossessed. Their stories paint a vivid picture of the era's harsh realities and the enduring hope for redemption./n/nSet against the backdrop of New Orleans and the Louisiana bayous, Half of Paradise is a powerful exploration of the human condition. Burke's evocative prose and deep understanding of his characters' struggles make this novel a compelling read. The book is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Reviews
The Storygraph · 2025-11-21
good 3.75

The book is a good read with an enjoyable writing style and great characters.

The reviewer enjoyed the book, praising its writing style and the development of its characters. They found it to be a good read overall, highlighting the author's ability to create engaging and memorable characters. The reviewer appreciates the atmospheric and suspenseful narrative, which makes the book a compelling read. They also note that it was their first book by James Lee Burke and they were impressed by his storytelling abilities.

Quick quotes

    Overall, this was a good read.

    I really enjoyed the writing style of the author.

    Great character development and an atmospheric narrative make this book a compelling read.

Seattle Book Mama Blog · Seattle Book Mama · 2014-06-30
strong 3.50

The book is strong and brutal, with a depressing tone that is not award-winning but impactful.

The reviewer describes the book as strong and brutal, with a depressing tone that makes it a memorable read. They note that while it may not be an award-winning story, it is powerful and impactful. The reviewer appreciates the stark and unflinching portrayal of its themes, which makes the book stand out. Overall, they find the book to be a compelling and thought-provoking read that leaves a lasting impression.

Quick quotes

    Half of Paradise is not an award-winning story but strong nevertheless.

    A stark, brutal, depressing book reminiscent of some of the most powerful works in the genre.

    The book is a compelling and thought-provoking read that leaves a lasting impression.

The New York Times · 1965-03-14
impressive 4.00

The book presents a tragic vision that is darker than comparable works, showcasing Burke's impressive writing style and atmospheric storytelling.

The reviewer highlights the book's impressive and darker tragic vision, setting it apart from other works. They praise Burke's ability to create a rich atmosphere and suspenseful narrative. The reviewer also notes the stark and brutal nature of the story, which is reminiscent of other powerful works. Overall, the book is seen as a strong debut that showcases Burke's talent for evocative and impactful storytelling.

Quick quotes

    In a first book that is impressive on several counts, James Lee Burke projects a not incomparable tragic vision, but a darker one.

    The book is a stark, brutal, depressing tale reminiscent of some of the most powerful works in the genre.

    Burke's ability to create a rich atmosphere and suspenseful narrative is evident throughout the book.

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