This is the second book I read by this author and both for me rate at 3 stars. This book caught my attention because Hurricane Katrina left a deep mark in people’s memories, even for those of us who witnessed its powerful destruction from a distance. There is so much potential in writing about this sad moment in American history that my expectations were high. Unfortunately, I was left disappointed.

First of all, I didn’t feel the chemistry between the main characters. Kit, a lecturer of English based in San Francisco starts an affair while visiting New Orleans with Teddy, a chef and restaurant owner. I found Kit superficial first and outright needy as the story unfolded. I didn’t find the character believable in addition to the situation surrounding her stay in New Orleans despite the hurricane advance warnings. It seemed to me that the author tried to force the plot for Kit to stay in the city. Secondly, I felt that the author lost the opportunity to show us the despair and real impact of the hurricane in people’s lives. This book is, in my opinion, miles away from JM Redmann’s take on Katrina in her books ‘Death of a dying man’ and ‘Water mark’ which are both very recommendable.

Overall, an ok read. 3 stars.

ARC provided by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.