If you are familiar with the author's other works (historical romance novels based on Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice) you will not be surprised that this book, while it commemorates life in New Orleans at the end of the 20th century, is also a tribute to Jane Austen. The three heroines, their heroes and the villains are modeled after Jane Austen characters from Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Emma (Northanger Abbey and Mansfield Park allusions are also present). The connection is loose so you don't need to worry about a forced adaptation of those classical romances into modern times or a servile following of Jane Austen's plot lines, but it' easy to see the allusions, even though several characters' names are changed to fit their ethnicities in colourful New Orleans.
The book encompasses one academic year, with description of college and fraternity life, the evolving friendships and romances between Elizabeth and Jane Boudreaux, Emma Weinberg and Mari Dashwood - and William Darcy, Chuck Bingley, George Katz, John Waguespack, Greg Wickham and Chris Breaux. The carnival season and Mardi Gras customs occupy a large part in the book, colourful description and origin of traditions cleverly provided through the pen of journalist-in-training Elizabeth, but fraternity events, football games, New Orleans food and music provides the background. I am not American and had almost no knowledge of New Orleans culture before reading this book, so I enjoyed this vivid introduction very much.
I have to warn the readers that there is a darker tone in the book about illicit drug use and the tragedy of one character becoming a victim of date rape drug with subsequent sexual assault as well as the tragic murder of some secondary characters. This may be a disturbing theme but is handled with sensitivity. The evil wrought by a sociopath villain, some characters' fundamental weakness, the insensitive, sensation oriented attitude of some representatives of the press and the rash immaturity of even a most beloved heroine is offset by the strong theme of friendship, loyalty, honor and even good old-fashioned chivalry displayed by the characters. Even though the ending (this volume being only Book 1 of the trilogy) does not bring resolution or justice, the described character growth, owning of one's mistakes and learning from them helps the characters as well as the reader to come to terms with the sad events, achieve a somewhat bittersweet ending that has promise of a better future. Blossoming romance of some side characters balance the events further, and the theme of embracing one's family, cultural and religious heritage is another promising thread in the story.
The story may not be suitable to young readers due to the above mentioned dark themes and some moderately explicit sexual scenes, but I do recommend it to readers who like romance, character growth, dramatic conflicts, and the unique outlook of life characteristic to New Orleans.
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