The Chili Queen: A Novel
2 journalers for this copy...
Pre-numbered label used for registration. From Publishers Weekly
A whorehouse madam, a bank robber, a mail-order bride and a former slave romp around 1860s New Mexico in this fifth novel from the author of The Persian Pickle Club. As she has before, Dallas weaves a beguiling plot and creates engaging characters and dialogue. The first part of the book is narrated by Addie French, a madam at the Chili Queen whorehouse, whose language is salted with colorful metaphors. "Some men liked scrawny women," she explains, "just as some men picked chicken wings over drumsticks." In the second section, the central figure is Ned Partner, a hunky bank robber and would-be rancher whose emotional innocence contrasts with his smooth ways in the bedroom and behind a gun. Next, there is Emma Roby, a mail-order bride with a secret past who is temporarily boarding at the Chili Queen, and finally Welcome, a former slave turned whorehouse cook. Because Emma and Welcome are not as well drawn, the closing chapters lose momentum; they are also glutted with backstory. When Dallas tries to cover subjects like sexual abuse and other types of violence, her light tone can't support the heavier themes. Still, the zesty, offbeat charm of life among these undesirables in the seedy West keeps this tale moving smartly.
A whorehouse madam, a bank robber, a mail-order bride and a former slave romp around 1860s New Mexico in this fifth novel from the author of The Persian Pickle Club. As she has before, Dallas weaves a beguiling plot and creates engaging characters and dialogue. The first part of the book is narrated by Addie French, a madam at the Chili Queen whorehouse, whose language is salted with colorful metaphors. "Some men liked scrawny women," she explains, "just as some men picked chicken wings over drumsticks." In the second section, the central figure is Ned Partner, a hunky bank robber and would-be rancher whose emotional innocence contrasts with his smooth ways in the bedroom and behind a gun. Next, there is Emma Roby, a mail-order bride with a secret past who is temporarily boarding at the Chili Queen, and finally Welcome, a former slave turned whorehouse cook. Because Emma and Welcome are not as well drawn, the closing chapters lose momentum; they are also glutted with backstory. When Dallas tries to cover subjects like sexual abuse and other types of violence, her light tone can't support the heavier themes. Still, the zesty, offbeat charm of life among these undesirables in the seedy West keeps this tale moving smartly.
Journal Entry 2 by lucyinchicago at -- By Hand Or Post, Ray/Ring, Meet-Up, RABCK in Chicago, Illinois USA on Saturday, March 17, 2007
Released 17 yrs ago (3/19/2007 UTC) at -- By Hand Or Post, Ray/Ring, Meet-Up, RABCK in Chicago, Illinois USA
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
As are most of my other books, this was purchased at the thrift store so it has been recycled at least twice. Mailing to MissScarlett in Dallas. Enjoy!
As are most of my other books, this was purchased at the thrift store so it has been recycled at least twice. Mailing to MissScarlett in Dallas. Enjoy!
Whoa! I have read 2 of her other books, The Persian Pickle Club and Buster Midnight's Cafe, but this one was my favorite, so far. It should be titled The HOT Chili Queen because it is the sexiest of her books. Part of it takes place in TX, where I live, and her descriptions are apt. She definitely has some interesting characters such as the whore/madam and the way too prim mail order bride. I didn't want to put this one down!
