Bellocq's Women

Set in the vibrant yet gritty atmosphere of early 20th-century New Orleans, the narrative explores the life of photographer E. J. Bellocq, who captured the essence of women in the city's brothels. Through fictional reconstruction, Peter Everett delves into Bellocq's complex relationships, particularly with his mother and two young girls, while vividly portraying the contrasting realities of the opium dens and brothels. The novel offers a haunting glimpse into the world behind the famous photographs, blending themes of desire, innocence, and the human condition.