My Juliet: A Novel

by John Ed Bradley

In his most enthralling novel since the acclaimed Tupelo Nights , John Ed Bradley tells a scorching story of sex and death in sultry New Orleans.

After years as an “actress” in California, Juliet Beauvais is drawn back to town with the promise of a big inheritance. But she finds her “dying” mother all too healthy and making other plans. Fortunately for Juliet, Sonny LaMott has been carrying a torch for her all these years, and he’s easily lured into a scheme that’s sure to get Juliet what she deserves. Twisted, gothically atmospheric, and replete with surprise, My Juliet is a deliciously dark and mordantly funny tale.

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Kathleen Valentine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love John Ed Bradley's writing and this book is a perfect example of his skill at taking you out of wherever you are and in to another time and place. The place for "My Juliet" is the French Quarter in New Orleans, a place that I love, pre-Katrina when the charm was interwoven with a considerable amount of dark, dangerous, dysfunctional stuff. This is a story about obsession and is a sad exploration of how a basically decent guy screws up his life over a woman who in no way deserves him.

I'll admit I was tempted to give the book 3 stars just because I found Juliet so obnoxious but that wouldn't be fair because the writing is superb. And it ended well --- I was enthralled all the way through even though I wanted to give Sonny a good swat upside the head. Which, ultimately, he gave himself.

[Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book I have read from John Ed Bradley. I almost gave up and stopped reading about about 50 pages, but continued on, and I am glad I did. I became intrigued by Sonny, the main character of the novel, and his attachment to Juliet, his father, his painting, his lifestyle. Very different from most books I read.

[Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

Filthy. Depressing. Wonderful.