Queen of the Underworld

by: Gail Godwin

Published by: Ballantine Books

Reviewed by Diane A. Brown

Young Emma Gant, a new graduate from J (journalism) school, has recently received her first assignment, working as the Miami Star's newest reporter. This is her chance to break free from a small town existence, a controlling stepfather and to live her dream.

Following an interesting train ride she arrives at her hotel, escorted by her aunt Tess. The surroundings are not what she expected, not even a view of the beach. Disappointed yet pleased with its potential, the Julia Tuttle Hotel becomes her sanctuary, her comfort, her shield from the harshness of the real world.

Emma is anticipating a phone call; it will be the voice of her married lover, Paul, coming to whisk her away. The owner of a resort where Emma worked last summer, he was her every heartbeat. The reunion will be sweet. Will they have a future or will fate change Emma's perfect plans? With a myriad of multi-faceted characters crossing her path, Emma finds her first days on the job to be a rollercoaster of events. Writing obits, avoiding the "glass cage" of the women's section, visiting the papers "morgue," interviews with tornado survivors, and even an encounter with "The Queen of the Underworld" give her many challenges.

It is the time of Cuban unrest and Fidel Castro's usurping of land. Miamay has an influx of immigrants from varied walks of life who mingled with local color, from aristocratic know-it-alls, to young madams to mafia warnings. Each seems a potential threat to her developing "Emma-ness."

Feeling diminished by other reporters' the experiences, Emma goes the extra mile to make her mark. Can she carve a niche out for herself? Will she live up to "Lucifer's" expectations or will she be cast off, banished, to a small-town office?

The entire book takes place over a period of about two weeks and it is filled with Emma's constant thoughts and imaginings. To truly understand and appreciate the story to the fullest, one should have lived in that era or studied about it. By the way, don't forget your Spanish-English dictionary.

Armchair Interviews says: Story placed in 1950-60s--with some Spanish words.

Author's Web site: http://www.gailgodwin.com