Sad story. Wish there had been more about her. Author gave a good picture of the time periods and places May lived.

Read this a long time ago, loved it.

Hooker/robber. Love this chick. The story follows her on her on her many "dark side" adventures.

i don't see myself finishing this one. i bought it because i love reading stories of vice in that era, especially in chicago. when i'm reading a biography, i like to learn something along with being entertained. but i can't help but feel that what i'm reading is bullshit when a lot of the sentences start with, "now, i imagine that...". also, the author brings way too much of herself into the book. i'm not very interested in your journey from library to library looking for crap about chicago may. i don't know, maybe i'll try reading it again when i'm in a better mood.

My interpretation of the forward of this book is the author didn't see herself as a true fiction writer, or at least lacked the confidence to write historical fiction, so decided to write a book with as much fact as she could find (including adding in contemporary details from other primary research, such as the Pinkerton files) and then add in her own musings about May's attitudes, thoughts and motivations. Or maybe she really doesn't value historical fiction at all. Regardless, the author seems to be trying really hard to compare her own life to that of May, and though early on recognizes that there is little to reconcile, and that most of it is a contrast, she plows forward anyway. I skipped to the end and still, no dice, it was fairly incoherent, as if the author had used so much time, resources, and energy she felt that a poorly written work was better than abandoning it. I honestly can't think of anyone to recommend read this, which is highly unusual for me.

Je l’ai lu en français après l’avoir trouvé dans la rue
Histoire racontée de manière cheloue d’une meuf entre TDS et banditisme, une vie de con dans les années 1900 en Irlande
Certains passages vraiment problématiques même si plutôt distrayant dans l’ensemble

It is worth noting that I listened to this book. The narrator was O'Faolain, who has a brillantly beautiful Irish accent. Her voice made the exploits of this strong, luscious, foolishly fierce, thieving legend so exquisite.

This was a touching story. I connected more with the author than with Chicago May herself. Nuala O'Faolain's voice is tender and charming and I didn't mind her little tidbits of conjecture. I definitely recommend this book.

Overall the book was interesting, spanning many decades and countries. I understand that it was difficult to find records of this individual and the author fills the gaps with her conclusions based on their common home and her knowledge of historical circumstances.

One thing I found very distracting were the tangents that O'Faoloin followed. At one point, rather than simply give a brief overview of a new character's background and significance she gives an abbreviated history of the Irish struggle for independence. I'll admit that it was fascinating but it took about 30 pages for her to return to the main subject and why all of this mattered.

O'Faolain makes her process part of the story, so she's as much a character here as May. I committed to the journey right alongside, and was fully engaged by May and her choices.

I loved this book about Chicago May and the research is excellent as this is a true story, I had also read another book about the same Woman and again an amazing story about an Irish woman.

Riverhead Hardcover