Rich, Lush Writing

Christopher Rice follows in his mother's manner of lush descriptions of New Orleans. I've just begun reading Density of Souls. I've never had the good fortune to visit the Big Easy on the bayou, but I know it well, especially the Garden District. In my imagination I've nibbled beignets on lacy iron balconies, enjoying the soft air of early morning before the day becomes stifling hot. I've pranced up and down Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras, and I've drowned my sorrows in little jazz clubs all over the French Quarter. I've ridden the streetcar without desire back home to stagger through lush flowers surrounding my mansion's sun porch, fumbling for the door.