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Knee Deep
Named after a hurricane, Camille is the rebellious sixteen-year-old daughter of a New Orleans bar-owner who grows up in the shadow of Bourbon Street, raised on stories of hauntings, lusty encounters and voodoo magic. And even though her family loses their home in a hurricane, she counts herself among the lucky until she discovers that her eighteen-year-old neighbor whom she secretly loves goes missing in the storm. In Camille's own words: "This is the story of what happened to me on Fat Tuesday, how I ended up on the steps of St. Mary’s, the hem of my pirate’s petticoat soaked in somebody’s else’s blood. Although I know the story to be true, I don’t totally believe it myself. Like all good tales born out of the bayou, mine involves the dead, the living and the one trapped in the brackish waters between heaven and hell. It is the story of true love and true disaster, and at the end of it, I’ll leave it up to you to decide which is the harder to survive."
219 pages, Paperback
First published September 25, 2020
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17 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 20, 2020
Camille is on the verge of turning sixteen in New Orleans. She is a young girl coming into her own with a huge crush on her next door neighbor Antwone who doesn't share the same feelings. Camille makes some choices on how to get Antwone to see her but what she doesn't plan for is the hurricane that will change the course of her, her friends and her families life forever. This story takes place during the beginning of Hurricane Katrina and what happens after.
Riveting story, I thought the authors way of describing Camille and her feelings was spot on for her age. At times the story is tragic and haunting, other times there is hope. I found Camille to be a fascinating character and the way she begins to notice subtle things on how people see her and others is profound. Moving story and I felt like it captured the spirit of New Orleans perfectly.
Riveting story, I thought the authors way of describing Camille and her feelings was spot on for her age. At times the story is tragic and haunting, other times there is hope. I found Camille to be a fascinating character and the way she begins to notice subtle things on how people see her and others is profound. Moving story and I felt like it captured the spirit of New Orleans perfectly.
June 11, 2020
Knee Deep gave me a taste of the history and culture of New Orleans in the most enjoyable way possible. Through the eyes of sixteen-year-old Camille, we experience a world with racism, heartache, dangerous people and natural disasters, but also a world full of magic, hope, friendship, support and community. A mix of romance, mystery, voodoo magic, tragedy but also redemption.
This book was a great read. The story is fast-paced, but also the way it’s written makes it immersive and easy to finish in one sitting. The characters felt so real, so full of flaws and imperfections, that I found myself mentally shouting at them countless times. I didn’t relate to any, but they managed to irritate and annoy me as much as feel love or pity for them at all the right moments. It feels great to read a story where you forget the characters are actually fictional. The fact that Hurricane Katrina is huge part of the story events, contributes to the feeling of reading a memoir rather than a fictional love story. There’s also good amount of paranormal events that bring balance to the mix.
This book is definitely worth reading even if you are not a fan of YA genre. The romance was my least favorite part compared to everything else in the book, never felt the connection between them, but I appreciate that it wasn’t your stereotypical love story. I’m looking forward to more books by Karol Ann Hoeffner, her writing style is just wonderful.
*ARC review*
This book was a great read. The story is fast-paced, but also the way it’s written makes it immersive and easy to finish in one sitting. The characters felt so real, so full of flaws and imperfections, that I found myself mentally shouting at them countless times. I didn’t relate to any, but they managed to irritate and annoy me as much as feel love or pity for them at all the right moments. It feels great to read a story where you forget the characters are actually fictional. The fact that Hurricane Katrina is huge part of the story events, contributes to the feeling of reading a memoir rather than a fictional love story. There’s also good amount of paranormal events that bring balance to the mix.
This book is definitely worth reading even if you are not a fan of YA genre. The romance was my least favorite part compared to everything else in the book, never felt the connection between them, but I appreciate that it wasn’t your stereotypical love story. I’m looking forward to more books by Karol Ann Hoeffner, her writing style is just wonderful.
*ARC review*
August 19, 2020
Old magic. Young love. New Orleans.
A story set in New Orleans where a young girl learns lessons in life and in love.
This story is not only enjoyable but also rich in culture. I appreciated it and a huge part of why I enjoyed it. Hurricane Katrina was featured and brought realness to the story. I felt the loss and devastation caused by her. The spirit of New Orleans and the people are felt throughout the story. Strength. Hope.
The characters seemed on par for the age groups. I did have trouble relating to our main character at times. Most of her actions came across selfish to me but I had to remember her age in the story. This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I really liked the authors storytelling style and I can already tell that I’ll be looking for her next release.
As a whole, this book is enjoyable, fun, and will have you nostalgic for a place you’ve never been. I give this 4 stars.
**Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng**
A story set in New Orleans where a young girl learns lessons in life and in love.
This story is not only enjoyable but also rich in culture. I appreciated it and a huge part of why I enjoyed it. Hurricane Katrina was featured and brought realness to the story. I felt the loss and devastation caused by her. The spirit of New Orleans and the people are felt throughout the story. Strength. Hope.
The characters seemed on par for the age groups. I did have trouble relating to our main character at times. Most of her actions came across selfish to me but I had to remember her age in the story. This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I really liked the authors storytelling style and I can already tell that I’ll be looking for her next release.
As a whole, this book is enjoyable, fun, and will have you nostalgic for a place you’ve never been. I give this 4 stars.
**Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng**
June 22, 2020
Quick Take
Knee Deep is a literary storm of a novel wrapped in Mardi Gras beads and drenched in gumbo. If you are a lover of New Orleans like I am, then you will fall head over heels for this delightful novel!
Tell Me More
I am someone who has always loved New Orleans and everything about it - but has never been - much to my chagrin. However, I adore reading novels and watching documentaries about and set in NOLA, so I was super excited to come across Knee Deep and its delicious stew of New Orleans culture.
Knee Deep is written as an autobiography and follows a young girl named Camille who is the daughter of a New Orleans bar owner. The novel takes place during Mardi Gras when Hurricane Katrina hits and Camille and her family lose their home. Camille soon finds out that a neighbor with whom she is in love has also gone missing, bringing forth deep feelings of sadness and regret. Knee Deep is largely a novel about the strength that New Orleans stands for as the community comes together to recuperate after the tragedy caused by Hurricane Katrina, mixed with an interracial romance and paranormal elements that connect to New Orleans voodoo. If you are to read one novel about, and set in, New Orleans, then Knee Deep is it! It doesn't get much better than this.
Camille's eternal optimism is infectious, and I fell in love with her instantly. Named after a hurricane, her rebellious nature carries the story and mimicks the sassy nature of Mardi Gras and the culture of New Orleans. Karol Hoeffner is a master storyteller in her ability to present New Orleans to those who have never experienced it firsthand in such a realistic way. I also appreciated how she blended paranormal elements with realism to bring to life the voodoo spirituality that is such a big part of New Orleans history. Knee Deep is highly sensual in that it encompasses all of the reader's senses and drags them into the story face first. One can almost hear the jazz music and feel the Mardi Gras beads around their neck as they become absorbed into the story. Hoeffner's ability to create a young adult novel, that is also an interracial romance, a historical fiction, and a paranormal thriller is astounding and creates a story that is unlike any other. Hoeggner's brilliant story took me on a ride I will never forget, and will happy to revisit again and again!
Knee Deep is a love letter to New Orleans that is written for young adults and new adults but will tug at the heartstrings of readers of all ages. I have never read a novel that encompasses my senses and transports me into the story so well, and I feel honored to have been able to spend time in Karol Hoeffner's world. Her novel beautifully represents just about every element of New Orleans, while celebrating its people and the strength it took to rebuild and restore after the Hurricane Katrina tragedy. I can't recommend this novel enough, so I am just going to end my review by saying, go pick up this novel now! You are in for one heck of a wild ride.
Knee Deep is a literary storm of a novel wrapped in Mardi Gras beads and drenched in gumbo. If you are a lover of New Orleans like I am, then you will fall head over heels for this delightful novel!
Tell Me More
I am someone who has always loved New Orleans and everything about it - but has never been - much to my chagrin. However, I adore reading novels and watching documentaries about and set in NOLA, so I was super excited to come across Knee Deep and its delicious stew of New Orleans culture.
Knee Deep is written as an autobiography and follows a young girl named Camille who is the daughter of a New Orleans bar owner. The novel takes place during Mardi Gras when Hurricane Katrina hits and Camille and her family lose their home. Camille soon finds out that a neighbor with whom she is in love has also gone missing, bringing forth deep feelings of sadness and regret. Knee Deep is largely a novel about the strength that New Orleans stands for as the community comes together to recuperate after the tragedy caused by Hurricane Katrina, mixed with an interracial romance and paranormal elements that connect to New Orleans voodoo. If you are to read one novel about, and set in, New Orleans, then Knee Deep is it! It doesn't get much better than this.
Camille's eternal optimism is infectious, and I fell in love with her instantly. Named after a hurricane, her rebellious nature carries the story and mimicks the sassy nature of Mardi Gras and the culture of New Orleans. Karol Hoeffner is a master storyteller in her ability to present New Orleans to those who have never experienced it firsthand in such a realistic way. I also appreciated how she blended paranormal elements with realism to bring to life the voodoo spirituality that is such a big part of New Orleans history. Knee Deep is highly sensual in that it encompasses all of the reader's senses and drags them into the story face first. One can almost hear the jazz music and feel the Mardi Gras beads around their neck as they become absorbed into the story. Hoeffner's ability to create a young adult novel, that is also an interracial romance, a historical fiction, and a paranormal thriller is astounding and creates a story that is unlike any other. Hoeggner's brilliant story took me on a ride I will never forget, and will happy to revisit again and again!
Knee Deep is a love letter to New Orleans that is written for young adults and new adults but will tug at the heartstrings of readers of all ages. I have never read a novel that encompasses my senses and transports me into the story so well, and I feel honored to have been able to spend time in Karol Hoeffner's world. Her novel beautifully represents just about every element of New Orleans, while celebrating its people and the strength it took to rebuild and restore after the Hurricane Katrina tragedy. I can't recommend this novel enough, so I am just going to end my review by saying, go pick up this novel now! You are in for one heck of a wild ride.
September 19, 2020
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would.
It's slow to start; there's a lot of stuff about Camille's every day life and things going on in her life before any of the action starts. Since she and her family evacuate when Katrina becomes dangerous, we never really feel the impact of the hurricane, just the second hand stories and news reports.
When Antwone appears the first time after the hurricane, it's fairly obvious what's happened, but I missed the second twist about his appearances until later. There's a lot more of what I'll call fantasy in this story than I was expecting, and everybody in it is very accepting of the supernatural. Maybe that's a New Orleans thing, like the way Irish people believe in fairies even if they say they don't.
Camille's support system is great. Her hairdresser, her father's drag queen customer and her two best friends all contribute, in their own ways, to her adventures and their happy, if bittersweet, ending. And speaking of bittersweet, that final scene is something. I didn't cry, but I did enjoy it very much.
So while this does have a slow start, it's worth hanging in there to read it all. If you like stories set in New Orleans, stories with a supernatural bent or stories about teenagers coming into their own, this is the one for you.
(Although I'm not quite sure what Knee Deep refers to!)
It's slow to start; there's a lot of stuff about Camille's every day life and things going on in her life before any of the action starts. Since she and her family evacuate when Katrina becomes dangerous, we never really feel the impact of the hurricane, just the second hand stories and news reports.
When Antwone appears the first time after the hurricane, it's fairly obvious what's happened, but I missed the second twist about his appearances until later. There's a lot more of what I'll call fantasy in this story than I was expecting, and everybody in it is very accepting of the supernatural. Maybe that's a New Orleans thing, like the way Irish people believe in fairies even if they say they don't.
Camille's support system is great. Her hairdresser, her father's drag queen customer and her two best friends all contribute, in their own ways, to her adventures and their happy, if bittersweet, ending. And speaking of bittersweet, that final scene is something. I didn't cry, but I did enjoy it very much.
So while this does have a slow start, it's worth hanging in there to read it all. If you like stories set in New Orleans, stories with a supernatural bent or stories about teenagers coming into their own, this is the one for you.
(Although I'm not quite sure what Knee Deep refers to!)
June 16, 2020
Knee Deep has the perfect ingredients, set in Louisiana with Mardi Gras, Voodoo, Hurricane Katrina, and young love. Unfortunately, while it has enjoyable moments, the story didn't live up to its promise for me.
The setting and feel of Louisiana's culture, along with the hint of voodoo magic and Camille's unique connection to the spirit world are where this story excels.
I never connected well with the characters or their emotions. Camille's sudden obsession with Antwone felt childish, seemingly more about her selfish desire to win him away from his long-time girlfriend than any sense of an actual relationship. This is especially true since Antwone showed no real interest in her. She also treated her best friends terribly, making her a difficult character to like. None of the other characters had much depth or personality.
Pacing is uneven. There are long sections of teenage drama where not much happens, and then short sections where a lot happens.
I never felt the urgency with Hurricane Katrina. The pieces were all there, but they just didn't come together for an emotional impact.
I think this story is a true YA novel, in that its appeal will be to younger teens.
*I received a review copy via Farrow Communications.*
The setting and feel of Louisiana's culture, along with the hint of voodoo magic and Camille's unique connection to the spirit world are where this story excels.
I never connected well with the characters or their emotions. Camille's sudden obsession with Antwone felt childish, seemingly more about her selfish desire to win him away from his long-time girlfriend than any sense of an actual relationship. This is especially true since Antwone showed no real interest in her. She also treated her best friends terribly, making her a difficult character to like. None of the other characters had much depth or personality.
Pacing is uneven. There are long sections of teenage drama where not much happens, and then short sections where a lot happens.
I never felt the urgency with Hurricane Katrina. The pieces were all there, but they just didn't come together for an emotional impact.
I think this story is a true YA novel, in that its appeal will be to younger teens.
*I received a review copy via Farrow Communications.*
June 7, 2020
I don’t even know where to start with describing the pure beauty of this book. It was exactly what I needed to read at this moment in time, and I’m still in awe some time after reading the final chapter! The book shows one character’s incredible journey from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, losing something she loves whilst also gaining the strength and power to help herself heal and to assist others in need. The author is such a talented writer who has obviously nailed character creation and developed a plot to both break your heart and bring you happiness. I think this story is one that everyone should experience and it has definitely made me think about life in a whole new way. I loved it!!
You can read my full review here: https://aquintillionwords.com/2020/06...
You can read my full review here: https://aquintillionwords.com/2020/06...
May 1, 2020
I was gifted an ARC. Read this for the descriptions of New Orleans and Mardi Gras alone. Beyond that though, it's a sweet book. 16 year old Camille is in love with the literal boy next door. When Hurricane Katrina is headed their way, her dad stays to protect their bar from looters, and she, her mom, and the grandma of the boy next door evacuate. He stays to convince his great aunt to leave as well. He never meets back up with them and once they return to the devastation of the city, she makes it her purpose to find him.
June 11, 2020
I love the setting, there is something magical about New Orleans. :)
Camille is a 16 old girl living in New Orleans. She lives with her parents, her father owns and runs the well-known bar. She is a very special kind of girl, all kind of stubborn and sensitive at the same time. :) We follow her story, from panning her birthday party with her friends, being in love, and getting excited for the Mardi Gras and living through Hurricane Katrina and everything that such a disaster plus along. The end is bittersweet, as there is new hope, a chance of fresh start and there is loss and grief and horribleness of letting go.
My favorite part of the story was the setting, all love all things, New Orleans, especially if there is a little bit of magic involved. :)
However I had a hard time connecting to the writing, it's very descriptive, slowing down the flow, especially at the start.
received from author
Camille is a 16 old girl living in New Orleans. She lives with her parents, her father owns and runs the well-known bar. She is a very special kind of girl, all kind of stubborn and sensitive at the same time. :) We follow her story, from panning her birthday party with her friends, being in love, and getting excited for the Mardi Gras and living through Hurricane Katrina and everything that such a disaster plus along. The end is bittersweet, as there is new hope, a chance of fresh start and there is loss and grief and horribleness of letting go.
My favorite part of the story was the setting, all love all things, New Orleans, especially if there is a little bit of magic involved. :)
However I had a hard time connecting to the writing, it's very descriptive, slowing down the flow, especially at the start.
received from author
September 20, 2020
As complex and beautiful as New Orleans itself, KNEE DEEP blends a coming of age story, a paranormal love story, and Hurricane Katrina into one moving tale. I loved how the layers of history, culture and blended races of New Orleans felt vital to the story. It is a French Quarter story that couldn’t be set anywhere else. I was hesitant about the paranormal aspect of a girl in love with her neighbor’s lingering ghost but it felt true to the charm and beliefs of New Orleans. There is suspense and magic, vibrant characters and tragedies transcended. It is a layered story that is full of heart and healing completely worth reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2020
This was an interesting mix of ghosts and New Orleans and just a really fun but tragic story. I loved this one was pretty short although I think it could have been longer. It made it pretty fast paced and wonderful. I loved how the story unfolded as well as the characters. It was very inventive and I can't wait for more.
May 25, 2020
New Orleans, Mardi Gras and voodoo magic are the ideas that really sparked my interest in Knee Deep by Karol Hoeffner. I’ve always quite liked stories set in New Orleans and the southern states of America (The Originals, anyone?), and would love to visit the cities in Louisiana. Combine that with the 2005 tropical cyclone, Hurricane Katrina, a bit of teen romance, a ghostly possession, and quirky set of friends and you’ve got yourself the ingredients for a good, if not deeply sad and tragic story.
Read the full review on This Splendid Shambles.
Read the full review on This Splendid Shambles.
November 18, 2021
DNF at 8%
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.
I had such high expectations for Knee Deep based on the synopsis, but as you can see, I barely made it through 17 pages of the book. Camille wasn't a likable character, and I thought her obsession with Antwone was sudden and not substantiated. Yes, she tells a story about him "coming to her rescue" after school one day, but they've had little-to-no interactions to indicate they have a connection beyond being friendly neighbors. I also didn't like that Camille seemed determined to break up Antwone's current relationship because she didn't think his girlfriend was "good enough" for him. Both of her friends (and apparently the entire student body) thought they were a perfect match. Regardless, it wasn't her business or her decision.
Additionally, some of the dialogue felt dated and somewhat offensive. I'm not sure if the author has personally experienced some of the things she put her character through (especially since the MC is biracial), but it honestly didn't read like she did. Examples:
1) "Mary Ellen was all over that like white on rice."
2) "...tight little braids close to my scalp in rows as straight as planted corn."
3) "I was not just plain old mad but burning, crazy mad, the kind that can land you in jail."
4) "I took a moment to revel in the fact that this big bully had been reduced to a sniveling, scared little piece of shit."
5) "I could have grabbed him and kissed him and done him right there in the middle of the front yard."
The last three quotes were things she said when she was 14, and her reactions simply weren't believable. I'm not saying a girl her age couldn't act that way, it just seems unlikely. It also felt like the author couldn't settle on an age, and the character's thoughts and actions reflected that.
The author also speaks from a Black woman's perspective, mostly when Camille is getting her hair done, and the narrative felt false. Like the author was trying too hard to seem knowledgeable about something she in reality knows very little about. When I have this many issues with a book early on, I know there's no point in trying to continue reading it. (★★☆☆☆)
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I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.
I had such high expectations for Knee Deep based on the synopsis, but as you can see, I barely made it through 17 pages of the book. Camille wasn't a likable character, and I thought her obsession with Antwone was sudden and not substantiated. Yes, she tells a story about him "coming to her rescue" after school one day, but they've had little-to-no interactions to indicate they have a connection beyond being friendly neighbors. I also didn't like that Camille seemed determined to break up Antwone's current relationship because she didn't think his girlfriend was "good enough" for him. Both of her friends (and apparently the entire student body) thought they were a perfect match. Regardless, it wasn't her business or her decision.
Additionally, some of the dialogue felt dated and somewhat offensive. I'm not sure if the author has personally experienced some of the things she put her character through (especially since the MC is biracial), but it honestly didn't read like she did. Examples:
1) "Mary Ellen was all over that like white on rice."
2) "...tight little braids close to my scalp in rows as straight as planted corn."
3) "I was not just plain old mad but burning, crazy mad, the kind that can land you in jail."
4) "I took a moment to revel in the fact that this big bully had been reduced to a sniveling, scared little piece of shit."
5) "I could have grabbed him and kissed him and done him right there in the middle of the front yard."
The last three quotes were things she said when she was 14, and her reactions simply weren't believable. I'm not saying a girl her age couldn't act that way, it just seems unlikely. It also felt like the author couldn't settle on an age, and the character's thoughts and actions reflected that.
The author also speaks from a Black woman's perspective, mostly when Camille is getting her hair done, and the narrative felt false. Like the author was trying too hard to seem knowledgeable about something she in reality knows very little about. When I have this many issues with a book early on, I know there's no point in trying to continue reading it. (★★☆☆☆)
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September 29, 2022
Set in New Orleans in 2005, this book is about a Mardi Gras baby name Camille Darveau whose parents got together on a Twelfth Night party in the Garden District and conceive her.
Camille is aptly named after a hurricane, and as one might expect, and this book is widely about her life prior to and after Hurricane Katrina.
We learn a lot about Camille in a little bit of time. She lives in an average house and her best friend Gina lives in a mansion. Camille's other bestie is Beano Benoit, a high school quarterback.
Camille spends time at Salon Baptiste as it's often an all-day affair for her to get her hair done. We learn that her hair is a touchy subject as is Camille's neighbor and biggest crush Antwone Despre. Unfortunately, Antwone has a girlfriend M (Emily).
When the winds started picking up across the Gulf a mandatory evacuation of New Orleans is issued but some people refused to evacuate while others had no financial means to leave.
After the hurricane hit, we learned that there are difficulties in search-and-rescue efforts as levees began breaking and flooding occurred.
As the novel progresses, we're aware of fragility and devastation. After the hurricane, Camille's interracial romance is halted as Antwone is lost. Camille takes comfort in having Mr. Oliver near and connects with spirits to learn more.
We find Camille is knee-deep in contending with the differences in her life which eventually includes acceptance and hope for a brighter future.
I received a copy of this book from Arden Izzo, Public Relations Manager, Farrow Communications.
Camille is aptly named after a hurricane, and as one might expect, and this book is widely about her life prior to and after Hurricane Katrina.
We learn a lot about Camille in a little bit of time. She lives in an average house and her best friend Gina lives in a mansion. Camille's other bestie is Beano Benoit, a high school quarterback.
Camille spends time at Salon Baptiste as it's often an all-day affair for her to get her hair done. We learn that her hair is a touchy subject as is Camille's neighbor and biggest crush Antwone Despre. Unfortunately, Antwone has a girlfriend M (Emily).
When the winds started picking up across the Gulf a mandatory evacuation of New Orleans is issued but some people refused to evacuate while others had no financial means to leave.
After the hurricane hit, we learned that there are difficulties in search-and-rescue efforts as levees began breaking and flooding occurred.
As the novel progresses, we're aware of fragility and devastation. After the hurricane, Camille's interracial romance is halted as Antwone is lost. Camille takes comfort in having Mr. Oliver near and connects with spirits to learn more.
We find Camille is knee-deep in contending with the differences in her life which eventually includes acceptance and hope for a brighter future.
I received a copy of this book from Arden Izzo, Public Relations Manager, Farrow Communications.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews