Chicago May was a infamous crook/prostitute during the first three decades of the 20th century. Nuala O’Faolain discovered her story and became increasingly interested in the life of her fellow Irish countrywoman. O’Faolain takes the story of May from May’s own memoir and adds a bit of history and insight. For the most part, the author’s presence is welcome, she provides us with facts about the places and the culture that May lived in, and she has researched what others who knew May, or knew of her, had to say about her. At times, however, the author’s presence is intrusive. This is especially so when she makes attempts to parallel May’s life with her own brother’s life. Some might see this as an attempt to bring May’s story into the modern world, but it is distracting when the reader wants to know more about May and not at all about the author’s brother. ( )

http://www.lcl.lib.ne.us/depts/bookgu... ( )

This was an interesting bio about a young woman who emigrated from Ireland to America in the 1800's. ( )