The Story of Chicago May

Praise

“An absorbing look at an old-time, independent, free-spirited crook. . . . What makes The Story of Chicago May so compelling is the earnestness (and finely detailed writing) with which O’Faolain searches for authentic May in a story easy to mythologize. . . . Meeting her is a tonic experience.”—Chicago Tribune
 
“Chicago May is a masterpiece, and I’ll say it again. [A] most original, compassionate, perceptive, and deeply personal exploration of the amazing life story of the self-proclaimed Queen of Crooks, May Duignan. And it had me spellbound.”—Daily Mail (London)
 
“O’Faolain, mistress of the memoir, meets her match in fellow Irishwoman Chicago May, feisty turn-of-the-century feminist and queen of the crooks. . . . She manages to weave the destiny of an entire people into the flight of auburn-haired, buxom nineteen-year-old May.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)