Shots rang out in Savannah’s grandest mansion in the misty,early morning hours of May 2, 1981. Was it murder or self-defense? For nearly a decade, the shooting and its aftermath reverberated throughout this hauntingly beautiful city of moss-hung oaks and shaded squares. John Berendt’s sharply observed, suspenseful, and witty narrative reads like a thoroughly engrossing novel, and yet it is a … a work of nonfiction. Berendt skillfully interweaves a hugely entertaining first-person account of life in this isolated remnant of the Old South with the unpredictable twists and turns of a landmark murder case.
It is a spellbinding story peopled by a gallery of remarkable characters: the well-bred society ladies of the Married Woman’s Card Club; the turbulent young redneck gigolo; the hapless recluse who owns a bottle of poison so powerful it could kill every man, woman, and child in Savannah; the aging and profane Southern belle who is the “soul of pampered self-absorption”; the uproariously funny black drag queen; the acerbic and arrogant antiques dealer; the sweet-talking, piano-playing con artist; young blacks dancing the minuet at the black debutante ball; and Minerva, the voodoo priestess who works her magic in the graveyard at midnight. These and other Savannahians act as a Greek chorus, with Berendt revealing the alliances, hostilities, and intrigues that thrive in a town where everyone knows everyone else.
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil is a sublime and seductive reading experience. Brilliantly conceived and masterfully written, this enormously engaging portrait of a most beguiling Southern city has become a modern classic.
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Really enjoyed it. It’s in my Top 5 books list.
Loved it. A definite page turner. The book is so much better than the movie.
While reading this book, I kept wondering when it was going to get interesting. It does give a good representation of Savannah
I recommend with reservations. Classic southern which I love but not that great.
it is about dating thing
Loved that it was nonfiction and read like a novel!
read this years ago, still remember the characters. great read
Fantastic book
Love It
I loved this book! The characters were well thought and the scenery of Savannah was detailed and beautiful!
One of the most memorable and enjoyable books I’ve read. The author captured the atmosphere and flavour of the times in New Orleans amongst the cultured old money characters as they mingled amongst those who existed in the flamboyantly in-the-margins population. Will read again certainly.
Good book.
This one is a true story, slow build and major focus on the characters of Savanah in the first half of the book with no real plot. Plot picks up in second half. This is one of the rare times I enjoyed the movie more than the book- but I still liked the book.
The characterizations presented in the book are delightful. Each character has their own story and definitely different personalities. My problem is that the first half of the book is so interesting, the second half of the book doesn’t follow through. It’s as if the author’s energy was used in the first half of the book. I hoped that some of …
Great Southern gothic novel with unforgettable characters that will move you to laughter, anger, sadness, perplexity, and curiosity. You won’t forget them.
Reads like a string of journalistic articles. Characters are interesting and well-depicted.
This is one of my all time favorite books of fiction. I feel like I’m there…walking in the park, dancing at the party and watching in the courtroom. Times have changed for the best, but a peek into yesteryear is a pleasurable visit.
Great insider tale of savannah, an unsung city of mystery and surprise.
First paragraph displays real writing. Author’s first book. Second one about Venice shows this was a fluke….but a very good fluke.
“Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil”
I love Savannah! It’s my favorite place to visit whenever we are near. The book wasn’t one I would recommend to just anyone. I just liked the characters. If another person loved Savannah, they should read this book for sure.
– Marge Hartman