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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Interesting to see some of the people who make up Savannah. I am glad that not all of them behave like the central character.
True story that makes you want to run to Savannah to learn more. Despicable characters that are three dimensional.
I’ve read this one twice. Unbelievable to believe it’s real.
A haunting tale of a real crime without a convincing solution to the question “whodunit.”
This is enough to make you hop in the car and visit!
Great book wild story
If you’ve only seen the movie, the book is much better. Well written and crafted, it’s one of my favorite books.
I have read it several times. Loved it.
Love this book!!!! I loved it so much that I went to Savannah GA to see the city and trace the footsteps of the characters. I have read the book twice and seen the movie multiple times.
The author captured the feeling of the South perfectly.
Entertaining true story. These people couldn’t be made up!!
Very much enjoyed this book
I read this book years ago, loaned to me by a fellow teacher. A fantastic book! The movie…not so much. The way they changed Brendt’s character and adding a girl he’s after sucked. The book is way better!!
On e of my favorite books ever.
I did not enjoy this book.
Quirky characters and the steamy atmosphere of Savannah. What could be better?
Loved the book and the movie.
The book was interesting. It captured my attention early. The connection to the unique city of Savannah is also interesting.
Wonderful book!
I enjoyed very much, but it may be a story for everyone. A personal choice!
Fun read. Great characters.