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Summary: A Book Only A Non-Savannahian Could Write
Review: Jim Williams did the evil deed
There is no doubt about it
But the polite society of Lady Savannah
Would never shout about it
Only Berendt dared lift the covers up to peek
At all who lay in Dame Savannah's bed
While we Savannahians turned our other cheek
And kept our opinions mostly unsaid
So Jim sailed through our minds innocent and free
For though we saw it, we didn't speak of the evil
Since we were taught at our Lady's knee
That gossip's as destructive as the cotton boll weevil!
Rating: 
Summary: REAL EASY TO READ AND REAL
Review: I AM ENJOYING THE BOOK NOW. DISCOVERED IT WHEN VISITING SAVANNAH. A VISIT AFTER READING THIS BOOK WILL BE GREAT.
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Summary: Uh, what's the big deal?
Review: OK, I'm commiting some kind of cardinal sin here by commenting on this book without having finished it. But twice I've started this thing, and both times set it aside for more challenging, rewarding reading, like the biographies of Akira Kurosawa and Klaus Kinski. Berendt is a fine prose stylist, his descriptions of Savannah are evocative. But nothing here makes me want to visit the actual city. Too much of the book (more than half!) consists of unrelated vignettes about people who are more novel than appealing; they come across as cartoon characters, rather than actual people. Kooky behavior is one thing, but a whole book about charmingly kooky behavior smacks of "Evening Shade" or some such nonsense. (I know plenty of kooks in my hometown, but I'm warned constantly not to write a book about them due to "lack of interest.") I guess I keep putting the book down because I keep waiting for "something to happen," for some semblance of a plot or story to develop. There is only so much of the Lady Chablis I can take, and Berendt's handling of her dialogue reads like the lines in a script for "Family Matters." The reason for the overwhelming popularity of this book somehow escapes me. The poor box office performance of Clint Eastwood's movie is also puzzling; where are the book's legions of fans when Hollywood needs them?
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Summary: highly intuitive look at the secrets of the south
Review: Midnight ... is a suspenseful and inviting look at the south undercover. Raised in the south I was "protected" from much of the intrigue that happens down there. Berendt takes us into the opulent wealth of high society and invites us into their secrets, and the murder trial was a timely event that illustrates the attitudes of the community towards scandal. Ultimately this book, a "scandalous success" in itself, speaks about the unspeakable, the chips beneath the veneer and high shine of priceless and "flawless" furniture, the imperfect and disturbing nature of a society consumed by image.
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Summary: Northern Exposure goes South
Review: Did he also write the Bob Newhart show? Interesting cities are revealed by their architecture, and I'd like to meet the people who can take credit for Savannah. The South has always had eccentric and unforgettable characters, but the writer has left the impression that they're just quirky. Too much like Northern Exposure for me.
Rating: 
Summary: Charming and thrilling.
Review: Although I stumbled upon this book late in it's publication, I have found it to have a charming narrative, bright dialogue and unusual insight into a community which has turned into itself. This story could only have been written by an "outsider", as is evident by the reaction of the Savanahites which oppose it. I found it to be charming and thrilling at the same time.
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Summary: Worth Reading Anyday
Review: Having just moved back from Georgia, I was VERY interested in reading the book after having visited Savannah. I'd visited all of the sites in the book mentioned (mere coincidence). The characters were truly southern and lovable. The secrets were southern as well. It's a terrific insight into the city and its people, all characters stood on their own merit. Anyone but me noticed that the only people that didn't like it are from the southeast? Is denial involved here? Mr. Berendt did a terrific job of reporting those he met with humor, love and non-judgement, a fact I appreciated. I can't wait to move back to the southeast again someday, it was a wonderful year, especially living in Athens. Come visit Sacramento John! I'd be interested in uncovering our secrets as well!!!
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Summary: I just don't "get it"!
Review: Angela's Ashes was a touching book. Nathan's Run was engrossing . . . But Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil was never a page-turner. Not once did I "feel" for any of the characters . . . and my only memorable feeling while reading the book was an interest in getting through it. Someone PLEASE explain its popularity! I just don't get it!
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Summary: Great read ... like taking a vacation ...
Review: Enjoyed this read. It was like taking an extended vacation to Savanah and being "in" on all the local gossip. The characters were wonderful ... you had to like them. I love a book that makes me laugh out loud and this one did (often). I would certainly recommend this one. Can't wait to see the movie!
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Summary: This was a page turner!
Review: "Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil" was a wonderful book which caused me to want to book a plane to Savannah, Georgia. Not just the travelogue feature impressed me but the story line was exciting and I found I couldn't put it down until I finished every word. The description of the trial was quite accurate (there are 2 lawyers in my family and I work for an attorney). John Berendt's word pictures were excellent and I was enthralled with Chablis. I plan to see the movie, despite the fact the reviewers have not been kind.
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