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Summary: An Incredibly Engrossing Novel
Review: Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil is the first book I've ever read that reaches out at you from the moment your eyes fall on the opening pages and pulls you, mind and soul, into its story. Every character, every building, every park has a story, and John Berendt shares it. This book is more than just a tour of Old Savannah. It invites the reader into souls of the characters, the souls of the houses, and the soul of Georgia's first city. The plot ambles on at a leisurely, southern pace, but just like a good southern host, it ensures your knowing every detail. I can't say enough about this book. It is a must-read for anyone planning a trip to Savannah, or for anyone just wanting an intriguing vacation without all the expense and weariness from travel. Also, it's better than the movie, which I made the mistake of seeing before reading the book.
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Summary: Great Historical Book
Review: I enjoyed this book a lot. Lots of historical information. I also recommend my book with related information-ANOTHER SIXTH SENSE:The Fort Lauderdale Story by Brian Roesch.
Rating: 
Summary: Who could resist it?
Review: Well, when this book came out, who could resist all the fuss and hullabaloo? Not me. And I thoroughly enjoyed it, especially knowing it had employed the new genre of creative nonfiction (my favorite, as a writer) to whole new extremes. Much of the book reads like pure fiction written by Faulkner in the modern era. That device is both the book's greatest weakness and its greatest strength.
But aside from the disclaimers of those who say, 'but that's not really how it happened,' it's a helluva good story, and full of character that are unforgettable and stole every scene in which they appear (in both book and movie). Lady Chablis, of course, tops the list and fortunately went on to write a book of her own and actually played herself in the movie - and thank god: no one else could possibly have done her justice.
Read it and enjoy it for what it is, an expose of Savannah society, a city whose residents at first were horrified to recognize themselves, and then when fame came, others were majorly upset to find they were not included. Go figure.
Rating:
Summary: Very Enjoyable
Review: Each chapter is crafted as if it is a short story, which Berendt has admitted to be deliberate as part of his strategy in crafting this book. The flow of the story and the characterization make the book feel more like fiction, yet this is non-fiction and the events you read about are historical fact.You'll fly through this book without even realizing it is almost over. The writing is very original and the understated style of it draws you in and holds you. This author is very talented, and I look forward to more from him.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent!
Review: This national bestseller from John Berendt is a fascinating text that is both comical and compelling. A book that is best read slow, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil gifts us by closely observing the all too human, if not eccentric citizens that inhabit the city of Savannah, Georgia. For those who find real life more exciting than any fiction, this book is a must read.
Rating:
Summary: Most Entertaining
Review: The most entertaining non-fiction is John Brendt's work: Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. A man from New York travels to Savannah, Georgia to write his next book. In the little town of Savannah, many characters are described. For example, a few character described are the sentimental gentleman, the inventor, the lady of six thousand songs, the grand empress of Savannah, and the walking streak of sex. One night, the most unexpected occurred. A highly respected man goes to trial for murder. This story is about this man's testimony on the line, and the unusual ways of the townspeople of Savannah, Georgia. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good murder mystery. I couldn't put it down, being a murder mystery lover myself. The thing I found most astonishing about this book was that it was non-fictional. I couldn't believe it wasn't fiction! The twist ending is chilling...find out for yourself!
Rating:
Summary: midnight in the garden of good and evil is good
Review: Midnight in the garden of good and evil by John Berendt tells the tales of Savannah, Georgia through the eyes of a New Yorker. Berendt breaks the book into two parts, the first introduces you to the people of the town and how they play a role in the scheme of things, and the second half tells about a specific person that is accused of murder. The events that take place in this story can only be described as crazy. There is sex, lies, and murder, which make you feel like you are reading a fictional novel. From beginning to end you feel like you are just another person in the town. Over all, this is a great book that will hold your attention throughout the entire story. The way that Berendt includes the smallest details; it makes the story come alive, and makes it so you won't get bored half way through. Midnight in the garden of good and evil is definitely worth the read, whether it is for work or pleasure.
Rating:
Summary: Darkly fascinating
Review: I found this book to be unlike any that I had ever read before, non-fiction with a good smattering of fiction.Behrend has taken a real crime set in a real city and merely concealed the true identities of some of the characters. His writing style reveals his newspaper background and the story flows brilliantly and succinctly. A wealthy,gay antiques dealer, Jim Williams, had made his mark in Savannah society by his famous Xmas parties where no expense was spared.All society flocked to these gatherings even though Williams was never admitted to the top echelons of Georgia society and didn't quite make the VERY best clubs. In May,1981, a bisexual young man, Danny Hansford, was shot dead by Jim Williams in what Williams swore was self defence. Danny had worked sporadically for Jim who admitted that sex had been a major part of their relationship.Danny was known to be a violent,destructive drug user who was always in trouble with the law. Jim goes to trial 4 times over the next 8 years before the case is finally closed and, along the way, we are introduced to some of the amazing, real-life characters who were involved in the story and who are too improbable to be invented. A real non-put-downer and a wonderful read.
Rating:
Summary: Rich and entertaining
Review: Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil is an almost-true story about the people of Savannah. The author dips in and out of their lives, fully developing each character, yet managing to intertwine all of their stories. The result is a fascinating story that manages to give you a taste of Savannah and many of its colorful residents. Thrown into the second half of the story is murder and mystery, which manage to keep things moving along at a smooth and steady pace. An entertaining read.
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Summary: Great read, better than fiction
Review: I flew through this fascinating book, and can recommend it without reservations. The author wrote, in the form of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, what is effectively a love letter to the city of Savanna, USA, and to its fascinating, eccentric inhabitants, including a flamboyant drag artiste, a homosexual art dealer involved in a very lengthy murder case, a depressed former scientist threatening to poison the city's water supply, and a very likeable conman attorney. Berendt, a New Yorker, clearly enjoyed immensely the experience of living in Savanna and mingling with its people, and his enthusiasm is infectious. In fact, this book is a better read than just about any work of fiction I have read. In the process of telling the story Berendt manages to stay very much in the background, and he never allows his ego to get in the way of describing Savanna and its inhabitants. I believe the movie version of Midnight was not a triumph (not that I have seen it myself), but the book certainly is. I can quite understand why it was a bestseller, and hope that the author will not take as long to complete his next book as he did this one. He does, however, have an enormous task ahead of him if he intends to improve, or even just match, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.
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