John Berendt’s Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil is a work of nonfiction that tells the story of a murder trial in Savannah, Georgia. The book blends true crime with Southern Gothic storytelling to create a fascinating portrait of life in southernmost USA.
For who is this book for ?
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil would be an excellent read for those interested in true crime, Southern Gothic writing, or American culture.
Pros :
- Berendt is a superb storyteller, and the book is impossible to put down
- The Savannah that Berendt portrays is a weird and wonderful place, full of characters who are larger than life
- Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil offers an insightful look at American society
Cons :
- It is extremely long.
- It can be slow at times.
- The ending is quite anticlimactic.
Learn more about the author
John Berendt is an American author of nonfiction books. His first book, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, was published in 1994 to critical acclaim. The book tells the story of a murder trial in Savannah, Georgia and its effects on the city’s social elite.
Reader Reviews
“A delicious, suspenseful read that takes the reader deep into a world of eccentrics and criminals in Savannah.”
“Captivating…the ultimate Southern Gothic mystery novel.”
“This is not a book you read, it’s one you live.”
“Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil is one my favorite books ever. I read it for a summer book club, and then proceeded to buy 10 more copies to loan out (I’m not even kidding). The characters are so bizarre and funny, but you also come away from the book having learned something about Savannah- its history, its quirks, etc. If you’re looking for an interesting beach/summer read that isn’t too demanding intellectually or emotionally, this is your best bet.”