Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil

John Berendt's story of intrigue and murder in the South, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, is an excellent work for three reasons. First, it gives the reader the almost tangible experience of what the "Old South" is like as it remains today, in the pocket about which he writes. Second, it is an engrossing true-crime drama full of suspense and peopled by characters who are unique and lively. Third, the author is both a fine writer and a masterful storyteller. The unique success of the book, then, is the author's ability to weave together a true-crime story and a lyrical and witty travelogue focusing on the special nature of the Old South.

Like many works, especially those with a special style or perspective, what is most appealing about the book to one reader might be singularly unappealing to another reader. In that sense, the greatest strengths of this book for one reader will prove to be the greatest weaknesses for another reader.

Whether the reader will enjoy the book entirely, in part, or not at all will in large part depend on what the reader will bring to the box in terms of expectations. Berendt is capable of lyrically describing the intimate details of a scene, and giving the reader the sense of what it would be like to be in that scene, but if the reader likes his or her crime stories undiluted by descriptive detours, that reader will find the going frustrating.

For this reader, who generally does not care that much for true-crime stories, but does ap

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intends" to remain true to the character. The same problem holds with respect to his pledge to remain true to the "essential drift of events". He might be inventing events which fit into other events, as long as he remains true to the drift of events, but how is the reader to know when such invention is taking place? Therefore, on all these counts, the reader should be forewarned. The passionate true crime reader will not be pleased to have read the entire book and then find, after the final page, the "Author's Note" which states that what has just been read is only "true" in part, and that the author is not telling the reader precisely which parts are indeed true and which have been altered or invented. Having said all that, having issued all those warnings about the nature of the book and its potential drawbacks (based on the likes and expectations of the reader), this reader found the book to be a truly unique reading experience. Whether I would recommend the book to another would depend on the aforementioned expectations. Another aspect which will either please the reader or perhaps frustrate him or her is the author's style, including his sense of humor and his characterizations. Again, the question arises as to whet

Category: Arts - M