WISO: “Midnight in The Garden…”

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It’s the middle of the week again, and another blustery day in the N.W. The perfect Winds~day for my next ‘What I’m Sipping On.’ The title of this book alone is enough to make you want to read it.

I am reading “Midnight in The Garden of Good and Evil“
(Click picture &/or title for more info.)

So far this book is extremely interesting and intriguing. It takes place in quaint little southern city of Savannah. A place thick with the feeling and personalities of the old south. I was a bit worried that it would not hold my interest, considering I saw the movie first, but it has yet to be a problem. Not only is the set up for the story line much different then the movie, but there are enough little extra quirks in the book to keep you angling for more.
It’s definitely an oddball book, one where you don’t quite know what is happening or where the books is going, but that is part of what makes it good. The most interesting thing about this reading experience, is that about 1/3 of the way through it, I discovered that it is a non-fiction book. Not only was I surprised due to the overall subtle-ness of the fact, but also because the story is so bizarre! John Berendt shows himself to be quite an impressive writer by this little fact alone.
I am only about half way through, but I am really enjoying the book. I love the quirky off the wall quality that it has. I like how easy going it is to read. I find myself interested enough that I look forward to reading it, but I don’t have this craze all the time to finish it. It’s just pleasant to pick up and read a chapter here and there. I can see why it is so revered, I just hope the second half doesn’t disappoint.

Have any of you read this book, or seen
the movie, or both?

What were your thoughts? (no spoilers please!)
I  will of course update this post when I’ve finished it. 🙂

 

50 thoughts on “WISO: “Midnight in The Garden…””

  1. Another book for me to look out for. So it was a “Winnie the Pooh” kind of day in the North West? Where I live, in the province of Ontario, it has been unusually mild and it looks as though we are going to have a green Christmas. which suits me just fine. I’ve come to the point in my life when winter isn’t my favourite season. In fact it wouldn’t bother me at all if it didn’t snow at all this year, although the ski hill operators wouldn’t be too happy. UI look forward to putting “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” in my tsundoko — it seems to be getting bigger all the Time!

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    • It sure is! I love the snow, I’m not super fond of the ice and freezing rain though. We rarely get nice fluffy snow fall. The frozen wonderland is pretty at first, but it doesn’t take long to turn to frustration, and sometimes pain. I’m glad you have another treasure to add to your TBR list. 🙂

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  7. I live an hour from Savannah. It’s one of my favorite places. I love the book and movie, Midnight in the Garden. When we visit Sav we walk the green squares and have driven through the old cemeteries with their beautiful statues. Excellent reading choice!

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  12. I haven’t read the book, but this is one of my favorite movies. It’s an intriguing story with awesome cinematography of the surrounding area. Hope you enjoy it! It would be interesting to know how closely the movie follows the story line. in lak’ech, Debra

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    • So far it’s different (except for Chablis, they found someone who is a dead ringer!) However it’s not different in a bad way, it’s actually kind of neat. Having seen the movie first is ideal, because now I am reading the book he talks about writing! It’s the perfect follow up. 🙂

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  14. I read this right after it came out (1994?). I remember thinking it was interesting but a little weird. Can’t even remember the plot. Apparently it didn’t stick with me at all. Of course that WAS 20 years or so ago! It wasn’t the style of the book. I’ve read several of Erik Larson’s books. Seems to me it was the same kind of tone. Don’t remember what it was about it that didn’t stick with me.

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  18. I read the book and thought it was brilliant. Also thought it gave a pretty good feeling for what it is like in Savannah. Didn’t see the movie. I often avoid movies that are based on books I really like because I’m usually disappointed.

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    • I do that with some books, but not all. I was fortunate enough to watch the movie first, and I loved the combination. I would only recommend it in that order, as I could see being disappointed if you read it first.

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  22. Loved this book with its unusual characters. For me, a book is outstanding when the characters remain with me for a long while and they certainly did with this book. I visited Savannah after reading the book and could actually believe it was a true story after walking through the town.It has a totally different vibe to it. There is a very dark side to its history, given that slave auctions were once held along Savannah’s boardwalk district, and the fact that lepers were forcibly taken by boat to nearby Tybee Island and left to fend for themselves..

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  24. Read the book then saw the movie. Personally liked the book better. It offered a more rich and complete story. The characters were more colorful and enjoyable. Have been to Savannah many times and love the place. Guess I’m just a misplaced southerner. Savannah is a must see and needs 2-3 days to truly enjoy everything. They also have some fantastic little bookstores. 🙂

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