One sentence summary:
The book ‘Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil’ by John Berendt is a non-fiction novel that explores the quirky and eccentric characters of Savannah, Georgia and the infamous murder trial that rocked the city.
Book genre:
Non-fiction, true crime, mystery, travelogue.
Main topic of the book:
The main topic of the book is the true story of the 1981 murder of Danny Hansford by Jim Williams, the wealthy antiques dealer and frequent host of lavish parties in Savannah, Georgia.
Key ideas:
- The idiosyncratic, colorful and eccentric characters of Savannah, Georgia and the impact they have on the story and its outcome.
- The city of Savannah as a character itself with its rich history and dark secrets.
- The blurred lines between good and evil, and how this affects the actions of the characters.
- The role of money and social status in the twists and turns of the murder trial.
Main parts of the book and a short summary:
- Part One: Savannah – Introduces the reader to the city of Savannah and its eclectic mix of people, including Jim Williams and Danny Hansford. The murder takes place towards the end of this section.
- Part Two: The City of Good – Focuses on the aftermath of the murder and the first trial of Jim Williams, where he is acquitted.
- Part Three: The City of Evil – Explores the darker side of Savannah and the events leading up to the second trial of Jim Williams.
- Part Four: The Magic City – Follows the events of the second trial and how the quirky and unique characters of Savannah play a role in the case.
- Part Five: Midnight – The final part reveals the verdict of the second trial and ties up loose ends, including what happens to the characters after the trial.
Key takeaways:
- There is a strong sense of place in the book, with the city of Savannah being character in itself.
- The book blurs the lines between fact and fiction, as the author uses his journalistic skills to create a narrative that reads like a novel.
- The book explores the themes of good and evil, money and social status, and how they influence the actions of the characters and the course of the murder trial.
- The eccentric and colorful characters of Savannah bring a unique and interesting perspective to the story.
Author’s background and qualifications:
John Berendt is an American journalist and author. He has worked as an editor at Esquire and New York magazines, and his articles have appeared in publications such as Vogue and The New York Times. He has also served as the editor of The Paris Review. Berendt has a passion for travel, and this is reflected in his writing. He has a keen eye for detail and an ability to capture the essence of a place and its people.
Target audience:
The book is targeted towards readers who enjoy non-fiction, true crime, mystery, and travel writing. It will also appeal to those who are interested in the Southern culture and history of the United States.
Publisher and first publication date:
The book was published by Random House on January 13, 1994. It was a major success, spending 216 weeks on The New York Times bestseller list and selling over 4 million copies.