A true story of the eccentric characters and steamy mansions of Savannah Georgia built around the murder trial of Jim Williams, a wealthy southern gentleman. Berendt travels to Savannah to write a book and makes the acquaintance of many colourful locals. He is invited to some of the City’s exclusive social events including the Married Womens’ Bridge Club and the Black Debutantes’ Ball. The imprisonment and trial of Williams form the narrative thread that stitches together this collection of voodoo priestesses, drag queens and quick tempered hustlers. A remarkable book that proves the expression “the truth is stranger than fiction”!
What the Armchair Critics Thought:
We thought this book was extremely well-written and we were quickly drawn into the lives, gossip and dramas of the inhabitants. We enjoyed the way Savannah society was completely isolated from the rest of the United States. One of our members compared the insular society of Savannah with the small villages of Agatha Christie novels. We were fascinated by the characters -especially the Lady Chablis, and the lovable scoundrel Joe Odin. Some of us also watched the film, but most felt that the book was far superior.
