And its most famous: military generals, poet Conrad Aiken, Academy Award-winning lyricist Johnny Mercer and Georgia’s first governor Edward Telfair are among those buried at Bonaventure. Though not Savannah’s oldest cemetery, the quintessentially Southern Gothic, Bonaventure – part natural cathedral and part sculptural garden– is certainly its most beautiful. Savannah, it seems, runs on caffeine, so expect to be offered a refill at no extra charge. Want to make like Luther? Order The Georgian – a hearty portion of ham, bacon or sausage, egg, cheese, toast and grits (so good, I’d fly back tomorrow for this side alone) washed down with a super-sized cup of Joe. (Legend has it that Luther carried a vial of poison 24/7 and was well known to walk flies on strings…) Driggers breakfasted at this former drug store on a daily basis and it’s at Clary’s cafe – which today features a stained glass window depicting the cover of Berendt’s famous book – that the eccentric and author first met. Located over on Abercorn Street, Clary’s was a favourite haunt of Luther Driggers – one of Midnight’s most memorable characters. Want to follow in the real life footsteps of Jim Williams, Joe Odom, Luther Driggers, Lady Chablis and co? Here’s where to head…

Happily, towards the end of 2014 – aka the 21st anniversary of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil – I finally made it to steamy Savannah in search of the settings that had seduced me. Berndt’s book spent a record 216 weeks on the New York Timesbest-seller list.Įver since I first read the sharply observed Savannah tome in which the eccentric protagonists (think voodoo practitioners, drag queens, antique dealers and charming, if amoral, entrepreneurs) live their lives against a backdrop of moss-draped oaks and shady squares, I’ve been obsessed with visiting this hothouse of the south.

Savannah - a Southern belle of a city and the backdrop for John Berendt's book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil - will steal your heart says Kaye Hollandīarmy about John Berendt’s book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil– an enticing Savannah-based combination of travelogue and true crime tale? You’re not alone.

Garden of evil book