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A review by quiltmom14
The Deepest South of All: True Stories from Natchez, Mississippi by Richard Grant
5.0
Thank you NetGalley for an early copy of this book. A British author visits, stays in and then revisits Natchez Mississippi to unveil the city’s idiosyncrasies, bizarre personalities and tortured attempts to work through historic atrocities. I found myself laughing out loud at many of the conversations and reminiscing- only to gasp at the sheer denial and reframing of events being discussed. This city, with the highest concentration of Antebellum homes in the country, is dripping with money - and the antiques that money can buy (enough costume jewelry to dress 167 Christmas trees anyone?). That wealth is matched by the collective ability to deny the past so thoroughly, that current reenactments of traditions still include hoop skirt, Confederate Flags and no mention of slavery.
Grant introduces us to the few people attempting to change the culture of Natchez, some bravely and some reluctantly. These singular doers and thinkers need to navigate ancient rivalries (think hoop skirts meet Mean Girls), deep denials (they were servants and were loved) and dismissive attitudes (it was so long ago, let it go already) - all agains the backdrop of economic reliance on tourists looking for the Charming South.
I couldn’t put this book down and found myself repeating my deep appreciation for living on the East Coast. There is so much history and culture and religion and attitudes revealed here. Strongly recommend.
Grant introduces us to the few people attempting to change the culture of Natchez, some bravely and some reluctantly. These singular doers and thinkers need to navigate ancient rivalries (think hoop skirts meet Mean Girls), deep denials (they were servants and were loved) and dismissive attitudes (it was so long ago, let it go already) - all agains the backdrop of economic reliance on tourists looking for the Charming South.
I couldn’t put this book down and found myself repeating my deep appreciation for living on the East Coast. There is so much history and culture and religion and attitudes revealed here. Strongly recommend.