The Book
Set in the summer heat of Savannah, Georgia, The Kingdoms of Savannah is a critique of the city’s dark history and an enthralling mystery. As the title suggests, this is very much a book about Savannah, almost to a fault. The landmarks, touchpoints, and local features are highlighted throughout, like the A-Hole, the Cathedral, River Street, and the numerous antebellum mansions. While this is a crime and mystery novel, the plot could not occur anywhere else as the story and characters are intertwined with their environment and complex history.
The novel’s protagonist, Jaq, an aspiring film student and popular bartender, is shocked when a friend and regular customer, Luke Kitchens, is found dead, burned alive in an old house. Through her cleverness, familiarity with her community, and family connections, she gathers evidence in an attempt to prove the suspected murderer, a rich and infamous businessman, The Goozeman, guilty. Of course, it’s not that simple. Jaq’s grandmother, Morgana Musgrove, is an unofficial private investigator, taking the case for Goozeman’s defense, ensnaring her son, Ransom, a former lawyer, to help. As the evidence surrounding Luke’s murder unfolds, the cut-and-dry, good-versus-evil investigation becomes far more complicated. The rich historical fiction based on actual events; the page-turning murder mystery; and the Musgrove family’s complex, often funny, relationships make George Dawes Green’s latest novel a success.
My Thoughts
The novel’s beginning had me doubting the story’s ability to keep my attention and meet my expectations. The characters and plot seemed to be based purely on Southern Gothic tropes. Obviously, this book is supposed to be centered on that specific sub-genre, but the exposition lacked originality, and I had meager expectations for the remainder of the novel. However, once the mystery began to build and the character dynamics became more complex, I was on the edge of my seat! Green does an incredible job of writing an unbelievable, almost impossible detective mystery in an unexpectedly realistic way. Allusions to real places and historical events establish an aura of authenticity, making the characters more relatable and the plot more exciting.
While The Kingdoms of Savannah serves as entertainment and is very suitable for a beach or weekend read, it also introduces a critical perspective on the underbelly of Savannah and the horrors of its history. Opposite of subtle, Green makes it clear that visitors, residents, and enthusiasts of the “Hostess City of the South ” should be aware of the racial, economic, and political divides that control the city’s people. His effort to make readers aware of the narrative of Savannah is well-placed and improves the novel, increasing its relevance to modern readers native to the South. However, Green’s poignant themes on racial inequality and corruption lack authority as his prose and dialogue fail to convey the emotion of his characters and the intensity of the plot.
Both positives and negatives are present, making this book an enjoyable short read with provoking themes that could be better with writing that delivers the story in a more sophisticated way. Green’s vision is clear, but his execution could be improved by developing more original characters not based on stereotypes and arriving at the novel’s action faster. While the beginning established a great exposition for the exciting events later, the lack of precision in Green’s prose when introducing his characters caused the first half to drag and the second half to fly. I would recommend this book to Savannah locals, history buffs, and anyone who enjoys a fun, short read without caring much about the quality of writing.
Rating: 3 of 5 stars