Chapter 1 Summary

This suspenseful story about a 1981 murder trial in Savannah, Georgia, was written in 1994. While based on true events and characters, and therefore not a novel by true definition, the book is full of descriptive narration and dynamic, strongly identifiable figures. The author, John Berendt, draws a vivid picture of Savannah's residents while creating a book that revolves around the themes of money, isolation, illusion, and good versus evil.

The initial chapter introduces the life of Jim Williams. The wealthy, elusive and mysterious Williams boasts about his enormous home full of valuable antiques. The sudden appearance and violent behavior of Danny Hansford, who becomes an extremely significant character later in the book, brings his relationship with Jim Williams into question. This opening chapter foreshadows later events in the book and touches on themes such as isolation, illusion and inner conflict.

The book begins with...