Sunday, April 11, 2010

Unforgettable: Southern Ladies & Gentlemen by Florence King

I was breezing through my Google Reader today to prepare for the onslaught of the reading marathon posts I expect this weekend. (I'm not participating because my garden beckons, but I hope everyone else has fun!) Anyway, I came across a post at Bluestalking titled "Good writing vs. bad, southern and otherwise." Any mention of Southern writing makes me think of Southern Ladies & Gentlemen. I know I've recommended it to several of you for challenges that have you reading Southern books, but it's really a book that anyone who's ever read Gone with the Wind or To Kill a Mockingbird or any of the other classic Southern books (or plays) should read.

King presents a study of Southern culture which is not only fun to read, but just about everything in it is applicable to any truly Southern story. It's a mix of essays (pop culture/sociology/history/etc.) that turns into something that suddenly makes Southern texts a lot more interesting and/or understandable and/or shed a new light on a story.

This is the first reading assignment I had for my Southern Women Writers class in grad school, and I am so glad Dr. Dukes had us read this. Enlightening and hilarious and highly recommended.

4 comments:

Helen Ginger said...

Thank you for introducing me to this book. I'd not heard of Southern Ladies & Gentlemen. It sounds like a book to be read, enjoyed, and learned from.

Helen
Straight From Hel

Tribute Books said...

sounds good,thanks!

Zibilee said...

I'd not heard of this book but it does sound like something I would like. Thanks for the revealing review. I will have to be on the lookout for this book!

booklineandsinker said...

i do enjoy southern lit and teach a few books by southern authors in my classes. haven't heard of this book but looks like i'll have to check it out! seems like it could be a valuable addition to my educational arsenal. thanks!

-nat@book, line, and sinker