The Deepest South of All by Richard Grant

The-Deepest-South-of-All

The Deepest South of All by Richard Grant is a book about Natchez, Mississippi. It’s written in a travelogue format by one of the best travel writers around, even though it’s near the author’s adopted hometown.

It’s a sort-of sequel to Dispatches from Pluto, where he moves to Mississippi. He uses his own experience, research, and journalism to paint a portrait of a complex American place as it struggles to break free from the past and confront the legacy of slavery.

What I Liked

I’m from The South and so many of these stories and cultural practices resonated with me. He finds a way to simply tell what is happening without judgment.

As a Brit, I like how he is able to get a good sense of deep, nuanced American culture while still playing a disinterested 3rd party on demand.

Unlike a “parachute into a place and make notes” – I could tell that he’s lived in Mississippi for several years and has taken time and effort to understand the deeper culture.

I loved the mix of current-day and historical stories, like the insane,, somber and largely forgotten account of Abd al Rahman Ibrahima, a West African prince who was enslaved in Natchez and eventually gained his freedom and returned to Africa.

What I Did Not Like

The topic of the book is heavily constrained and small. While Natchez, Mississippi is an incredible microcosm of the Deep South, it’s still a small town, with all the tedious, small-town problems that show up in Winesburg, Ohio; Crawford, Georgia; or Batac, Philippines.

On that note, I agree with other reviewers that he gets a bit too involved with a few specific characters (like Regina) and moves out of journalist land into gossip-y land.

The book definitely could have used some maps, illustrations, and pictures. Pro reader tip – Google Streetview made the references more interesting.

More Reads about Deepest South of All

  1. https://www.bookbrowse.com/reviews/index.cfm/book_number/4155/the-deepest-south-of-all
  2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Grant_(writer)
  3. https://countryroadsmagazine.com/art-and-culture/literature/deepest-south-of-all/
  4. https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Deepest-South-of-All/Richard-Grant/9781501177835
  5. https://somewheredownsouth.com/the-deepest-south-of-all-book-review/
  6. https://thehistoriansmanifesto.wordpress.com/2021/01/05/review-of-the-deepest-south-of-all-true-stories-from-natchez-mississippi-by-richard-grant/
  7. http://www.bookrags.com/studyguide-the-deepest-south-of-all/
The Deepest South of All by Richard Grant
$10.73
In The Deepest South of All, Richard Grant takes us on a journey through Natchez, Mississippi, blending personal experiences with rich storytelling about a town grappling with its past. I appreciated how Grant, a Brit, captures the nuances of Southern culture without judgment, making the stories relatable. However, the book feels a bit narrow in focus, at times leaning too much into the lives of a few characters, which can veer into gossip territory. A few visuals would have helped bring it to life. Overall, it's a thoughtful read that offers a unique glimpse into a complex place.
Pros:
  • The author's travel writing is engaging and relatable.
  • He provides a nuanced understanding of American culture.
  • The mix of current and historical stories is compelling.
Cons:
  • The book's scope is limited to a small town.
  • It sometimes veers into gossip with specific characters.
  • The book lacks maps, illustrations, and pictures.
I earn a commission at no cost to you when bought via this link. Also check your local library. Thank you!
11/03/2024 05:36 pm GMT
Share this post!

Similar Posts