Customer Reviews

Delirium of the Brave

5 star:		(29)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

For anyone who reads the dramatic, compelling books on Oprah's lists, please read this one. It completely takes you in to Savannah during the Civil War, then the 1950's, 1960's, Vietnam War, etc. Though it's somewhat historical, you get to MEET the regular people and see how they lived according to the times they were in. There's so many stories and life situations that keep you intrigued. Looking foward to his second book.

One has to become more than casually involved with Savannah to appreciate the multi-dimensional portrait the author draws of this historic southern city. One can only speculate how much of the separate directions traveled by this novel are, indeed, based on fact, although probably no good purpose is served by attempts to guess which of Savannah's first families might be involved. Savannah hides its secrets well, but lurking in the shadows there is a deep, dark side about which it is fascinating to speculate. "Delerium" does an admirable job in the glimpses it evokes of people and things past, and critically integrates them in a complex, logically coherent plot which in no small way helps helps one appreciate and understand the present. What starts out as a mystery, pure and simple, turns into a compelling portrait of human emotions and depravity. The broad brush of his generational approach, not always kindly or non-critically applied, helps document the development of present-day social institutions, described autobiographically by one who has "been there, done that." For anyone with an interest in the "real" Savannah or just wanting a riveting, page-turning read, "Delerium" delivers!

This has to be one of the best books I have read in long while. With its abundance of intrigue, passion, and murder, it's quite a page-turner; yet it sweeps you into a place so rich and full of flavor that you truly feel that you are there, smelling the magnolias and feeling the textures of the atmosphere that must be exclusively Savannah's. I was particularly enthralled and delighted by the multi-generational aspects of the story, and how the characters were connected throughout the years through a variety of actions, some good, some evil. I am impressed with Dr. Harris' ability to weave so much history into a novel that is easily read in just one day. His writing has a simplicity and an honesty that I found very refreshing. I can't wait to visit Savannah and experience it for myself!

I am anticipating a move to Savannah this summer. Friends from "outside" Savannah gave me "The Garden of Good and Evil" to read (Called "that book" in distain by Savannians) My new friends IN Savannah recommended I read Delirium of the Brave, and I'm so very glad they did.

It captures the true spirit of the South a darn sight better than any carpet-baggin' New Yorker could ever hope to.

Bravo to Dr Harris.

Perhaps the delirium here is that Harris, a podiatrist, thought he could write a novel, and that an editor at a prestigious publishing house like St. Martin's Press would publish it, after first being released by a small, private firm. It's not that it isn't a good story, but one of the first things they tell you even in the most elementary writing classes is to let the story tell itself. Here the narrator is so obtrusive with his editorial comments that it becomes a joke after awhile. Still, if you read reviews of this book, there are Sevannah natives who rave over it and others, like me, who wonder how it ever got in print. Perhaps if Savannah hadn't been one of my favorite cities I wouldn't have finished it at all, but after starting it I was determined to finish.

Unable to put the book down I flew through the book in 24 hours. As a native Savannahian the book brought back many experiences of my youth.Dr. Harris is a wonderful story teller who describes the heart of low country living. I recall what I miss now living miles away from this city. I hope he has more stories to tell soon!

In March of 2000 my husband and I visited his cousin in Savannah. At our cousin's urging, we arose early on St. Patrick's day and made our way downtown to witness the BEST St. Patrick's Day Parade we have EVER seen! My, oh my, what an experience it was...and I had been to New York City's St. Patty's Day Parade....In May while visiting our local library back home, my husband picked up a copy of this book. Well, we were so enthralled by this book and the history surrounding not only Savannah, but the huge St. Patrick's Day parade, that we started recommending it to our friends. It was hard to put the book down and we have asked our cousin about many of the places and things that we read about. We are hoping HE will read it also. But, you don't have to love Savannah to enjoy this book....but WE DO!

Mr. Harris has done an excellent job of bringing to life the sights, sounds, smells, and people that truly make Georgia's gem by the sea so irresistible. He has managed to capture the essence of the city that makes it so endearing while weaving a story that includes history, action & adventure, and a grand love story. This first novel truly has something for everyone. I can't wait for the next.

I absolutely loved this book, especially the way history was interwoven throughout the whole story. I don't understand why it's not on the best seller list. I can't wait for Mr. Harris's next book.

A compelling read with a great start and finish.Great coverage of several generations and wars.Comparable to " Ship of Gold in the Deep Blue Sea " by Gary Kinder (Little,Brown and Company)