Customer Reviews

Heaven is a Beautiful Place: A Memoir of the South Carolina Coast

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I was not going to read this book, figuring it was yet another trivial book by a local person with famous connections (Julia Peterkin, a novelist who won a Pulitzer, was the author's mother-in-law). Was I wrong! This is one of the most riveting books I have ever read. Peterkin is a gifted storyteller with amazing stories to tell, stories that are right up there with the best fiction. I want to compare her to Flannery O'Connor, to Nabokov, to Kipling, to Dickens, to any fiction writer whose stories linger with us for the rest of our lives. Yet these powerful stories are true and open a window into recent times. Some of her stories prove that truth is stranger than fiction. They are in turns hilarious, outrageous, tragic, moving and illuminating.

Please, get this book. I don't know Peterkin but I wish I did. I picked up the book by accident and never put it down till I finished. Beg, borrow or steal it, whatever it takes to get it in your hands.

This book is phenomenal. I was absolutley enthralled with how many interesting stories I could repeat from this book...and then I was surprised to find I was only on page 10! This book is a joy to read-- the most amazing thing I noticed is what happened as I was reading this book--I felt just like I was sitting on the floor in the living room enraptured by the storyteller and I never wanted her to stop.

I have just finished "Heaven Is A Beautiful Place", by Genevieve Chandler Peterkin...it is a wonderful, wonderful story of South Carolina history at its best...you are 'right there' with tales Mrs Peterkin tells of Lillie Knox, Zacky Knox, her mother-in-law Julia and Mama...cringe at the ghost tales of Alice Flagg and others...the romance and marriage to Bill, then the birth of their only son, Jim...grieve at the lost of that young son...her faith in God that grew stronger and stronger as troubles came.

It was hard at times to lay the book down, while at other times you could not wait to see what happened.

I am now going to pass my copy of "Heaven Is A Beautiful Place" on to my 89 year old mother, who likes to read, as she says, 'something real'...

When I read Heaven Is A Beautiful Place, I felt that I was sitting on Genevieve's front porch overlooking Murrells Inlet and listening to her tell the stories. I have heard the Peterkins and Chandlers tell wonderful stories most of my life and this book truly captures their collective spirit. I finished the book at 35,000 feet over the Atlantic, but it seemed to me she was there relating the story of the loss of three of those closest to her. In spite of many adversities she has always worked to make the world a beter place.

I have heard many of these stories through the years but was thrilled when I heard she was going to compile them in chronological order. I loved the way Genevieve told her life stories in a way that not only did I learn about the wonderful people in her life but the history of the area she loves so much. One of the many things I admire about Genevieve is that she lives her life and does not sit on the sidelines and continues to do so today. She has touched many hearts, mine included.

Since I have only lived in the area for 6 years, I really enjoyed reading what the coast was like before it became so populated. I also have met the author, she is just as wonderful & warm as her stories. I felt at times when I was reading the book that she was sitting telling me the stories of her life. It is one on the best books I have read in a long time.

I have just reluctantly finished Mrs. Peterkin's book,"HEAVEN IS A BEAUTIFUL PLACE." I found myself putting it down because I didn't want it to end and then being drawn back because I had to know what new inspiration I would find in the next chapter. Mrs. Peterkin has revealed her soul and I feel so privileged that she has allowed me to vicariously live her life and wish I had been living mine with as much love. Her love and acceptance of all people no matter how worthy or unworthy we may be, gives me renewed hope in my fellow man. I thank her for letting me share this part of her life.

Genevieve Peterkin's book leaves you wanting to meet her and become a student at her feet. She is spiritual,loving and courageous,but lives in the real world and is not harsh on those of us who do not have her bravery. I don't think she has any idea what a unique person she is!

This book is a must read for all ages! I had a feeling of sadness come over me as I finished because I realized my adventure with Mrs. Peterkin was over.

I picked this book up again yesterday having read it several years ago. I just finished a few moments ago and felt compelled to leave this review.

This book is a true delight. To those of us who have the low country in our blood, this book captures it all. I loved it even more the second time around. And even knowing about the tragedies that Mrs. Peterkin has endured I still cried. She is such a fine example of the indomitable southern woman or I guess I should say "Lady". I truly hope that one day I will have the distinct pleasure of meeting her.

My only regret is the book just ends too soon and too fast. I wish there were a sequel, I would love to know what she has been up to. And I would so dearly love a print of the watercolor that is on the front of the book.