Intense Images at Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt is filled with intense images from numerous sources. The characters and setting don't seem to be part of a story. They are real and therefore seem real in the book. Berendt gives them a distinctive look and feel that can only come from life. It gives them personality. The savannah itself comes to life. Even the actions of Savannah residents are taking shape. The actions of the characters also add to the effect of the details presented by Berendt. Savannah residents are far from the proverbial “norm.” It's a strange but interesting group. Savannah is a very quiet city that loves visitors as much as parties; but he hates invaders. Many people tried to come to Savannah and industrialize the city, or make a business out of it in some way. They were always turned away immediately, although always politely. Even driving in Savannah is quiet. In fact, the citizens of Savannah have no choice. Traffic is not authorized in the squares that populate the town. Drivers have no choice but to go around. “Traffic is therefore forced to move at a leisurely pace,” explains Miss Harty. “Places are our little oases of tranquility" (29).