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Carolina Moonset


An engrossing novel about family, memories and secrets too dangerous to stay ...
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In what ways does the town of Beaufort itself become a character in the novel?

Created: 06/02/22

Replies: 11

Posted Jun. 02, 2022 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
davinamw

Join Date: 10/15/10

Posts: 3442

In what ways does the town of Beaufort itself become a character in the novel?

In what ways does the town of Beaufort itself become a character in the novel? How do the beautiful yet dangerous waters there, along with the turbulent cultural history, shape the lives of the town's inhabitants?

How is this reflected in the painting titled "Carolina Moonset" that Joey feared as a child? How is he ultimately transformed by that landscape after a lifetime in Chicago?


Posted Jun. 04, 2022 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
janeh

Join Date: 06/15/11

Posts: 222

RE: In what ways does the town of ...

Beaufort is ALWAYS part of the story, especially a Southern story like this one.


Posted Jun. 04, 2022 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
paulak

Join Date: 04/21/11

Posts: 264

RE: In what ways does the town of ...

Beaufort seemed to mirror many of the characters - genteel and lovely on the outside but with an undercurrent unlike its exterior. Almost every character we meet has this outward sheen but through the novel's progression we learn facts that often belie a much different interior. This is even true in Marshall's case, where he had a somewhat saint-like reputation yet was forced to make very un-saint-like decisions.


Posted Jun. 04, 2022 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
RRO

Join Date: 07/18/11

Posts: 43

RE: In what ways does the town of ...

I've been to Beaufort, it IS genteel and lovely on the outside, which is all I saw in the short time I was there. I echo what others have said above, many southern towns have an undercurrent unlike their exterior. Beaufort is definitely a character in the novel.


Posted Jun. 05, 2022 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
barbettet

Join Date: 10/01/20

Posts: 25

RE: In what ways does the town of ...

I chose to read and respond to this novel because I lived in Beaufort and was seduced by the beauty of its Spanish moss, rambling old houses with porches, idyllic water views and sunsets, and seeming innocent small-town life. As in the novel (and the painting in the title) dark clouds can disrupt a perfect day. No one knows what happens behind closed doors and in closed minds.


Posted Jun. 06, 2022 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
gerrieb

Join Date: 09/03/19

Posts: 208

RE: In what ways does the town of ...

I agree with all the above posts. The town is a character in the book and just as important, mysterious, and vibrant as the other characters. I felt the painting added a dark, threatening tone to the story and it too, had an important role to play.
Joey seems softened by the gentility of Beaufort, and his romance. It seems as if a bit of his edges are slowly rubbed off.


Posted Jun. 06, 2022 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
joang

Join Date: 05/17/12

Posts: 94

RE: In what ways does the town of ...

I have to agree with all the above comments. Beaufort is indeed a character in the book. It represents small town living. It represents secrets! It represents also southern living with its strong roots in history. It also reflects the beauty of coastal living.
I found the painting somewhat sinister also. I thought it may have some secrets of its own...and it did!


Posted Jun. 11, 2022 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
LindaMonaco

Join Date: 04/13/22

Posts: 35

RE: In what ways does the town of ...

Beaufort sets the tone for the novel as we learn about the terrain, waterways and events related to race relations, the Civil War and the development of the city.


Posted Jun. 11, 2022 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
somanybooks...

Join Date: 04/02/17

Posts: 22

RE: In what ways n does the town of ...

Beaufort is not any different from other Southern American towns, its the backstory of the residents that really resonates with the reader. Because of the rich literary history of the South thanks to many Southern authors like Pat Conroy (by the way a Beaufort favorite son), William Faulkner, Harper Lee, Carson McCullers just to name a few greats in American literature.


Posted Jun. 12, 2022 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
colleena

Join Date: 07/18/18

Posts: 37

RE: In what ways does the town of ...

The town sets the backdrop for the story and the characters.It portrays a small, coastal southern town where events from the past are recalled by many of the inhabitants, who also keep up with what’s happening in Beaufort every day.


Posted Jun. 15, 2022 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
nathalie_bea

Join Date: 12/26/21

Posts: 1

RE: In what ways does the town of ...

I vacationed in the Beaufort/Hunting Island area last year, which is why I chose to read this book. I'll echo what several others have said above about it being a beautiful slow moving coastal town but with a deep history especially prevalent in the Civil War. I'm only a few chapters in to the book so far so I'm looking forward to seeing how the location plays a role in the story, as I'm sure it must.
PS. if you're ever in Beaufort I highly recommend the horse drawn carriage rides that tell the history of the town, as it was a highlight of the trip!


Posted Jun. 16, 2022 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
julieo

Join Date: 04/09/17

Posts: 13

RE: In what ways does the town of ...

Beaufort, South Carolina is now on my "want to visit" list!


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