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The Literary Landscape of
Beaufort
Pat Conroy explains
in Hugh Howard's book Writers of the American South, that he
was raised by his mother to be a Southern writer and says there was
geographic tension growing up in a household with his Chicago-bred
father. The bestselling author reveals, though, in the book that
“shrimp and grits won hands down.”
Beaufort and its Low
Country neighbors – Hilton Head and Charleston – give writers many
environmental props to use as their muse. Colonial and antebellum
homes in downtown historical districts and the harbors that hold the
waters from the Atlantic Ocean are features, if not downright
characters, that appear in many books published about Beaufort.
Former Beaufort
Gazette columnist Gerhard Spieler captivated newspaper readers for
40 years with his observations and insights of the town he calls home
– and especially its history. Spieler authored several books on the
town's landmarks and history from artifacts and information he
collected for many years when he initially worked in Beaufort County
government. One of his most recent books, Beaufort, South
Carolina: Pages of the Past, serves as a reminder of
Beaufort's
rich history when Spanish explorers and early settlers sought to claim
Beaufort as home.
Families who have
resided for generations are also sources of inspiration for literary
work. Steeped deep in the tradition of Gullah country is teacher-poet
Patricia Bee, whose book of poetry Mama's Pearls: Poetry to Live By,
is less poetry and more of a collection of life lessons. Bee grew up
in the Gullah Country of Beaufort County, and shares the love and sage
advice given to her by her mother.
Coastal bonfires,
lazy summer days on a sand bar and dinner with friends set the scenes
for Rachel Hauk's novel Love Starts with Elle. The story about
Elle, a lifelong resident of Beaufort, and the choice she has to make
between falling for and following her pastor as he answers his calling
in another state, or staying in her hometown with another man, a
widower, and his daughter. Readers delight to learn whether or not it
is truly Beaufort that tugs at her heart the most.
Beaufort's charm is
found in many literary works. From fiction to non-fiction to poetry,
Beaufort's literary landscape is plentiful. These books can be a
great source of education and relaxation over the summer months while
sipping on a fruit smoothie in Java City Cafe or nestling in a hammock
overlooking the seacape.
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