Graceland, At Last: Notes on Hope and Heartache From the American South

Margaret Renkl's collection of columns, "Graceland, At Last," offers a glimpse into the complexities of her homeland, showcasing the diversity and richness of the South. The book combines personal and reported essays, highlighting the voices of those fighting for a better future for the region. Renkl's writing is known for its generosity of spirit and deep attention to the world, making it a gift for both Southerners and non-Southerners.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 09 November 2023
Publisher: Milkweed Editions

Winner of the Southern Book Prize and the PEN/Diamonstein-Spielvogel Award for the Art of the Essay, Margaret Renkls columns have graced the pages of The New York Times for the past four years, offering readers a weekly dose of natural beauty, human decency, and persistent hope from her home in Nashville. Now, more than sixty of those pieces have been gathered in this sparkling new collection. In her introduction, Renkl addresses the question of being the "voice of the South," acknowledging that there is no single writer who can represent all the diverse aspects of the region. Instead, she writes from her own experience, delving into the complexities of her homeland and demonstrating the richness and depth that many overlook.

Through a tapestry of personal and reported essays, Renkl also showcases the voices of other Souths, individuals and groups who are working tirelessly to create a better future for the region. From teenagers organizing a youth march for Black Lives Matter to urban shepherds using sheep to remove invasive vegetation, to church parishioners providing shelter to the homeless, readers are invited to witness the generosity of spirit and the profound attention to the world, human and nonhuman, that permeates Renkl's columns.

Graceland, At Last, hailed as a book that "makes one of all the worlds beings" (NPR), offers a treasure trove of gifts for Southerners and non-Southerners alike. It invites readers to explore the complexities of the South, to appreciate its beauty, and to find inspiration in the stories of its people. Whether you are a resident of the region or a curious outsider, this collection is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand and appreciate the South in all its vibrant glory.

Dimension: 215 x 139 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781571311856