Guy Rivers: A Tale of Georgia: Love, Betrayal, and Violence in the Antebellum South

by William Gilmore Simms

In William Gilmore Simms' novel 'Guy A Tale of Georgia,' readers are transported to the antebellum South through the riveting story of Guy Rivers, a reckless gambler and outlaw who finds himself embroiled in love, betrayal, and violence. Simms' literary style is heavily influenced by Gothic romanticism, with a focus on moral dilemmas and societal issues. Set against the backdrop of Georgia, the novel's vivid descriptions and intricate character developments make it a standout piece of Southern literature. Simms crafts a tale that delves into the complexities of human nature and the consequences of one's actions in a time of societal upheaval. The novel not only provides a thrilling narrative but also offers a commentary on the changing landscape of the South during that era. William Gilmore Simms, known as the 'Southern Hawthorne,' draws on his own experiences growing up in the South to authentically depict the cultural and historical nuances present in 'Guy Rivers.' His deep understanding of Southern society and his penchant for storytelling shine through in this captivating work. I highly recommend 'Guy A Tale of Georgia' to readers interested in Southern literature, gothic storytelling, and explorations of morality and human nature. Simms' novel is a masterful blend of adventure, romance, and social commentary that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on anyone who delves into its pages.

460 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 1993

About the author

William Gilmore Simms (April 17, 1806 – June 11, 1870) was a poet, novelist and historian from the American South whose novels achieved great prominence during the 19th century, with Edgar Allan Poe pronouncing him the best novelist America had ever produced. In recent decades, though, Simms' novels have fallen out of favor, although he is still known among literary scholars as a major force in antebellum Southern literature. He is also remembered for his strong support of slavery and for his opposition to Uncle Tom's Cabin, in response to which he wrote reviews and a novel.

Reviews

[Miles Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simms' first border novel, which looks at early 19th Cent Georgia, ca 1828/9 during that state's gold rush. The work labours under the sentimentalism that characterized romanticist literature during the era, but Simms' work is far from a simple regurgitation of earlier romantics. This is a truly southern work, and the setting (N Georgia) and the particular characters offer some vision of the creation of a truly distinct southern literature. Its also an interesting story in its own right. Very much recommended for those interested in southern literature and history, and especially Georgia in the Early Republic.

[J. Alfred · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got this book from a website called "Forgotten Books." Reading it helped me understand why it got that way.
It is one of the worst examples of sentimentalism I've ever come across, as well as being wildly unbalanced: one moment you'll be laughing at an honestly funny scene, the next, somebody's being killed in a strange mix of graphic violence and bathos. There is also an underlying message that mothers, representing society as a whole (but still very much themselves) are responsible for much of humanity's faults. A big ol' (500 page) mess.