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Killing Mister Watson

Book 1 in the series:Shadow Country

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Killing Mister Watson is a compelling fictionalized account of the killing of historical figure Edgar Watson in the turn of the 20th century Everglades. The story is told from multiple perspectives, shedding light on prejudices in the South during that time period. The book explores the character of Watson and those who turned against him, providing insight into the challenges faced by settlers in the dangerous environment of the Florida Everglades.

The narrative of Killing Mister Watson is structured through various voices, each chapter being related by a different narrator, offering a depth and complexity to the story. The book delves into the cultural aspects of the gulf coast of south central Florida, portraying an atmospheric and ambiguous account of historical events surrounding Watson's life and the mysteries of his character.

Characters:

Characters are well-crafted, with Edgar Watson as a complex and controversial figure whose morality is debated among various narrators.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style employs multiple narrators, providing varied perspectives that enhance the complexity of the narrative.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot features multiple perspectives that create ambiguity about the central figure's character and the events surrounding his life and death, emphasizing a lack of clear answers.

Setting:

The setting is crucial, depicting the oppressive and wild nature of early 20th-century Florida, which mirrors the narrative's tension.

Pacing:

The pacing is slow, leading to some potential confusion with repeated themes, but it gradually builds towards a resolution.
Sea birds are aloft again, a tattered few. The white terns look dirtied in the somber light and they fly stiffly, feeling out an element they no longer trust. Unable to locate the storm-lost minnows, ...

Notes:

The novel features multiple narrators, but we never hear from the main character, Watson, himself.
Edgar Watson is based on a real-life pioneer who lived in the Florida Everglades.
The story is filled with ambiguity about Watson's character—was he good, evil, or a mix of both?
The plot includes rumors surrounding Watson killing outlaw Belle Starr.
The setting describes the unique geography and culture of early 20th century Florida, which is described as a lawless frontier similar to the Wild West.
Hurricanes play a significant role in the story's climax.
The book was initially a 1500-page manuscript, later condensed into a single novel after being published as three separate books.
Matthiessen won the National Book Award for both fiction and nonfiction, showcasing his diverse writing skills.
The narrative style allows for great depth and complexity, relying on personal testimonies without a single authoritative voice.
Themes of race, violence, and ambition are central to the story's exploration of early American society.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of violence, murder, lynching, racism, and historical injustices.

From The Publisher:

Drawn from fragments of historical fact, Matthiessen's masterpiece brilliantly depicts the fortunes and misfortunes of Edgar J. Watson, a real-life entrepreneur and outlaw who appeared in the lawless Florida Everglades around the turn of the century.

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1 comment(s)

Loved It
8 months

Watson is a near perfect character

 

About the Author:

Peter Matthiessen was born in New York City in 1927 and had already begun his writing career by the time he graduated from Yale University in 1950. The following year, he was a founder of The Paris Review. Besides At Play in…

 
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