The Last of the Southern Girls

by Willie Morris

Carol Hollywell, a Scarlett O'Hara of the 1950s, sets Washington, D.C., on its ear. Willie Morris's cleverly executed novel (loosely based on a real-life figure) paints a devastatingly accurate portrait, not only of a power-hungry woman, but also of the society that feeds such hunger. Morris is the author of several books, including North Toward Home and New York Days.

Genres: Fiction, Southern

287 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1973

About the author

William Weaks "Willie" Morris (November 29, 1934 — August 2, 1999), was an American writer and editor born in Jackson, Mississippi, though his family later moved to Yazoo City, Mississippi, which he immortalized in his works of prose. Morris' trademark was his lyrical prose style and reflections on the American South, particularly the Mississippi Delta. In 1967 he became the youngest editor of Harper's Magazine. He wrote several works of fiction and non-fiction, including his seminal book North Toward Home, as well as My Dog Skip.

Reviews

[Mary]

I worked in Washington DC at approximately the same time and remember so many of the long gone restaurants and bars that Morris mentioned. Georgetown back then was so special and wonderful. Morris captures the essence of the time perfectly.

[Hailey Layne]

Writing an honest review of this feels risky given the book revolving around the world of politicians, so I shall choose my words (somewhat) carefully. With that being said, this was originally published in 1973 and is firmly living in the language of that time. Roughly 60 years have passed since fictional Carol Templeton resided in Georgetown; it doesn’t seem like the undercurrents of the D.C area have changed much. There are different forms of industry, but the currents are the same. The author describes the city’s beauty and filth in a way that feels just. The description of the American south feels accurate and incomplete. The characterization of Carol includes the typical “southern woman” clichés which are mostly true, but we do go on a journey of self-realization. The writing is thoughtful. This feels familiar in a positive way to me. The mirror has been held up; what do we do with what we see?

[Jennifer]

I wanted this book to be so much more! The most entertaining part of the book comes from the southern advice, but even that was rare. My 100% pure, southern mother can dish more on southern life and advice in five minutes than the sum total of this book. It was a stale story.

[Vicki]

I am not sure of his purpose in writing the book other than to expose the pitfalls of political life. I did not enjoy this as much as I have his other work. In some respects the book remains highly relevant and is encouraging in that politics 40 years ago was as jaded as it is today.

[Jay]

I was looking forward to a juicy, fast-paced soap opera. Instead, I got heavy, dry writing. It's a moment in time, so go easy on what you think is sexist or misogynistic or anti-feminist. It's a book about a woman in a time when it was opening acceptable to use the resources she had. Period. Dot. I

[Julie]

So this book was little to wordy and pretentious. The core story was interesting about a woman and her life in DC in the 60's and 70's and her relationships with various men. I thought it was a bit sexist as well.

[Sean Kinch]

An homage to Washington D.C. and a study of a beautifully willful woman, Carol Templeton Hollywell: “she would rather be alone for the rest of her life than take the smallest chance of begrudging her reluctant soul.”

[Sylvia]

Wordy, dated and not my kind of book.

[Emma]

For what it was, it was really good. Politics, DC are still recognizable. For anyone in dc or who has worked on hill, esp. if they're from/lived in soth too, this would be a fun, enjoyable read

[Jacob Heil]

LC Call No.: PZ4.M8795.

[Tom Gilliam]

I read this years ago and my lasting impression is Morris, like his contemporary Hunter S. Thompson, was much better at non-fiction.