Dancing in the Lowcountry

DANCING IN THE LOWCOUNTRY is a novel about relationships --- those we are born into and those we choose on our own. Set in the warm, lush beauty of the South Carolina Lowcountry, the book centers on Ella Dubose, a Southern lady of a certain age, whose flower may be fading but who still wants to control her own destiny. When her adult children begin questioning the wisdom of her independence, she gathers up her companion, a Cherokee Indian named Goldie, and drives down to a genteel seaside inn on Myrtle Beach. There, while waiting for her eldest son Tyler, a successful New York City novelist, to join her, she meets up with a gentleman doctor from New Jersey and the romantic sparks fly. But Ella and Tyler each have some unfinished business to attend to with one another, and while she awaits her son's arrival, she relives some memories from times gone by and contemplates the choices we make in our lives that end up defining us. James Villas, a successful food and wine writer for over 25 years, has an obvious passion for the people, places and details of his Southern heritage. An award-winning cookbook author who has often explored the culinary traditions of the Southern United States (THE GLORY OF SOUTHERN COOKING, MY MOTHER'S SOUTHERN KITCHEN), he has as confident and sure a style with fiction as he does with biscuits. DANCING IN THE LOWCOUNTRY is replete with the essence of South Carolina, from the descriptions of the dining table fare (just reading about the hush puppies is sure to make your mouth water) to the beach fishing to the detailed scenes describing the one and only Carolina Shag --- a unique dancing style typical of the area. (In fact, Villas's descriptions were so intriguing that I had to check it out for myself --- there are some great videos of Carolina Shag dancing available on YouTube.com.) He has an ear for nuance and an eye for detail, and his sense of place is pitch-perfect. Part of the delight of DANCING IN THE LOWCOUNTRY is its ability to evoke a different place and time --- a time when boys asked girls to shag to the music of bands like the Drifters, and when people dressed up for dinner. The tale moves seamlessly between its modern-day storyline at Myrtle Beach with Ella and Goldie to Ella's reminiscences of growing up in the area. As she steels herself to tell Tyler the full truth about his life, she remembers the two men who most clearly marked her past and tentatively explores the possibility of a future with Edmund. DANCING IN THE LOWCOUNTRY is a perfect autumn read, when the change in seasons naturally encourages us to be a bit reflective about our lives. Villas's obvious love for his setting and subject matter imbues the novel with classic Southern charm. And like a great beach song, a perfect slow dance, or a special Southern dinner among friends, the memory of these characters stay with you long after you have finished their story. --- Reviewed by Lourdes Orive

"Dancing In The Lowcountry" is written with keen sensitivity and warmth. The bittersweet encounter between Ella's "old South" and the modern world is conveyed with keen insight to the tenderness and fragility of human nature. Although there is an abundance of charm and wit, "charming" and "witty" are not sufficient to describe this delightful novel. Mr. Villas has crafted an elequent and engaging tale, written from life experience and empathy. Highly recommended reading!

"Dancing in the Lowcountry" is a delectable southern feast served up by the inimitable James Villas. Set in an old upper crust hotel in Myrtle Beach, SC, the novel revels in the sights, sounds and tastes of the Grand Strand beach setting. One is swept away by the memories of the 1950's with beach music and a poignant mystery of old Charleston and young lovers. Fast paced and very witty, the novel takes you from the bustling economy of the 'new' Charlotte, NC to the fried food eateries of Calabash. You can literally smell the hushpuppies! Mr. Villas captures the mood and flavors of the southern experience in the memories of a grand dame who carries a pistol and likes her cocktails. Romance awaits and deep family secrets are about to explode. Fascinating characters abound and you are swept along in a most lively fashion. I adored the novel and its rich humor! Phillip R. Poovey - Raleigh, NC