A Good Man Is Hard To Find And Other Stories: Classic Southern Gothic tales of grace and violence―including "Good Country People"―with a new introduction by Lauren Groff.
An essential collection of classic stories that established Flannery O’Connor’s reputation as an American master of fiction—now with a new introduction by New York Times bestselling author Lauren Groff In 1955, with the title story and others in this critical edition, Flannery O’Connor firmly laid claim to her place as one of the most original and provocative writers of her generation. Steeped in a tradition of moral fiction that would become synonymous with her name, these stories show O’Connor’s unique view of life—infused with religious symbolism, haunted by apocalyptic possibility, sustained by the tragic comedy of human behavior, confronted by the necessity of salvation. These classic works of darkly humorous fiction—including "The Life You Save May Be Your Own," "Good Country People," and "The Displaced Person," among others, are sure to inspire future generations of fans and remind existing readers why she remains a master of the short story.
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Community Reviews
Very well written and interesting stories that are nonetheless simplistic and bordering on dogmatic. Once you've read a couple, it's hard not to see the beats coming a mile away.
In particular, her catholicism seems like it really holds her back from being an interesting and varied author. Almost every story has an atheist that is a either a killer or a conman, or an intellectual that is in reality totally stupid and gullible, or in some cases even protestants that are small minded bigots. It just gets old. I don't mind reading some one I disagree with, but I do mind reading someone that caricatures people that they disagree with.
I have to say that I don't recall being as annoyed with Everything That Rises Must Converge. I remember that one as being a little more interesting on race relations in the south and the sort of Faulknerian tragedy/satire of fallen southern aristocracy. But that was quite a while ago for me.
I'm glad she existed, because it helped us get McCarthy, but otherwise I'd recommend just reading the title story, the artificial n****, and a displaced person. They're decent. After that, just go read Faulkner or McCarthy.
In particular, her catholicism seems like it really holds her back from being an interesting and varied author. Almost every story has an atheist that is a either a killer or a conman, or an intellectual that is in reality totally stupid and gullible, or in some cases even protestants that are small minded bigots. It just gets old. I don't mind reading some one I disagree with, but I do mind reading someone that caricatures people that they disagree with.
I have to say that I don't recall being as annoyed with Everything That Rises Must Converge. I remember that one as being a little more interesting on race relations in the south and the sort of Faulknerian tragedy/satire of fallen southern aristocracy. But that was quite a while ago for me.
I'm glad she existed, because it helped us get McCarthy, but otherwise I'd recommend just reading the title story, the artificial n****, and a displaced person. They're decent. After that, just go read Faulkner or McCarthy.
