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juliana147
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Mystery and Manners
Has anyone read this book? The table of contents looks fascinating, and there is an essay on teaching literature.
I admit I tried to read A Good Man is Hard to Find years ago, and was so disturbed by it, I wasn't able to finish the book.  I suppose I'm more adventurous now, and interested in her as a writer.
Thanks!
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Willa
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It is an excellent book, one of the best out there on the topic of Catholic fiction writing.
Her short stories are a bit difficult. On the other hand, her essays and letters are quite accessible and may help you get a better understanding of what she is doing in her fiction.
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Willa
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juliana147
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Thank you, Willa. That's what I needed to know. I'm going to go ahead and order it.
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stacykay
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One of our local priests has quoted her in one of his talks. If you don't mind my asking, what disturbed you about the book you started? I haven't read any of them yet, but they are on my "to read" list, and time is a factor, so any info would be great. I think I'll note the one Willa has recommended, first, and go from there.
In Christ,
Stacy in MI
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juliana147
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Hi Stacy. I started reading the collection of short stories because it was recommended by a religious person, too. O'Connor was a southerner like me, so I was also interested in her writing from that perspective.
The first story in the book I mentioned was absolutely terrifying to me. She really made evil real- which, I suppose, was part of her strength as a writer. At the time I read it, I was at a stage in my life where I was feeling very vulnerable. However, I knew I was missing something. I think I would have benefitted from having a commentary explaining her purpose in writing a story like that- in short, I do think I should have started with Mystery and Manners .
I am unusually sensitive by nature, so what terrified me may not be as upsetting for someone else.
Because I know she was Catholic, and so many other Catholic writers respect her, I want to give her writing another chance.
I hope that helps you. I'd tell you more about that particular story, but to tell you the truth, I have tried very hard to forget it over the years, and actually gave my book away. Maybe someone else can chime in with more details.
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MaryM
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Here are some of the past discussions on Flannery O'Connor:
Flannery O'Connor ?
Washington Post / Flannery O'Connor
I think Jenn said it well in one of those threads "Her writings are meant to shock you, make you think, but it's hard reading."
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4 lads mom
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Just ordered my copy from the library!  Can’t wait to talk about it!
As far as her writing...I would encourage everyone to try reading FOC’s writing, but I find reading about her as fascinating as her actual writing, and any reading I do of her actual work is definitely accentuated by reading about Flannery. She is one of my new favs! 
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Willa
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For years I only read her stories during Lent, they were so painful to me! On the other hand, I often read her essays and letters. They are wonderful; she is a kindred spirit. I have parts of these memorized!
Keep in mind that I'm a more sensitive reader, however -- my oldest son, when in his last year of high school, really enjoyed her fiction. He "got" her intentions better than I did.. and saw the humor and compassion behind the grotesque parts. For some reason that kind of perception took me about four decades to learn  I understand FoC's intent better now, and in fact was just talking about this issue with my daughter, who read a couple of her stories and was shocked -- her literary sensibilities are more like mine.  Just saying that it may take some time, but it is worth it.
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Willa
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4Real Forums : Book Club
Topic: Flannery O'Connor book
