My approach to reading collections is rather straightforward. I prefer to read one story (or sometimes several) each day until I have completed the entire collection. However, when it comes to Welty's collection, it seems to be of a different nature. It gives off the impression of being a more casual, laid-back kind of book, the type that you can simply pick up whenever you feel like reading a single story. Unfortunately, I have to admit that this style doesn't quite mesh with my own reading preferences.

I find that I need a more structured and consistent reading pattern to fully engage with a book. With Welty's collection, I often find myself getting distracted or losing interest easily. It's not that the stories are bad; they just don't suit my particular way of reading.

Perhaps if I were in a different mood or had more time to relax, I might be able to appreciate Welty's collection more. But as it stands, I have to conclude that we are really not compatible. It's a shame, but everyone has their own reading tastes, and this is just one that doesn't work for me.

Oh boy! This is truly a spot-on perfect read.

I am completely and absolutely captivated by The Petrified Man short story. It delves into the world of small town beauty parlor gossip and a traveling freak show. What could possibly be more entertaining than that?

FINISHED

Howl! This collection has ascended to become one of my all-time favorite reads. It has also made the author my favorite. She is a powerful writer who can explore so many different directions and "see" through the eyes of so many diverse folks.

The Petrified Man was a captivating introduction to Eudora Welty's remarkable skills. Then, when I read The Burning, I was simply blown away. It is horrifying. It展现了战争的残酷, especially the Civil War in this case. It also reveals the stark brutality of racism. This story will remain forever "burned" in my mind.

As further evidence of Welty's profound insight and power, the story "Where IS The Voice Coming From" pierced my heart like a stake. This story is written from the perspective of the brutal murderer of Medgar Evers, although the name Medgar Evers was changed in the story. She gives voice to the thoughts and motives of the hater. It is cringeworthy.

I relished the entire diverse collection of stories and could definitely comment on each one. Just give it a read. It will leave you astounded!

Is It Me, Or Is It Her?

I have an intense love for reading southern authors and stories that are set in the South. This passion led me to decide to give this book of short stories by Eudora Welty a try. However, I'm truly sorry to say that I'm extremely disappointed in her writing. There were several times when I was on the verge of putting the book down, but each time I told myself to persevere until the end, hoping that surely it would improve. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case.

After reading some of the stories, like “Music From Spain”, I found myself asking, “what was the point of this story?” It's as if she simply stopped writing before reaching a resolution. In other stories, it seems as if a proper way to conclude the story eluded her. The ending of “The Wanderers” completely escapes my understanding, just like the endings of many of the stories.

Her analogies are often rather obscure. For example, the description “his little chin that was like a chicken’s clean breastbone tilting upwards” from “At the Landing” is almost nonsensical.

By far, the best stories in this collection are “Why I Live At The PO” and “Shower Of Gold”.

If I were to establish a kingdom of southern writers, William Faulkner would undoubtedly be the king and Flannery O'Connor would be the queen. Of course, Harper Lee would be among the royalty, as would Pat Conroy. John Grisham and James Lee Burke would be the knights. But Eudora Welty, in my opinion, would be just a simple commoner.

What can I say of Miss Welty that has not already been said? This remarkable writer has left an indelible mark on the literary world.

Her works are a treasure trove of human experiences, emotions, and insights. When you pick up one of her books and start reading, you are immediately drawn into a world that is both familiar and yet full of surprises.

Miss Welty's writing has the power to make you more in tune with your own humanity. It can make you laugh, cry, and think deeply about the world around you.

Her characters are vividly drawn, and you can't help but become invested in their lives. Through her stories, she explores the universal themes of love, loss, hope, and redemption.

So, instead of trying to say something new about Miss Welty, I would simply urge you to read her work. Let her words wash over you and transform you into a more empathetic and understanding human being.

While I was in New Orleans, it dawned on me through Paul Theroux's musings on Southern literature in Deep South that I hadn't truly delved into the work of Eudora Welty.

Since most of her stories are set in Mississippi and New Orleans, I made the decision to read The Collected Stories Of Eudora Welty (1982). This book encompasses the short story collections A Curtain of Green, The Wide Net, The Golden Apples, and The Bride of the Innisfallen, along with previously uncollected ones.

The forty-one stories within display Welty's virtuosity in inhabiting people of all ages, genders, and walks of life. A Curtain of Green is particularly notable for containing her most anthologized short story, "A Well Worn Path," which I recall reading in high school and college. I was pleasantly surprised to encounter some Southern Gothic elements in "Petrified Man" and "Keela, the Outcast Indian Maiden."

I discovered that two of her more comical stories, "Lily Dew and the Ladies" and "Why I Live at the P.O.," were among my favorites. The title story of The Wide Net stood out as a portrayal of a small rural community and the distinct personalities that populated a Mississippi town. I was also entertained by the crime-noir atmosphere of "The Purple Hat."

The first story, "First Love," is remarkable as historical fiction where a deaf mute witnesses a meeting between Aaron Burr and Harman Blennerhassett. The next collection, Golden Apples, features a list of Main Families in Morgana, Mississippi and a note clarifying that it is a fictional place, suggesting the influence of William Faulkner. Generally, these stories were denser and more allusive than her earlier works.

The stories are interconnected by recurring characters and events, and there is a sense of solemnity. My favorite in this collection was "Moon Lake," which recounts the drowning and rescue of a young girl. My favorite collection in the book might be The Bride of Innisfallen. The title story details a group traveling from London to Fishguard to take a boat to Cork, with Welty allowing the characters to reveal themselves through conversation.

In another standout story, "The Burning" is her only Civil War story,讲述了两个女人被告知她们的房子将被谢尔曼的军队烧毁. This event haunts them and brings a family secret to the surface. "No Place for You, My Love" is a slow-burning love story that culminates in the realization of unrequited love. "Going to Naples" is another charming travel piece that gathers different characters for an ocean voyage from New York to Italy.

There are two uncollected stories, "Where Is the Voice Coming From?" and "The Demonstrators," written in the 60s, confronting the changes in the South due to the Civil Rights movement. This collection sometimes felt like a chore, but it clearly demonstrates that Welty is a masterful short story writer and worthy of a place in the canon of great American authors.

Eudora Wealty has had an enormous influence on other writers, especially female ones, for over half a century. Despite facing numerous rejections, she finally won a Pulitzer in the 1970s.

The short stories in this collection offer a wonderful introduction to her work. They are firmly rooted in a specific time and place, often Mississippi and always the South. However, the challenges that Eudora's characters encounter are timeless.

For example, a secret is uncovered during a casual conversation in the beauty parlor. A sister feels jealous of her more beloved sibling. The furious glory of burning furniture to stay warm is depicted. A memory is tainted by the boorish behavior of others. A traveling salesman is completely cut off from his fellow man. There are misunderstandings between young marrieds, and many more.

These stories are relatable even if, like me, you were born in a different time, on a different continent, and have never been to Mississippi. For readers, they are a source of pleasure. For writers, they are a must-read.

I have read nearly half of the stories that are set in the deep south during the Depression era.

To be honest, I didn't have a great affinity for them.

The settings and the themes they presented, while perhaps accurate and representative of that particular time and place, failed to truly engage me on a deeper level.

Maybe it was the sense of hopelessness and despair that seemed to permeate through the pages, or perhaps it was the slow pacing and the lack of a more compelling narrative arc.

Whatever the reason, I found myself often skimming through the pages, eager to move on to something else that would capture my interest more fully.

Despite this, I do recognize the importance of these stories in documenting a significant period in American history, and I'm sure that others may find them to be much more enjoyable and thought-provoking than I did.

For what's missing from Kathryn Stockett's The Help, author W. Ralph Eubanks has an interesting recommendation. He suggests reading Eudora Welty's \\"Where Is the Voice Coming From?\\".

Stockett's novel, The Help, has received significant attention and acclaim. However, according to Eubanks, there are certain aspects that are lacking. By turning to Welty's work, readers can gain a different perspective and perhaps find what was absent in The Help.

\\"Where Is the Voice Coming From?\\" offers a unique exploration of themes related to race, identity, and the power of storytelling. It delves into the complex relationships between different social groups and the challenges they face.

Eubanks believes that by reading Welty's story, readers can enhance their understanding of the issues raised in The Help and gain a more comprehensive view of the historical and social context in which the novels are set.

So, if you're a fan of The Help and are looking for something more, consider picking up Eudora Welty's \\"Where Is the Voice Coming From?\\" and see what new insights and perspectives it has to offer.

http://www.npr.org/2011/08/16/1396691...

From BBC Radio 4 Extra - A Short Story of Gothic:
In this captivating short story, we are presented with watery parallels to Greek mythology. The setting is Mississippi, where life has become overwhelming for a woman. The story unfolds, delving into the complex emotions and experiences of this woman.
As we listen, Barbara Barnes brings Eudora Welty's tale to life with her skillful reading. The words seem to dance off the page and into our ears, painting vivid pictures in our minds.
The use of Greek mythology adds an element of mystery and depth to the story. We are drawn into a world where the boundaries between reality and myth are blurred.
This short story is a testament to the power of literature to transport us to different places and times, and to make us feel the emotions of the characters as if they were our own.

From BBC Radio 4 Extra - A Short Story of Gothic:
Watery parallels to Greek mythology, as life gets too much for a woman in Mississippi. Barbara Barnes reads Eudora Welty's tale.

I will never for a moment regret the time I spent reading the complete works of Eudora Welty.

\\tTo be honest, towards the end, it did feel a bit like a chore. It took me over four months to finish. But it was truly a worthwhile experience, similar to a hot and itchy tv-less summer away at camp. Welty is undoubtedly one of the best southern writers and is among my personal favorite female authors, out of just a few with whom I connect.

\\tHowever, my one criticism is that she doesn't really seem to write for her audience. Often, she appears to be telling a story to herself. The names and personalities have a tendency to get all mingled together, and she doesn't make the slightest effort to untangle them for the befuddled reader. And indeed, her stories have a lot of characters. For example, in Moon Lake, there is a cast of 6 - 10 different little orphan girls, all of whom are crucial to the story. They all flit through the 30 some odd pages without cues or clear introductions.

\\tMy two favorite stories of hers have to be Old Mr. Marblehall and Music from Spain. Probably because they focus on one or two easily identifiable characters. This is when her work becomes really powerful. If for no other reason, I can focus without having to remember who second cousin Delilah is and what her connection is to 13 other characters.

\\tDespite sometimes feeling like a burden, I have sweet memories of slogging through these 600 pages. She was one of the great southern masters, to be sure.

\\tHer writing style is unique, filled with vivid descriptions and deep insights into human nature. Although it may have been challenging at times, it was also incredibly rewarding. Reading her works has opened my eyes to a new world of literature and has made me appreciate the beauty and complexity of southern storytelling. I look forward to reading more of her works in the future and continuing to explore the rich and diverse world she has created.

A moving short-story that delves deep into the complex power dynamics within a family. It uncovers the hidden struggles and conflicts that arise due to differences in authority and control. The story also shines a light on the crucial issue of self-worth, as the characters grapple with their own insecurities and feelings of inadequacy. Additionally, it explores the possibility of mental illness, adding another layer of depth and complexity to the narrative. Through vivid descriptions and engaging dialogue, the story takes the reader on an emotional journey, making them question their own relationships and the power structures that exist within their families. It is a thought-provoking and poignant piece that will leave a lasting impression on the reader.

One thing that I have always detested about English class was the requirement to read short stories. I have no idea what it was about short fiction that made me so impatient. It was not until I signed up for a creative writing workshop that I began to appreciate the short story. (A big shout out to my professor Andrew Malan Milward!) Ever since then, I have been eager to get my hands on as many short story collections as possible. (COVID-19 is truly a killer, you all.)

Before this, the only story anthologies that I had read were Faulkner's Collected Stories and O'Connor's The Complete Stories. Some of Faulkner's finest works are his short pieces, such as "Barn Burning," "Two Soldiers," and "Golden Land," which I hold dear to my heart. However, there were several misses for me, most notably the revolting mess known as "Red Leaves." The same can be said for O'Connor. She was a remarkable writer with captivating stories like "The River" and "The Displaced Person." I must admit, though, that I think O'Connor is a bit overrated. The general fatalism and predictability of her stories are only surpassed by the works of Ayn Rand.

With Eudora Welty's stories, my overall reaction was much simpler. I can only think of one story that I didn't care for much, which was "Where Is the Voice Coming From?" (thankfully, one of the shortest in the anthology). The rest of the stories left me in complete awe. I'm not one to use pretentious-sounding clichés like "the author really addresses the human condition" or whatever the critics like to say. But Welty may well be one of the few writers I've encountered who truly delves into her characters' minds and explores their psyches, all while writing some of the most beautiful language I've ever read. Even with figurative language that is sometimes so dense that you can get lost in the imagery, these characters and settings feel incredibly real. This is especially true in some of the longer stories that appear later in the collection, such as "June Recital," "The Wanderers," and "Going to Naples."

Easily one of my new all-time favorites. I will definitely be revisiting these stories soon.

*This is where the similarities between O'Connor and Rand end. Apart from the general predictability of her stories, O'Connor is still an outstanding writer who has earned her place in the canon. Rand, on the other hand, can go to hell.