Eudora Welty started writing at an early age and published her first poem at the age of eleven. She received the Pulitzer Prize for her novel "The Optimist’s Daughter". Her works revolve around her hometown, the American South.

The collection of her stories was a difficult task for me. It is the collection of her complete short stories. I often had problems with them because although I liked some, I didn't know what to do with a whole collection. Therefore, I read this book in small portions. After a bumpy start, it worked out surprisingly well. Especially the first stories had a dreamlike atmosphere for me, which was mostly not pleasant. Later, the stories lost their dreaminess and seemed more real to me.

Eudora Welty describes the life and culture in her hometown very vividly. Sometimes she seems amused, as if she is making fun of the many flaws she describes. But mostly she just describes them, with all the beautiful and also the less beautiful things. This didn't always make the people she writes about sympathetic to me. But maybe that's exactly what makes her style. She leaves it to the reader to form his own opinion.

Welty is truly a master when it comes to uncovering meaning within small moments. In my view, her best stories, which happen to be her earliest ones as well, operate from the inside out. They take the seemingly insignificant and ordinary and transform them into something much larger and filled with profound life connotations.

Her later stories, on the other hand, possess more of a plot but lack the sharp focus that the earlier works had. Nevertheless, they too have their moments of pure genius.

Overall, this body of work is simply amazing. It leaves one with a sense of longing, wishing that it could have gone on forever. Each story is like a precious gem, waiting to be discovered and explored, offering unique insights into the human condition and the beauty that can be found in the simplest of things.

SIX WORD REVIEW: Five years and I’ll be ready.

This concise six-word review holds a world of anticipation and determination. It implies that within the span of five years, the person has a specific goal or aspiration in mind and is confident that they will be fully prepared to achieve it. Maybe it's a career change, a personal project, or a life milestone. The number five gives a sense of a defined time frame, allowing for focused planning and growth. It shows that the individual is not only thinking about the future but is actively taking steps to ensure their readiness. It could also suggest a period of learning, training, or self-improvement. Overall, this review is a powerful statement of intention and a reminder that with time and effort, anything is possible.

This wonderful book has a permanent residence on my bedside table. It is there for those precious moments when I find myself in between books.

Whenever I pick it up, I am immediately drawn into the captivating world of Eudora Welty. I usually read a story or two, and it never fails to give me the fix I need.

Her characters are some of the best in southern literature. They are so vivid and real, with their own unique voices and personalities. I always find myself completely immersed in their lives and stories.

Reading Eudora Welty is like taking a journey through the south, experiencing the culture, the traditions, and the people. It is a truly enriching and rewarding experience that I look forward to time and time again.

Let's talk about moody Southern lady writers. There are Flannery O'Connor, Carson McCullers, and Katherine Anne Porter. I firmly believe that all three of them are absolute genius writers. In fact, I would be willing to sacrifice both of my front teeth just to be able to write the kind of subtropical, deeply felt grotesqueries that they could effortlessly conjure up.

Eudora Welty also aims for this kind of literary excellence. On some stories, such as "The Wide Net," she manages to succeed. However, in other works, she fails miserably and is just plain dull. I even contemplated writing a one-line review of "Eudora Welty" but refrained. When I read her novel, The Optimist's Daughter, it was extremely dull. And this sort of dullness, I'm afraid, set a precedent for a lot of terribly dull American fiction that followed. Because lyricism alone really, really doesn't make up for a lackluster everything else.

It's important to note that while these Southern lady writers have their own unique styles and qualities, not all of their works are equally outstanding. We should appreciate the brilliance of the likes of O'Connor, McCullers, and Porter, while also being critical of those works that don't quite measure up, like some of Welty's. This way, we can have a more nuanced understanding of the rich and diverse world of Southern literature.

Eudora Welty is a renowned American writer with a rich collection of stories.

Her works include "A Curtain of Green and Other Stories," which features tales like "Lily Daw and the Three Ladies," "A Piece of News," and "The Petrified Man."

Other notable stories in this collection are "The Key," "Keela, the Outcast Indian Maiden," "Why I Live at the P.O.," "The Whistle," and "The Hitch-Hikers."

There are also stories such as "A Memory," "Clytie," "Old Mr. Marblehall," "Flowers for Marjorie," "A Curtain of Green," "A Visit of Charity," "Death of a Traveling Salesman," and "Powerhouse."

"A Worn Path" is another significant story in this collection.

Welty also has other collections like "The Wide Net And Other Stories," which contains "First Love," "The Wide Net," "A Still Moment," "Asphodel," and more.

"The Golden Apples" collection includes stories like "Shower of Gold," "June Recital," "Sir Rabbit," "Moon Lake," and others.

"The Bride of the Innisfallen and Other Stories" features tales such as "No Place for You, My Love," "The Burning," "Bride of the Innisfallen," and more.

Additionally, there are uncollected stories like "Where Is The Voice Coming From?" and "The Demonstrators."

These stories offer a diverse range of themes and perspectives, showcasing Welty's literary talent and her ability to create engaging and thought-provoking narratives.

TikTok is truly a goldmine when it comes to Amazon shopping blunder videos. People often place orders without much thought, only to be met with a surprise. For instance, you might end up spending a hundred dollars on a doll's chair, thinking it was something for humans to sit on.

Here's my personal literary version of a similar experience. I had casually added Eudora Welty's The Collected Stories to this year's Christmas Amazon wishlist. I thought it would be a cozy, curated collection of Southern stories. My favorite writer, Ann Patchett, has always raved about Welty's talent, so I wanted to explore more than what I had read in college anthologies.

However, I didn't bother to check the fine print. When my wonderful sister gifted me the book, I was shocked to find that it was a hefty 622-page literary brick. It contained four separate short story collections and two additional stories. This thing could easily double as a dumbbell!

But I'm not one to shy away from a challenge. I decided to read the entire book from start to finish. I couldn't just read it in parts, as I knew I wouldn't come back to it. Three weeks later, I finally turned the last page. Here's what I thought of my unintentional Eudora Welty short story binge.

Eudora Welty's The Collected Stories is like a big bowl of literary jambalaya. It's a mix of comedy, tragedy, and everything in between, all seasoned with a healthy dose of Southern charm and plenty of introspection. It takes you on a wild ride through the Deep South of the past, with detours to San Francisco, New York, Ancient Greece, and Europe. The stories were written between the 1930s and mid-1960s and, unfortunately, contain some negative depictions and mistreatment of people or cultures, as well as the use of racist language and phonetic dialogue.

Eudora Welty, much like Ann Patchett, is a master at capturing the little quirks of life in her writing. Both have that special ability to sprinkle fairy dust on the page and draw you into their fictional worlds.

However, Eudora's storytelling has a unique twist. Her narratives are deeply rooted in the raw atmosphere of the 1930s-1960s, like a time capsule that can transport you back in time. At its best, it's a fascinating journey. But at its worst, it can be a stark reminder of the racist and sexist attitudes that were prevalent during that era.

Her characters are intense and often border on the eccentric or even deranged. They add an extra layer of complexity to the stories.

But here's the thing: sometimes, it feels like you're watching sunlight filter through the leaves of a tree rather than a story unfold. I found myself jotting down notes like "not much happens" more times than I'd like to admit. Those super introspective, dialogue-light stories just weren't my cup of tea.

But don't get me wrong. There's still a lot to appreciate in Welty's writing. In the midst of all that "not much happening," I managed to find plenty of gems.

To truly understand and enjoy this collection, it's best to approach each section individually. So, let's start with the first story, "Lily Daw and the Three Ladies." It's a promising and lively beginning, with dialogue that zips along like a mosquito evading a swatter. It's about three busybodies trying to send Lily Daw to the Ellisville Institute for the Feebleminded of Mississippi (yes, this place really existed), but then a plot twist occurs: the xylophone player Lily met at a tent show the night before shows up to marry her. It's like a cross between the church ladies and Aunt Bea from The Andy Griffith Show. A great start.

Next, let's talk about "A Piece of News." Get ready for the thrilling action: a young wife sits at home, twiddling her thumbs and waiting for her husband. She leafs through the newspaper and discovers a story about a woman with the same name as hers getting shot in a different town. What does she do? She spends her time imagining her own death, and then when her husband comes home, she tells him about it. Exciting, right? Maybe not. But let's move on.

For my full review of each collection, click here: https://lynnlipinski.me/gift-that-kep...

This took an extremely long time as I truly have a greater preference for novels over short stories.

Nevertheless, one book within this collection is The Golden Apples, which consists of a group of connected stories that center around a fictional small town in Mississippi.

Given that these stories are interlinked, I derived the most enjoyment from it as it seemed more akin to a novel.

I have always been intrigued by anything related to Mississippi, having resided there during my childhood and having deep-seated roots in that place.

The connection to the state adds an extra layer of interest and familiarity to the stories, making the reading experience even more engaging.

Although it took a long time to get through this collection due to my initial inclination towards novels, The Golden Apples managed to capture my attention and provide a unique and enjoyable reading experience.

It shows that sometimes, stepping out of one's comfort zone and exploring different literary forms can lead to unexpected discoveries and pleasures.

I did not spend nearly as much time on these as they deserve. Here are a few thoughts, though.

First of all, I had the distinct feeling that I was reading somewhat above my grade level. Any of these works would be truly great to dive into and dissect thoroughly. People often talk about what an outstanding short story writer Chekhov was, but Welty could definitely give him a run for his money. Her stories are so rich and complex.

Secondly, I was really surprised by the large number of stories that were set in Natchez and/or the Natchez Trace. The way she describes these places is such a great evocation of the setting. It really makes you feel as if you are right there in that particular location.

Thirdly, I was also taken aback by the feeling of magical realism that many of these stories had. And perhaps there was also a Southern Gothic vibe to them. Her novels seem comparatively more mundane and did not prepare me for this aspect of her short stories. I think some of this is due to just how she writes, in a highly visual manner. It's as if the story is an eyeball and the reader has to transmit the image into meaning by herself. For example, instead of simply saying that a fellow was shot, she would describe him falling and the bloom of dark color on his shirt. You kind of have to think for a minute to realize what has actually happened.

Finally, I must admit that I definitely only skimmed some of the longer stories. If I'm reading a short story, I want it to be short, dadgumit! I just didn't have the patience to read through the really long ones in as much detail as I would have liked.

Someone compared her writing style to Faulkner and I said to myself: yes!

This is precisely why I have an aversion to it. The uninteresting racist stories are so vague in their description that they seem rather pointless.

I managed to get about halfway through the collection when I realized that I was merely skimming over the words without truly engaging in the reading. At that moment, I thought to myself: well, what on earth is the point of this?

Consequently, I decided to return it to the library.

I would rate this work 1.5 stars, which I've rounded up to two, simply because I didn't despise it quite as much as I do Faulkner...?

Perhaps there are some redeeming qualities that I failed to fully appreciate, but overall, it just didn't capture my interest or hold my attention.

Maybe others will find more value in her writing, but for me, it was a rather lackluster experience.

I'm always on the lookout for books that can truly transport me and make me think, and unfortunately, this one didn't quite measure up to my expectations.

Oh well, there are plenty of other books out there waiting to be discovered!

I don't think this book was meant to be read from cover to cover by me. I feel like I'm in the wrong place at the wrong time. Or perhaps it's the book that is out of place.

The stories in this book are distinct from one another, often darkly disturbing. This sounds like something that I would typically love. However, some of the stories, despite being short, seemed long. Frequently, the language was poetically poised, but it was also turgidly impenetrable.

Perhaps this book is best enjoyed by dipping in and out, rather than slogging through it.

I particularly enjoyed 'Music from Spain' and 'No place for you, my love'. These two stories stood out to me for their unique characters and engaging plots. The language in these stories was also more accessible, making them a pleasure to read. Overall, while this book may not be for everyone, it does have some hidden gems that are worth discovering.

Barbara Barnes is deeply engrossed in reading Eudora Welty's Southern Gothic tale. This particular story delves into the complex themes of unrequited love and the profound sense of loneliness that often accompanies it.

As Barnes turns the pages, she is transported into a world where characters struggle with their emotions, longing for something that seems just out of reach. The vivid descriptions and Welty's masterful storytelling bring the setting and the characters to life.

The tale explores the dark corners of the human heart,揭示了the pain and longing that can fester within. Barnes finds herself empathizing with the characters, feeling their joys and sorrows as if they were her own.

Through Welty's words, Barnes gains a deeper understanding of the power of unrequited love and the impact it can have on a person's life. The story serves as a reminder that sometimes, love is not meant to be returned, and that loneliness can be a companion on the journey of life.

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Overall, Barnes is captivated by this Southern Gothic tale, finding it both poignant and thought-provoking.