A real treat to hear the stories told by Eudora Welty herself - just not my cup of tea. Maybe because I couldn’t relate, being a Yank an all. I respect her as a writer, no doubt about that. Her works are highly regarded and have made a significant impact. But when it comes to her personal storytelling, it just didn't click with me. I guess everyone has their own preferences when it comes to literature and the way stories are presented. Eudora Welty's style might be more suited for those who have a deeper understanding and connection to the South, where her stories are often set. For me, being from a different part of the country, it was a bit of a stretch to fully appreciate the nuances and subtleties of her tales. However, I'm still glad I had the opportunity to listen and learn more about her as an author. Maybe one day, with more exposure and a different perspective, I'll be able to see the beauty and charm in her stories that others seem to find so easily.
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Essential Welty: Why I Live at the P.O., A Memory, Powerhouse and Petrified Man
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In 1956, Caedmon had the great fortune to record Eudora Welty reading some of her finest stories. In her sweetly vibrant Mississippi drawl, Ms. Welty deftly draws the listener in to the uproariously multilayered "Why I Live at the P.O.," the spontaneous "Powerhouse" and the insightful voice of women's truths in "Petrified Man." Ms. Welty's reading brings immediacy and resonance to these wonderful tales.
1 pages, Audio CD
First published January 22,1956
This edition
- Format
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1 pages, Audio CD
- Published
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June 27, 2006 by Caedmon
- ISBN
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9780061124198
- ASIN
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0061124192
- Language
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English
About the author
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Eudora Alice Welty was an award-winning American author who wrote short stories and novels about the American South. Her book The Optimist's Daughter won the Pulitzer Prize in 1973 and she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, among numerous awards. She was the first living author to have her works published by the Library of America.
Welty was born in Jackson, Mississippi, and lived a significant portion of her life in the city's Belhaven neighborhood, where her home has been preserved. She was educated at the Mississippi State College for Women (now called Mississippi University for Women), the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Columbia Business School. While at Columbia University, where she was the captain of the women's polo team, Welty was a regular at Romany Marie's café in 1930.
During the 1930s, Welty worked as a photographer for the Works Progress Administration, a job that sent her all over the state of Mississippi photographing people from all economic and social classes. Collections of her photographs are One Time, One Place and Photographs.
Welty's true love was literature, not photography, and she soon devoted her energy to writing fiction. Her first short story, "Death of a Traveling Salesman," appeared in 1936. Her work attracted the attention of Katherine Anne Porter, who became a mentor to her and wrote the foreword to Welty's first collection of short stories, A Curtain of Green, in 1941. The book immediately established Welty as one of American literature's leading lights and featured the legendary and oft-anthologized stories "Why I Live at the P.O.," "Petrified Man," and "A Worn Path." Her novel, The Optimist's Daughter, won the Pulitzer Prize in 1973.
In 1992, Welty was awarded the Rea Award for the Short Story for her lifetime contributions to the American short story, and was also a charter member of the Fellowship of Southern Writers, founded in 1987. In her later life, she lived near Belhaven College in Jackson, Mississippi, where, despite her fame, she was still a common sight among the people of her hometown.
Eudora Welty died of pneumonia in Jackson, Mississippi, at the age of 92, and is buried in Greenwood Cemetery in Jackson.
Excerpted and adopted from Wikipedia.
Welty was born in Jackson, Mississippi, and lived a significant portion of her life in the city's Belhaven neighborhood, where her home has been preserved. She was educated at the Mississippi State College for Women (now called Mississippi University for Women), the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Columbia Business School. While at Columbia University, where she was the captain of the women's polo team, Welty was a regular at Romany Marie's café in 1930.
During the 1930s, Welty worked as a photographer for the Works Progress Administration, a job that sent her all over the state of Mississippi photographing people from all economic and social classes. Collections of her photographs are One Time, One Place and Photographs.
Welty's true love was literature, not photography, and she soon devoted her energy to writing fiction. Her first short story, "Death of a Traveling Salesman," appeared in 1936. Her work attracted the attention of Katherine Anne Porter, who became a mentor to her and wrote the foreword to Welty's first collection of short stories, A Curtain of Green, in 1941. The book immediately established Welty as one of American literature's leading lights and featured the legendary and oft-anthologized stories "Why I Live at the P.O.," "Petrified Man," and "A Worn Path." Her novel, The Optimist's Daughter, won the Pulitzer Prize in 1973.
In 1992, Welty was awarded the Rea Award for the Short Story for her lifetime contributions to the American short story, and was also a charter member of the Fellowship of Southern Writers, founded in 1987. In her later life, she lived near Belhaven College in Jackson, Mississippi, where, despite her fame, she was still a common sight among the people of her hometown.
Eudora Welty died of pneumonia in Jackson, Mississippi, at the age of 92, and is buried in Greenwood Cemetery in Jackson.
Excerpted and adopted from Wikipedia.
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Rating(4 / 5.0, 46 votes)
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46 reviews All reviews
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It’s a truly wonderful experience to listen to Eudora Welty reading her own stories!Her voice brings the characters and the settings to life in the most vivid way. As she reads, you can almost see the small towns and the people who inhabit them. The emotions in her stories are palpable, and you can feel every joy, every sorrow, and every moment of uncertainty.Listening to her read is like being invited into her world, a world full of rich characters and complex relationships. You get to experience her stories in a whole new way, and it’s an experience that you’ll never forget. Whether you’re a fan of her writing or just someone who enjoys a good story, listening to Eudora Welty read her own stories is an absolute must.
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My goodness! These were truly terrific. It was my very first time reading Eudora. I had heard so much about her works, and now that I've finally delved into them, I'm completely captivated. The way she weaves her stories, the vivid descriptions, and the complex characters all draw me in. Each word seems to be carefully chosen, painting a picture in my mind that is both beautiful and engaging. I can't wait to explore more of her writings and see where they take me. It's like embarking on a new adventure with every page turn, and I'm thoroughly enjoying the journey. Eudora has definitely made a lasting impression on me, and I'm excited to share my newfound love for her work with others.
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Why I Live at the P.O. is a remarkable piece that earns a solid 4 stars. It offers a unique perspective and engaging narrative that keeps the reader hooked from start to finish. The story unfolds in an interesting way, presenting a world full of vivid characters and unexpected twists.
Powerhouse is another excellent work that also merits 4 stars. It showcases the author's skill in creating a powerful and dynamic story. The plot is filled with excitement and tension, making it a page-turner. The characters are well-developed and their actions and decisions drive the story forward.
Petrified Man is yet another 4-star gem. The story has a captivating premise that immediately grabs the reader's attention. The author does a great job of building suspense and maintaining the reader's interest throughout. The writing is sharp and engaging, and the characters are brought to life in a vivid and believable way. Overall, these three works are all highly recommended for anyone looking for a great read.
Powerhouse is another excellent work that also merits 4 stars. It showcases the author's skill in creating a powerful and dynamic story. The plot is filled with excitement and tension, making it a page-turner. The characters are well-developed and their actions and decisions drive the story forward.
Petrified Man is yet another 4-star gem. The story has a captivating premise that immediately grabs the reader's attention. The author does a great job of building suspense and maintaining the reader's interest throughout. The writing is sharp and engaging, and the characters are brought to life in a vivid and believable way. Overall, these three works are all highly recommended for anyone looking for a great read.
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It truly takes a certain amount of time to immerse oneself in Welty's rhythm. At first, it might seem a bit challenging to fully understand and adapt to her unique style. However, once you manage to do so, a whole world of humor and insight unfolds before you.
Welty has a remarkable way of presenting the simplest of situations in a light-hearted and comical manner, yet beneath the humor lies a deep understanding of human nature and the subtleties of life. Her stories are filled with characters that are so vivid and real that you can't help but become invested in their lives.
As you continue to read and get more in tune with her rhythm, you'll find yourself laughing out loud at some of the absurdities she describes, while also being touched by the profound emotions and lessons that her characters learn. It's like embarking on a journey of discovery, where each page reveals something new and wonderful about the human experience.
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Listened to the author read these on CD. As another reviewer has accurately pointed out, she speaks really fast!! This can be a bit of a challenge at times, but it also adds a certain energy and excitement to the listening experience. I found myself having to pay extra close attention to catch all the details. Among the stories, "Why I live at the PO" was my absolute favorite. Welty's characters are truly remarkable. They are salty and sassy, full of life and personality. It's as if they jump right off the page (or in this case, out of the CD player) and into your imagination. Their dialogues are engaging and often humorous, making it a joy to listen to. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this listening experience and would highly recommend it to others who appreciate well-written stories and unique characters.
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The first story - why I live at the PO - read by the author - is just delightful. It takes the readers on a charming journey filled with unique characters and unexpected twists. The author's vivid descriptions bring the post office and its surroundings to life, making it easy for us to imagine ourselves in that small town. We get to know the narrator's reasons for choosing to live at the PO, and as the story unfolds, we discover the various adventures and misadventures that occur. The interactions between the narrator and the other characters add depth and humor to the story, making it a truly enjoyable read. Overall, this story is a wonderful example of how a simple premise can be turned into a captivating tale that leaves the readers with a smile on their faces.
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This is an "audiobook" that is extremely short, lasting just over an hour, with Ms. Welty herself doing the reading. I took a Southern Literature class during my senior year of high school and instantly fell in love with Flannery O'Conner and, by extension, Ms. Welty. Shortly after that, I had the opportunity to hear Ms. Welty speak and read some of her work at an event in Chattanooga. Her rich voice is like a sweet melody that makes the truth not only bearable but also captivating. Even in her moments of uncomfortable honesty, I found myself completely engrossed, hoping that there would be more. The way she reads brings her words to life, adding an extra layer of depth and emotion. It's as if she is sharing her deepest thoughts and experiences directly with the listener. This audiobook is a precious gem that allows us to experience Ms. Welty's talent in a unique and intimate way. Despite its short length, it leaves a lasting impression and makes one eager to explore more of her works.
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