Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 96 votes)
5 stars
31(32%)
4 stars
37(39%)
3 stars
28(29%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
96 reviews
July 15,2025
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Someone should highly recommend this book to Wes Anderson for him to consider turning it into a movie. The book is filled with delightfully quirky characters that are sure to capture the audience's imagination. These characters inhabit a world of strange and often unexpected situations, which add an element of mystery and intrigue to the story. The vivid imagery and color described in the book are simply breathtaking. It's as if the pages come alive with a rich tapestry of sights and sounds. Wes Anderson is known for his unique visual style and his ability to bring out the charm and eccentricity in his characters and settings. This book seems to be a perfect fit for his directorial vision. With his creative touch, he could transform this book into a cinematic masterpiece that would be loved by audiences around the world.

July 15,2025
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Well, this was truly a very unusual book.

At the beginning, I was completely fascinated by the first 100 pages, perhaps even up to 150 pages. The stories seemed to unfold in a captivating manner, drawing me in and making me eager to know more.

However, as I continued reading, I started to get so sick of it. It felt like the same thing was being repeated over and over and over again. It became rather monotonous and lost its charm.

Despite this, I still gave it four stars. The reason for this is that it must have taken an enormous amount of effort to come up with all of the stories in this book. The author's creativity and imagination are truly remarkable.

Now that I'm finished with it, I'm glad to have experienced it, but at the same time, I'm also relieved to move on to something new.
July 15,2025
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A wonderful book indeed! It is an excellent cold-weather read, surprisingly enough, considering it is set during the summer in Mississippi in the 1930s. The story revolves around an extended family coming together for a birthday party. As the gathering unfolds, long-held secrets that have been hidden away for years are gradually laid bare. Eudora Welty has an extraordinary talent for expressing complex emotions and ideas in just two sentences, while others might require an entire paragraph and still miss the mark. Her writing is truly lovely and engaging, drawing the reader in and keeping them hooked until the very end.

July 15,2025
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The entirety of this book unfolds over the span of a two-day family reunion.

While it can also be considered a birthday party, the essence of the reunion truly shines through. There is a significant amount of present-day action, yet the majority of the book consists of family discussions, involving numerous participants, or family storytelling, again with many voices.

These discussions and stories all have a kind of mythifying tall tale quality to them. However, the present-day action is also rather over the top, making it challenging to determine what has been embellished over time and what is fact.

The multiple voices are expertly crafted, allowing for a wide variety of stories, tones, and personalities to inhabit the book. Much of the book is quite humorous, although it is interspersed with shades of melancholic nostalgia and good-hearted tenderness.

There we have it. All five of Eudora Welty's books have been read in the past week. Here are some thoughts:

1. She never repeated herself. Each book has some overlap in feel or tone with another, but they are all completely distinct.

2. "The Optimist's Daughter" was her best. This becomes evident only after reading the other four. The skill she brought to that book is remarkable when compared to the various skills showcased in her other works. It is a highly compressed book, but that's because she trimmed away everything except the essence, while still capturing a great deal of complexity.

3. There is a familial gentleness in almost everything she wrote. Her books can be sharp at times, but it is always because it is what the book or character demands, never out of meanness.

4. She could be really, really funny.

There are still the short stories to read. I'm eagerly waiting for them to be delivered.
July 15,2025
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I'm going to start this book AGAIN. This time, I'm determined to approach it with a fresh perspective and a more open mind. I want to truly immerse myself in the story, to feel the emotions of the characters as if they were my own. Maybe I'll discover new details that I missed the first time around. Or perhaps I'll gain a deeper understanding of the themes and messages that the author is trying to convey. Starting this book again is like embarking on a new adventure, and I can't wait to see where it takes me.

July 15,2025
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In a story with so many characters, it is easy to get lost, but this has not been the case for me. After learning them, I appreciate the value of Eudora Welty when it comes to characterizing them in her prose.

It is a family reunion to celebrate Grandma Vaughn's birthday, in which a series of events sprinkle the plot. One has to read it little by little.

The story is rich and detailed, with each character having their own unique traits and personalities. Welty's writing style is engaging and descriptive, making it easy for the reader to imagine the scenes and the people in them.

As I read, I found myself becoming more and more invested in the story and the characters. I wanted to know what would happen next and how they would deal with the various challenges and conflicts that arose.

Overall, I highly recommend this story to anyone who enjoys a good read with well-developed characters and an interesting plot. It is a testament to Welty's skill as a writer and her ability to bring a story to life on the page.
July 15,2025
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Keep a dictionary handy so you may properly bask in the language of the 30's. The language of that era was rich and unique, filled with expressions and words that may not be as commonly used today. By having a dictionary at your side, you can look up any unfamiliar terms and truly understand the full meaning and essence of the text.


In the hills. The beautiful, rolling hills that stretch as far as the eye can see. They are a haven of peace and tranquility, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The air is fresh and clean, and the views are simply breathtaking.


Of the South. The South is a region with a rich and diverse history, and its culture is deeply ingrained in the people who live there. From the music to the food, everything in the South has a unique flavor and charm.


The deep south. The deep south is an even more specific area within the South, known for its warm hospitality, slow pace of life, and beautiful landscapes. It is a place where time seems to stand still, and you can truly relax and enjoy the simple things in life.


Great summer read for all the descriptions of light and iconic summer sounds of the country from a simpler time. This book is the perfect choice for a summer day, when you want to escape to a place of beauty and tranquility. The descriptions of the light and the sounds of the country will transport you back to a time when life was simpler and more carefree.

July 15,2025
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Read 170 pages;

I give up.

After reading 170 pages, I find myself completely exhausted and frustrated. The content seems to be endless, and I can no longer maintain my focus and enthusiasm.

I have tried my best to understand each sentence and paragraph, but it feels like I am swimming in a sea of words without a clear direction.

Maybe it's because the subject matter is too difficult for me, or perhaps the writing style is not to my taste.

Whatever the reason, I have reached a point where I can no longer continue.

I decide to give up and look for something else to read that will be more enjoyable and fulfilling.

Although I am disappointed that I couldn't finish this book, I know that there are many other great books out there waiting for me to discover.
July 15,2025
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A family reunion is taking place in Mississippi. It's a joyous occasion as everyone has gathered for Granny's 90th birthday. The aunts, uncles, granny herself, the siblings, the young wife, and the baby are all eagerly waiting for Jack to come back home. As the celebration begins, there is a flurry of activity and excitement. Everyone has plenty to share and talk about, especially the family's story. They recall the old days, the happy memories, and the challenges they have overcome together. The atmosphere is filled with love, laughter, and a sense of togetherness. It's a time to cherish and remember the importance of family. And as they wait for Jack, their anticipation grows, knowing that his presence will make this reunion even more special.

July 15,2025
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I tried, I really did.

There were an abundance of random characters, each with their own seemingly disjointed stories. It felt as if I was lost in a maze of words with no clear path or purpose.

I found myself skipping through much of it, hoping to find some glimmer of meaning or connection. But in the end, it all seemed rather pointless.

To say I was disappointed would be an understatement. I had expected something more engaging, more thought-provoking. Instead, I was left with a jumble of words that failed to leave any lasting impression.

Perhaps I had set my expectations too high, but I couldn't help but feel let down. I had been looking forward to delving into a captivating narrative, but instead, I was met with a confusing and ultimately unsatisfying mess.

Oh well, at least I gave it a try. Maybe next time, I'll have better luck finding a story that truly speaks to me.
July 15,2025
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If someone had come to me and asserted that it was feasible to pen an engaging 436-page novel consisting solely of a day and a half of conversation, punctuated by moments of slapstick hilarity, I would have wagered against it without hesitation – and I would have been wrong. Welty has truly crafted a comic masterpiece here.

The structure bears a resemblance to the fundamental framework of Delta Wedding and The Optimist's Daughter – a large family assembling due to a momentous event. However, Losing Battles takes dialogue to its utmost limit while saturating both the talk and the attendant action with unwavering, good-natured humor.

Nevertheless, the merriment intimates at the less comforting realities of life for the people in the era and locale of the story. Moreover, the themes appear to be deliberately designed to be relevant in other times and places. The most that anyone on the losing side of battles can do is adopt Ms Gloria's stance: keep one's thoughts fixed on the future.

This novel is a testament to Welty's remarkable talent for creating a vivid and engaging world through the power of dialogue and humor, while also delving into deeper themes that resonate across time and space.
July 15,2025
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The text is very difficult to read

due to the large number of characters all speaking in the same vernacular.

Most of the book consists of conversations.

This makes it a challenging read as the reader has to constantly keep track of who is speaking and what they are saying.

The use of the same vernacular throughout also makes it difficult to distinguish between the different characters and their personalities.

However, the conversations do provide valuable insights into the lives and thoughts of the characters.

Despite the difficulties, the book may still be worth reading for those who are interested in the subject matter or who enjoy reading dialogue-heavy works.

It is important to approach the book with an open mind and a willingness to put in the effort to understand the complex web of conversations.

With patience and perseverance, the reader may be able to uncover the hidden gems within the text and gain a deeper understanding of the story and the characters.
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