I had only become aware of Eudora Welty two months ago.

I elected to read this anthology as a means to sample her work. And having done so, I have now become a devoted fan.

One remarkable virtue of writers who remain in the locale where they were reared is their extraordinary ability to write with such eloquence that we earnestly start to "see" their home environments.

Here is a line that truly sticks: "Perhaps it is the sense of place that gives us the belief that passionate things, in some essence, endure." (Page 299, from her story, "Some Notes on River Country.") There is a quality of truth in this - and other - lines that she penned about her life in Mississippi.

Her words seem to paint a vivid picture of the place she calls home, allowing the readers to almost step into her world and experience it for themselves. It is this unique talent that makes her writing so captivating and engaging.

I look forward to delving deeper into her works and uncovering more of the beautiful and profound stories she has to tell.

The Eye of the Story by Eudora Welty is exquisitely written.

Each and every essay within this collection has the power to make you analyze literary pieces in a distinct and unique way.

It offers a different perspective that enriches your understanding and appreciation of literature.

I found myself thoroughly enjoying the reading experience.

The way Welty presents her thoughts and ideas is both engaging and thought-provoking.

It has the ability to inspire readers and writers alike.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in literature, whether you are a casual reader looking for an enjoyable read or a writer seeking new inspiration and ways to approach your own work.

It is truly a gem that should not be missed.

Eudora Welty is not merely a southern writer;

rather, she is a genuine intellectual. Her essays encompassing various topics such as authors, the writing life, book reviews, and short pieces about her life in Jackson, Mississippi, vividly showcase the breadth of her intelligence and her remarkable ability to convey her emotions on the written page. It becomes effortlessly clear why she is held in such high regard.

Moreover, she was not only a talented writer but also a proficient photographer, an enthusiastic gardener, and a prolific letter writer who maintained correspondence with dozens of friends. What an extraordinary lady she was!

Her multifaceted nature and diverse talents make her an inspiration and a testament to the power of a truly rich and fulfilling life.

I am delving deep into the world of writing through this remarkable work by a brilliant fiction writer. This is one of her few non-fiction pieces, and it has been an absolute treasure trove of knowledge.

Not only does she offer her own profound insights into the art of fiction writing, but she also takes the time to review and critique some of my all-time favorite writers. Names like Katherine Anne Porter, E.B. White, and William Faulkner are dissected and analyzed with such precision and understanding.

It's truly fascinating to see how she views their works and what she takes away from them. So far, my experience with this book has been nothing short of great. It has opened my eyes to new perspectives and has given me a deeper appreciation for the craft of writing. I can't wait to see what else I will learn as I continue to explore its pages.

The Eye of the Story is a work that is lush and literate, oozing with an almost languid richness.

I can only envision myself being so well-versed in literature that I could identify all of her allusions to other writers and the extensive body of novels and short stories. I envy the breadth of her immersion in the world of fiction.

However, I am more intrigued by what she has to say about writing.

She states, “We who encounter words used in certain ways are persuaded by them to be brought mind and heart within the presence, the power, of the imagination” (p. 134).

“Each work is new” (p. 135). Although Welty is referring to novels, this holds true, so very true, for poetry as well. She observes that, in the fiction she contemplates, “words have been found for which there may be no other words” (p. 137).

“The imagination has to be involved, and more—ignited. How much brighter than the symbol can be the explicit observation that springs firsthand from deep and present feeling…” (p. 139).

“It is through the shaping of the work in the hands of the artist that you most nearly come to know what can be known, on the page, of his mind and heart, and his as apart from the others. No other saw life in an ordering exactly like this” (p. 144).

I find validation in The Eye of the Story. Welty proclaims that writing is an art that utilizes the literally infinite sequence of words to create a magnificent, one-of-a-kind display of what lies in the writer’s mind and heart.

“Each work is new.” I firmly believe that each poem is unique. Each engaged reader embarks on a new journey on uncharted territory every time he reads a poem.

The poet opens a new window in her mind each time she takes up the pen.

Read more of my book reviews and poems here: www.richardsubber.com

Beautiful, thoughtful essays by one of America's greatest short story writers. Eudora Welty's works are a true delight to read. Her words have the power to transport you to another world, filled with vivid characters and rich emotions.

Her essays are not only beautifully written but also deeply insightful. She has a unique perspective on life and human nature, which she shares with her readers in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking.

Eudora, you'll always have my heart. Your works have touched me in ways that I cannot express. I will continue to read and cherish your essays for years to come. Thank you for sharing your talent with the world.

Erudite Lady

If Eudora Welty had been Edward Welty, perhaps she would have reaped even more honors and potentially even a Nobel Prize. She not only crafted remarkable stories and novels but also penned highly literate and erudite essays on a diverse range of topics. Maybe she never mingled with the intellectuals favored by the Nobel Prize committees in Paris. Instead, she remained relatively close to her home in Mississippi. However, her writing skills were truly outstanding. If you are not well-versed in Literature itself, many of the essays in this book may seem rather tedious. Nevertheless, in this instance, I would attribute that to you (or me), not to the essays. It's just that if you haven't read works by Jane Austen, Stephen Green (whom I had not even heard of), Willa Cather, Katherine Anne Porter, Chekhov, E.M. Forster, Ford Madox Ford, and many others, you really won't understand what she is discussing. I mean, it's not like Cliff's Notes! Still, anyone will appreciate the "personal and occasional" pieces that描绘 the places, people, and life patterns in her world, that now long-gone world of Jackson, Mississippi and the surrounding area. If essays and reviews are your cup of tea---and if not, why are you reading this one?---then you might want to give THE EYE OF THE STORY a try. You're sure to find something truly memorable.