One of the very first things that anyone gets to know about my taste in books is that I have a distinct dislike for short stories and an intense hatred for American literature. Oh, how I loathe it!

First, we hear all the whining about the Native Americans and how difficult it was to live in this country. Then, it's the whining about the British. After that, it's the whining about slavery, whether it was having it or not having it. And finally, it's the whining about WWII. We just seem to whine an awful lot.

Now, having said all that, I must admit that I love this collection of short stories. It was written by a Southern woman, and Southerners are often the most blatant whiners about everything that happened before WWI. (At least in writing. I don't know that many Southerners, but the ones I do know would probably be quick to correct me about which part of the United States is the whiniest.)

Full review here.

Read it! Even if it's just for "Why I Live at the PO" and "Worn Path"!

These two works offer unique and captivating insights into different aspects of life. "Why I Live at the PO" presents a humorous and somewhat eccentric account of a woman's decision to live at the post office. It explores themes such as family dynamics, personal identity, and the search for meaning.

"Worn Path," on the other hand, tells the story of an elderly African American woman's arduous journey through the countryside. This story delves into themes of perseverance, love, and the human spirit.

Both works are masterpieces of American literature, written by talented authors who have a deep understanding of the human condition. By reading them, we can gain a better appreciation for the complexity and beauty of life.

So, pick up these two works and embark on a literary adventure. You won't be disappointed!

I actually completed this quite a while ago. I read this from the Collected Stories of Eudora Welty book, which I believe contains all of her collections. However, it will take me more time to finish.

Welty's stories are truly remarkable. Many of them are serene and exquisitely written, while others are unsettling and disturbing. A few are even very comical, like "Why I Live at the PO," for example. But all of them are captivating and well worth reading. From what I have sampled, Welty is one of the finest American short story writers. She is great at capturing complex moods and recreating speech and dialect. Moreover, her work is highly unique and creative. Many compare her to Flannery O’Connor, another excellent short story writer from the American South.

A teacher in college once taught me about Epiphany and its significance to the short story. Short stories can be like tiny moments in time or they can capture something profoundly important to you or the characters. Who can say for sure?

A few of the stories can be challenging at times, but everyone should at least give "Why I Live at the PO" a try as it is an American classic. I also really liked "The Key," which has interesting dynamics due to a deaf character. "The Whistle" is profound and probably my personal favorite. "Clytie" and "Old Mr. Marblehall" are good as well. "A Curtain of Green" is very interesting and has a very striking, movie-like scene. "Death of a Traveling Salesman" is also a classic that captures the feeling of a sick doggedness extremely well. If you're into Jazz or Music, check out "Powerhouse," which has some of the best descriptions of live music that I've come across in my reading - it's supposedly about the Jazz Pianist Fats Waller.

Dated racist and sexist writing.

It is a form of literature that unfortunately still exists. Often, it contains rich and evocative descriptions that can transport the reader to another time and place. However, it suffers from truncation and unevenness, which can make it difficult to fully engage with the story.

This type of writing is often set in the early and mid-20th century US South, a time and place that was rife with racial and gender inequality.

Most of the stories in this genre read as sketches rather than fully wrought works, perhaps due to the limitations of the time and the author's own biases.

Despite its flaws, dated racist and sexist writing can still provide valuable insights into the past and the social issues that plagued society at that time.

It is important to read and analyze this type of literature with a critical eye, in order to understand the historical context and to learn from the mistakes of the past.

The stories of Eudora Welty all serve the same function, that is, to show a crack. There is a dissonance between the inner life of the protagonists and the external world, and the external world to which it refers is the culture of the American South in the 20th century, with all the historical baggage that follows. The conflict is generated by the opposition of two forces that Eudora also recognized in herself, as a Southern woman and as a writer: "desire for independence and sense of guilt". Alienation manifests itself in a funny, exaggerated and grotesque way because there is no solution. The liberation that the spirit strives for is contrasted by social conventions; the repression of instincts generates new desires and desires generate new guilt. However, unlike the novels of William Faulkner, in which the conflict is resolved with an act of violence, and unlike the stories of Flannery O'Connor, in which violence is the key to accessing grace, the stories of Eudora Welty do not end in tragedy. The objective of her writing is not to find a solution to the discomfort but to show that it exists.

It is interesting to note that Welty's works offer a unique perspective on the Southern experience. Her characters are complex and multi-faceted, often struggling with the contradictions and limitations of their society. Through their stories, we can see the impact of history, culture, and social norms on individuals.

Moreover, Welty's writing style is both细腻 and evocative. She uses vivid descriptions and rich language to bring her characters and settings to life. Her stories are not only a reflection of the South but also a commentary on the human condition in general.

My first exposure to the work of Eudora Welty was truly a remarkable experience.

I found myself thoroughly enjoying most of these short stories. Her writing style is extremely poetic, which immediately captured my attention. It came across to me as being very rich in vivid images and powerful impressions.

What sets Welty apart is her ability to relate the mysteries of personality and the interactions of her characters. She doesn't simply tell a story for the sake of it. Instead, she uses these elements as the driving force behind the narrative.

Her characters are complex and multi-dimensional, and their relationships add depth and intrigue to the stories. Through her writing, Welty invites the reader to explore the inner workings of the human psyche and the intricacies of human relationships.

Overall, my encounter with Eudora Welty's work has been a memorable one, and I look forward to delving deeper into her literary world.

'Why I Live at the P.O.' remains my all-time favorite short story. (Sorry, Shirley Jackson. You know I love you too.) I first encountered it in college and reread it in this collection. There's just something about this crazy tale of a young woman pushed to the limit by her family that makes her leave home and live at the post office, which really appeals to me. Whatever that something is.

Here is a wonderful collection by a master storyteller. Her characters are truly full of life. They include traveling salesmen, beauticians, murderers, and outspoken postmistresses. Some of the ladies are so delicate that they can't bring themselves to say the word 'pregnant' and have to spell it out instead. They are gossipy and judgmental, and many are lonely.

From 'Death of a Traveling Salesman':

'But he wanted to leap up, to say to her, I have been sick and I found out then, only then, how lonely I am. Is it too late? My heart puts up a struggle inside me, and you have heard it, protesting against emptiness....'

But they are all very human. Welty definitely understood people. She saw their flaws and also saw them at their best. And she knew, oh so well, that even ladies in silk dresses let one rip every now and then.

There are numerous unforgettable moments and images that linger in our minds. The text presents a remarkable and cool balance between cerebral weirdness and plain, spot-on descriptions. This unique combination creates a super forceful impact that is truly one-of-a-kind. It's not something we come across very often. The cerebral weirdness adds an element of mystery and intrigue, making us question and wonder. On the other hand, the plain, spot-on descriptions bring a sense of clarity and authenticity. They paint a vivid picture that we can easily visualize. This contrast between the two creates a powerful and engaging reading experience. It keeps us hooked from beginning to end, eager to discover what lies ahead.

Some of these I had read before, but most were new.

I've dipped into Welty before, yet I don't think I've ever fully appreciated the breadth of her writing as I have in this collection.

From the most outrageous humor to the deeply thoughtful and insightful drama, these stories span a wide range of emotions and writing styles.

She was a favorite of my mother-in-law, and perhaps I should have delved into her works earlier.

This collection offers a wide-ranging and truly intriguing set of stories, all set in the South.

It's as if each story is a little window into a different world, filled with unique characters and their complex lives.

The vivid descriptions and engaging plots draw the reader in and keep them hooked until the very end.

Whether you're a fan of Southern literature or just looking for a great read, this collection is sure to satisfy.

It's a testament to Welty's talent as a writer and her ability to capture the essence of the South in all its glory.

I'm so glad I finally took the time to explore this collection and discover the magic of Welty's writing for myself.

This book was truly a masterful display of the short story genre.

Each and every story within its pages was like a powerful punch directly to the stomach.

Some of them were incredibly lovely, filled with tenderness and beauty that could make your heart soar.

While others were simply terrible, in the most captivating way, leaving you on the edge of your seat, breathless.

I have to admit, I'm seriously and hopelessly hooked on Eudora Welty.

Her writing has this unique ability to draw you in, make you feel every emotion, and leave you with a sense of wonder and admiration.

It's as if she weaves a magical spell with her words, transporting you to different worlds and making you experience life through the eyes of her characters.

I can't wait to explore more of her works and continue to be amazed by her talent.

She is an excellent southern writer whose works have always fascinated me ever since my college days. Her writing style is unique and captivating, with vivid descriptions and deep insights into human nature. Each of her stories seems to transport the reader to a different world, filled with rich emotions and complex characters.

Her works are not only entertaining but also thought-provoking, making the reader reflect on various aspects of life. Whether it's about love, family, friendship, or society, she explores these themes with great sensitivity and authenticity.

I highly recommend her works to all readers. Whether you are a fan of southern literature or simply looking for a good read, you will not be disappointed. Her stories will stay with you long after you have turned the last page, leaving you with a sense of wonder and inspiration.

As a native Mississippian, I was initially introduced to Eudora Welty's writing during my college years around 1966 - 1967. We were mandated to read several stories from her very first short story collection, "A Curtain of Green". At that time, I was far too "cool" (in other words, immature) to truly appreciate her works.

However, many years down the line, my perspective completely changed. It was when I visited an exhibit of her Depression-era photographs titled "One Time, One Place" with a dear friend at the Old Capitol Museum in Jackson, MS, where I resided at that moment. This exhibit opened my eyes to a whole new side of her creativity. A year or two later, my ears were also opened when I attended a dramatic reading of "Why I Live at the P.O." at a local Episcopal church.

Ever since then, I have become a dedicated fan of Eudora Welty. I have read many of her stories not just once, but multiple times. Among her four short story collections, "A Curtain of Green" holds a special place in my heart and remains my absolute favorite.

Her writing is like a magical journey that takes the reader into the heart of Mississippi, filled with vivid characters and captivating stories that stay with you long after you've turned the last page. I feel truly fortunate to have discovered her works and to have had my eyes and ears opened to her literary genius.