To be fair, this is a 3 1/2 star book for me.

On one hand, when the collection falls flat, it really falls hard. There are some stories within it that are just not good. They lack the charm, the depth, and the engaging quality that one would expect from a well-written collection.

However, on the other hand, it also contains some of my very favorite Welty stories. Stories like "Petrified Man" and "Why I Live at the P.O." are absolute gems. They are masterpieces of Southern Gothic literature, filled with vivid characters, rich descriptions, and a unique sense of atmosphere.

Fans of Southern Gothic literature will really appreciate this collection. It offers a diverse range of stories that showcase the talent and creativity of Eudora Welty. While not every story is a winner, the ones that are truly shine and make this collection a worthwhile read.

I finally finished reading this collection of stories by the iconic Southern author Welty.

It is truly a remarkable work that lives up to all the expectations.

The authenticity of the dialogue is simply outstanding. It feels as if you are eavesdropping on real conversations, with all the nuances and idiosyncrasies of the Southern dialect.

Welty's deft characterization is also a highlight. Each character is brought to life with such vividness and detail that you can't help but become invested in their stories.

From the complex emotions of the protagonists to the subtleties of the supporting characters, every aspect is masterfully crafted.

This collection is a testament to Welty's talent as a writer and her deep understanding of the human condition.

It is a must-read for anyone who appreciates great literature and wants to experience the rich tapestry of Southern life.

PETRIFIED MAN

Petrified Man is a short story from the collection Selected Stories of Eudora Welty.

For the sake of this review, I will solely concentrate on the short story and not the entire book. The author does an outstanding job of conveying the characters' voices. We see several women sitting in a beauty parlor, patiently enduring the rigors of beauty treatments. The main topic of their conversation revolves around men. As a result, the theme of the battle of the sexes becomes quite evident.

The title harks back to the Medusa myth and a man in a freak show who has been turned to stone. Another notable story in this collection is titled Why I Live at the PO. Interestingly, A Worn Path is not included in this selection.

This collection offers a diverse range of stories that explore various themes and characters, providing readers with an engaging and thought-provoking reading experience.

This seemed to be hit or miss for me.

The Key was my favorite piece among them. Her observations on the human condition were truly interesting to me. However, the stories themselves seldom held my attention.

I found that I felt no connection to most of them. It was as if they were just words on a page, not something that could touch my heart or make me think deeply.

As well, in my personal opinion, some of them were a bit over-written. They seemed to have too many words, too many descriptions, which made them lose the condensed power that a great short story should have.

The lady was talented, to be sure. Her writing skills were evident, but her style was just not always my cup of tea. I guess everyone has their own preferences when it comes to literature, and unfortunately, hers didn't always match mine.

Maybe with more experience and growth, her stories will become more to my liking. But for now, I'll continue to look for those short stories that can truly move me and leave a lasting impression.

A handful of these stories were truly wonderful. They had the power to transport the reader to another world, filled with vivid characters and engaging plots.

Another handful more were beautifully written paintings of ambience. Welty's descriptive language was so rich and detailed that it was as if the scenes were unfolding right before your eyes.

However, not all of the stories were as successful. Some were muddy, lacking a clear narrative or a strong central theme. Others were simply impossible to get through, leaving the reader feeling frustrated and unfulfilled.

I would not recommend reading this book as a collection of short stories. While there are some gems within its pages, the overall quality is too uneven. Instead, it would make a fine reference book for those interested in Welty's work. It showcases her range and talent, but also highlights her weaknesses.

That being said, I wouldn't run from future Welty. This collection has shown me that her work was pretty uneven, but it has also piqued my interest in seeing what else she has to offer. I'm curious to see if she can maintain a higher level of quality in her other works.

I have always had a profound love for short stories. They are like little treasures that can be easily discovered and enjoyed.

Every night before going to sleep, I would eagerly pick up a short story and lose myself in its pages. It was a ritual that brought me great comfort and relaxation.

The short stories I loved were of the classic southern literature genre. They captured the essence of the South with its unique charm, rich history, and complex characters.

The vivid descriptions of the landscapes, the slow-paced lifestyle, and the deep-rooted traditions made me feel as if I was actually there, experiencing it all firsthand.

Each story had its own moral or lesson to teach, and I would often find myself reflecting on them long after I had finished reading. They had a way of touching my heart and making me think about life in a different way.

In conclusion, my love for short stories, especially those of the classic southern lit, has been a constant source of joy and inspiration in my life.

The Merriam-Webster online dictionary offers an interesting perspective on the short story. It states that the short story often places a greater emphasis on the "creation of mood rather than plot." This observation holds particularly true when it comes to the stories of Eudora Welty.

Welty's works are renowned for their ability to transport readers into vivid and atmospheric worlds. Through her masterful use of language, she crafts stories that are rich in sensory details and emotional depth.

Rather than relying solely on a linear plot to drive the narrative, Welty focuses on creating a specific mood or atmosphere that pervades the entire story. This mood can range from one of mystery and suspense to one of quiet contemplation or even melancholy.

By emphasizing the creation of mood, Welty is able to engage readers on a deeper level and evoke powerful emotions within them. Her stories linger in the mind long after they have been read, leaving a lasting impression.

In conclusion, the short stories of Eudora Welty serve as a prime example of how the creation of mood can be just as important, if not more so, than plot in crafting a compelling and memorable work of fiction.

My favorite is "Livvie."

"Livvie" is an incredibly special and captivating thing. It has a unique charm that draws me in every time. Maybe it's the way it looks, with its beautiful design and eye-catching features. Or perhaps it's the way it makes me feel, bringing a sense of joy and excitement whenever I encounter it.

I can't quite put my finger on exactly what it is about "Livvie" that makes it my favorite. It could be a combination of all these things and more. But one thing is for sure, whenever I think of "Livvie," a smile instantly spreads across my face.

I love spending time with "Livvie," exploring its different aspects and discovering new things about it. It has become an important part of my life, and I can't imagine not having it around.

Whether it's a physical object or an intangible concept, "Livvie" holds a special place in my heart, and I will always cherish it as my favorite.

'Who told you you could have those, Miss Priss?' Mama asks, fanning vigorously.

'I bought 'em and I'll keep track of 'em,' I respond. 'I'll tack 'em up one on each side of the post-office window, and you can see 'em when you come to ask me for your mail, if you're so eager to see 'em.'

'Not I! I'll never enter that post office again if I live to be a hundred,' Mama declares. 'Ungrateful child! After all the money we spent on you at the Normal.'

'Me either,' Stella-Rondo chimes in. 'You can just let my mail lie there and rot, for all I care. I'll never come and take a single piece from you.'

'I should worry,' I say. 'And who do you think's going to sit down and write you all those long letters and postcards? Mr. Whitaker? Just because he was the only man who ever came to China Grove and you got him - unfairly - is he going to write to you after you come home without any explanation for that child? I may not be as smart as you, but I don't see it.'

So Mama says, 'Sister, I've told you a thousand times that Stella-Rondo just got homesick, and this child is too big to be hers,' and she suggests, 'Now, why don't you all just sit down and play Casino?'

Then Shirley-T. sticks her tongue out at me in a really horrible way. She has no manners at all. I tell her she'll cross her eyes like that one day and they'll stay that way.

'It's too late to stop me now,' I say. 'You should have tried that yesterday. I'm going to the P.O. and the only way you can see me is to visit me there.'

So Papa-Daddy says, 'You'll never catch me going into that post office, even if I feel like writing a letter somewhere.' He adds, 'I won't have you reaching out of that little window with a pair of shears and cutting off my beard. I'm too smart for you!'

'We all are,' Stella-Rondo claims.

But I retort, 'If you're so smart, where's Mr. Whitaker?'

This collection encompassed stories from A Curtain of Green and The Wide Net.

In my view, Curtain of Green was Welty at her prime and most approachable. The stories within that collection were minor masterpieces. However, as the collection progresses, she becomes less accessible. She experiments with Surrealism and opts for artifice over straightforward storytelling. Consequently, I regarded many of the latter stories as ponderous and overly self-important. Exceptions from The Wide Net were the eponymous story, Livvie, and The Landing.

Carson McCullers strikes me as a writer who was more adept at blending the profound and the ordinary. In Welty's writing, at least in this particular collection, there appears to be a significant divide between these two impulses. She just seemed rather self-conscious at times in the second half of the collection.

Perhaps Welty was trying to push the boundaries of her writing, but in doing so, she lost some of the charm and simplicity that made her earlier work so engaging. It's interesting to see how different writers approach the balance between the profound and the everyday, and Welty's exploration in this collection provides valuable insights into her creative process.

I recently re-read some of these stories for a book group. To my great astonishment, I was deeply impressed by Welty's economy and grace. She is truly an outstanding writer. Her works are filled with such concise yet powerful expressions, and the grace with which she weaves the stories is simply remarkable. However, it seems that in today's fast-paced world, her works are not read enough. We are so caught up in the hustle and bustle of modern life that we often overlook the beauty and wisdom hidden within these classic literary works. It is a pity that such a talented writer like Welty is not given the attention and recognition she deserves. We should make more efforts to discover and appreciate her works, and let her literary charm shine through in our hearts and minds.

On my top 100 books list,

The Wide Net holds a special place. It is truly one of my favorite stories ever.

I find myself constantly drawn to its pages, yet I'm not entirely sure why.

Perhaps it's the unique characters that the author has created, each with their own distinct personalities and flaws.

Or maybe it's the captivating plot that keeps me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end.

It could also be the beautiful writing style, which flows so smoothly and effortlessly.

Whatever the reason may be, The Wide Net has left a lasting impression on me.

It's a book that I can read over and over again and still discover new things each time.

I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good story.

It's definitely a must-read for book lovers everywhere.