Flannery O'Connor: A Life

by Jean W. Cash

A new biography of the literary legend reconstitutes her life, from her pampered childhood through experiences at the Yaddo writer's colony in Saratoga and her subsequent struggle with lupus. (BIography)

Genres: Biography

376 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2002

Reviews

[Harmonie Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like O'Connor's short stories and wanted to learn more about her life. Cash details many aspects of O'Connor's life: her childhood, Catholicism, relationship with her mother, her time as a student at Georgia State College for Women, her time at Yaddo, a writer's enclave, and select friendships. Cash gives a glimpse into the lives of mid-20th century intellectuals. I did not finish the book: I stopped afted the salon at Andalusia fizzled because my interest waned then faded.

[LD · Rating 1 out of 5]

I got 115 pages in before I had to give up. This biography reads like the driest encyclopedia and brings little to the legacy of Flannery O'Conner. Wikipedia is more more interesting read and about as in depth.

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marry me Mary! I love your flying buttresses (aka the crutches she uses for walking around).

I have not bonded with any other fiction writer, except perhaps CS Lewis, the way I’ve bonded with Flannery. I have a massive crush. One day we will meet.

I’m removing one star, because the writing of this particular bio is somewhat dry, but Flannery still carries the book and the day.