On the Southern Literary Trail discussion

Here is the place to discuss your initial impressions of "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter." No Spoilers, please.

I'll never forget reading this book for the first time, because something happened with it than has never happened with another. I read it through first in a sort of plodding way--I was away from home and had nothing else to read. Then I got to the last page. I experienced Emily Dickinson's feeling that the top of my head had been blown off. I didn't even close the book--just went directly went back to page 1 to reread, this time savoring each line of it (I read lines up to 3 times when they really hit me). Could scarcely believe the power of what I had in my hands!

Patricia wrote: "I'll never forget reading this book for the first time, because something happened with it than has never happened with another. I read it through first in a sort of plodding way--I was away from ..."

Patricia, I certainly recognize your experience. McCullers is one of my favorite authors. This is a book I've read a number of times and one which I gift to others.

If you ever have the opportunity to visit Columbus, Ga., you can follow in the footsteps of Mick, Biff, the Doctor, the Labor organizer, and, of course, the unforgettable John Singer. A visit to McCuller's childhood home is a wonderful treat.

Mike

Just as a BTW/FYI sort of thing (and something I don't broadcast, for obvious reasons), I was born and grew up in Selma, AL. Because the film was made there, my own hometown reminds me of both the book and the film. I thought the film was excellent--it haunted me. Knew all those houses, places, and streets like the proverbial back of my hand. Thanks for the tip about Columbus!

Patricia wrote: "Just as a BTW/FYI sort of thing (and something I don't broadcast, for obvious reasons), I was born and grew up in Selma, AL. Because the film was made there, my own hometown reminds me of both the..."

Yes, I had a high school friend whose home was the boarding house. I found the film extremely well done. I have occasion to visit Selma from time to time. Major Grumble's is a lunch stop. Tallyho is our choice for the evening meal. Selma was the home of author and renowned story teller Kathryn Tucker Windham. I miss her to this day.

Mike S.

Everybody not only knew Kathryn but also admired what she stood for--quite, quite a rarity in Selma!

I was introduced to this author by reading some of her short stories, which I really loved.

I love the lyrical way she writes in this novel. Some very eccentric characters. John Singer is a memorable character.

Patricia, that is awesome that you have a first-hand account of setting for film and book.

I started watching the film, but gave up. Maybe I'll try again. I thought it wouldn't live up to the book.

I think that the book and the film are really separate pieces of art, although of course the film couldn't have existed without the book. For me, there are always the performances to admire. I loved the portrayal of Dr. Copeland. I'd really suggest seeing the film.

Read most of this book, for the first time, on a recent 14-hour train ride from New York to Carolina. I thought I had a sense of the novel from having seen the movie years ago but the excellent film still does not begin to approach the power of McCullers's writing here. Much of the 'lonely hunter' material feels like it comes from what McCullers directly observed. The opening scene covering the physical interaction of Singer and the Greek, for instance, suggests the kind of precise, behavioral detail that was actually witnessed. On the other hand, it's hard to fathom her sitting in on, say, something like the exchanges that take place when Jake and Singer come to visit the convalescent Dr. Copeland, Willie and Portia at their home. The characters here may taken from memory but this scene has the affect of an extraordinary act of imagination. It's filled with compassion and tension, and you don't quite know where it's headed until Jake explains his idea about using the plight of poor Willie as a teaching lesson for the unknowing masses. The dialog between Jake and Copeland captures the frustration and anger coloring earlier, closeted monologues but it also resonates with their mutual, perhaps futile yearning to connect and find understanding. Hard not to think McCullers came into this world hard-wired with the special ability to comprehend and render the emotional component in human behavior.

FrankH wrote: "Read most of this book, for the first time, on a recent 14-hour train ride from New York to Carolina. I thought I had a sense of the novel from having seen the movie years ago but the excellent ..."

Frank, what an excellent analysis. I do believe that McCullers was a "Wunderkind" as much as the character in the short story of the same title.

Mike S.

Frank , great insight. I'll have to reread the opening again.

Mike, "Wunderkind" is such a cool short story. Really loved it. Child prodigy in the works. I really love McCullers' short stories. I'll have to go back and read them. "A Tree, A Rock, A Cloud" is my favorite.

I'm really taken aback at myself that I didn't know about the above collection! Thanks so much, Frankly, for posting that title. It will go post haste on my "to read asap" list.

all the library copies are out

I didn't check my library branch, bc I wanted to own the book. All I found on Amazon were 6 used copies (no news), of which I just bought 1!

I am tad bit behind in my reading. I just checked this out from the library today. It will be my second time reading it but my memory of this book is virtually non existent from 10 years ago so it will essentially be my first. Reading the reviews I am looking forward to it.

Started reading this yesterday, so I'm behind also. I'm about 20 pages in and I've noticed that there doesn't seem to be much southern twang in the dialogue. When I read southern lit that's one of the things I enjoy most about it, is hearing the sound of the south in the characters voices.

Portia speaks with poor diction, holding to her mother. Her father,the doctor, uses correct structure. She is the only one of four children to visit.

John Singer, what a wonderful name for him.

I had much higher hopes for this book. Off to a strong start with its solid characters, it drifted once it delved into politics. John Singer was unable to sing his song so that others could hear it. Only to point out that no matter how much people admire you, if one doesn't know how they fit in with the world solace may be found in deeds. Having read the book, you know what i mean.