Virago Modern Classics discussion

Who wants to read The Optimist's Daughter by Eudora Welty? This is our buddy-read in October 2025.

If you have read it already, or you are reading it at another (later) time - write here what you think about the book too.

[Please keep in mind to hide spoilers in spoiler brackets.]

Hi Mela - Thank you. Yes, I will be reading it - I have a copy, and I'll start soon. :)

Hi, is anyone reading along? I've just read it. Mixed feelings. Feels an extended short story, though two very clearly different halves.

Hi Nicky - yes - I was going to read it - but no one stated any interest - so I just carried on with other books.
I do have the rest of this week free - so I might start - it won the Pulitzer - an Welty is a big name, especially in Southern Lit.

I read it a few years ago. I found it well crafted, Welty is a good story teller, but it was not long enough to engage me. I have prefer her longer books Delta Wedding and Losing Battles

Laura wrote: "Hi Nicky - yes - I was going to read it - but no one stated any interest - so I just carried on with other books.
I do have the rest of this week free - so I might start - it won the Pulitzer - an ..."

That would be good - it's a quick read!

Sonia wrote: "I read it a few years ago. I found it well crafted, Welty is a good story teller, but it was not long enough to engage me. I have prefer her longer books Delta Wedding and [book:Los..."

I've not read those.

Read this a while ago as it appears on a lot of classic/book lists but it didn't live up to the hype IMO.