"The best people possess a feeling for beauty, the courage to take risks, the discipline to tell the truth, the capacity for sacrifice. Ironically, their virtues make them vulnerable: they are often wounded, sometimes destroyed."
Thank you. She was one of the many wonderful female Southern writers of that era. They include Flannery O'Connor, Katherine Anne Porter (do yourselves a favor and read "Ship of Fools"), Patricia Highsmith and my personal favorite, Eudora Welty. Welty wrote the funniest short story ever: "Why I live at the P.O." Just google and get it for free. Trivia fact, the writer Richard Ford grew up across the street from Welty in Jackson, Mississippi.
Thanks, Erik, for this informative article about Carson McCullers. I knew little about her - her health struggles, and her undimmed desire to create. I like the way you say that there was poetry in her voice that spoke right to the heart. That's a fine tribute, and Bukowski's poem ends the piece very nicely. I must check her out.
Charles Bukowski's unusually empathetic poem about McCuller's lonely death is, despite it's bleakness, a tribute to a gifted writer who's ability to portray a life of desperation in her novels was a mirror to her own life.
I love her work and often think about this novel and the ending to her remarkable novella, "The Ballad of the Sad Cafe," which dazzles me with truth.
I read somewhere (Robert Coles' book on O'Connor, I believe) that Flannery O'Connor did not think McCullers was much of a writer. I wonder if she believed that, or was just being competitive. To me, they both are astonishing chroniclers of the inner life of their characters and their region.
As @cantercap mentions, Carson's poem reflects the female Southern writers' style. Flannery O'Connor is one of my favorites.
Erik, I do appreciate you sharing (and introducing me to) Carson McCullers. I had never heard of her until today. I'm excited to research her life and her work.
My absolute favorite book. It hits me so personally but in a way that would perhaps not register with another reader. Mr Singer, was my grandpa. The entire story resonates with me so strongly. I’ve read this novel many times.
It makes sense to me that James Wright responded to her work when I imagine the spirit of their writing side by side in my mind-- containing the unnamed sad multitudes. They were kindred spirits. I think they would have made great drinking buddies.
Thanks for sharing this, Eric. Beautiful and deeply moving poem by Bukowski. I've never read "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter," but I will do so very soon.
I love that I'm learning about new poets. Will definitely be checking her our. This line: “How can the dead be truly dead when they still live in the souls of those who are left behind?” Floored me. I look around and see so many gray pallid eyes hanging from heavy heads full of thoughts of doom. I thought I was alone til I found some bright souls and and sparkling eyes. Appreciate you!
"The best people possess a feeling for beauty, the courage to take risks, the discipline to tell the truth, the capacity for sacrifice. Ironically, their virtues make them vulnerable: they are often wounded, sometimes destroyed."
Ernest Hemingway
Ernest knew what was going on with the human spirit
Thank you. She was one of the many wonderful female Southern writers of that era. They include Flannery O'Connor, Katherine Anne Porter (do yourselves a favor and read "Ship of Fools"), Patricia Highsmith and my personal favorite, Eudora Welty. Welty wrote the funniest short story ever: "Why I live at the P.O." Just google and get it for free. Trivia fact, the writer Richard Ford grew up across the street from Welty in Jackson, Mississippi.
Thanks, Erik, for this informative article about Carson McCullers. I knew little about her - her health struggles, and her undimmed desire to create. I like the way you say that there was poetry in her voice that spoke right to the heart. That's a fine tribute, and Bukowski's poem ends the piece very nicely. I must check her out.
Oof. What a poem!
"The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter" is now on my list. Thank you for bringing this to my attention Erik, I appreciate it!
Charles Bukowski's unusually empathetic poem about McCuller's lonely death is, despite it's bleakness, a tribute to a gifted writer who's ability to portray a life of desperation in her novels was a mirror to her own life.
Bukowski’s eulogy so profound, expansive, perfect.
Hank understood it all, a master observer
Thank you very much for sharing this.
I love her work and often think about this novel and the ending to her remarkable novella, "The Ballad of the Sad Cafe," which dazzles me with truth.
I read somewhere (Robert Coles' book on O'Connor, I believe) that Flannery O'Connor did not think McCullers was much of a writer. I wonder if she believed that, or was just being competitive. To me, they both are astonishing chroniclers of the inner life of their characters and their region.
As @cantercap mentions, Carson's poem reflects the female Southern writers' style. Flannery O'Connor is one of my favorites.
Erik, I do appreciate you sharing (and introducing me to) Carson McCullers. I had never heard of her until today. I'm excited to research her life and her work.
My absolute favorite book. It hits me so personally but in a way that would perhaps not register with another reader. Mr Singer, was my grandpa. The entire story resonates with me so strongly. I’ve read this novel many times.
The Heart is a Lonely Hunter is one of my favorite novels, and I’m so glad to read this. What a great poem by Bukowski too.
It makes sense to me that James Wright responded to her work when I imagine the spirit of their writing side by side in my mind-- containing the unnamed sad multitudes. They were kindred spirits. I think they would have made great drinking buddies.
Thanks for sharing this, Eric. Beautiful and deeply moving poem by Bukowski. I've never read "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter," but I will do so very soon.
I mean, Erik! Another senior moment......
Thank you so kindly for the comment, Janet! I have no doubt whatsoever, and look forward with great anticipation.
Thanks for this recommendation. I finished a few technical texts recently and this sounds like an antidote.
Your Substack looks intriguing. I'll have to check it out.
Some how I missed this. Please do and let me know if you find it interesting. Mixed back of tricks!
I love that I'm learning about new poets. Will definitely be checking her our. This line: “How can the dead be truly dead when they still live in the souls of those who are left behind?” Floored me. I look around and see so many gray pallid eyes hanging from heavy heads full of thoughts of doom. I thought I was alone til I found some bright souls and and sparkling eyes. Appreciate you!
A wonderful post. Thanks!