Interesting thoughts re Wilson/O’Connor. I had a similar reaction although from the opposite position when I used her lecture series on the Brothers K to pull me through the novel - it was definitely helpful to someone, such as I, who knows little to nothing about Dostoevsky and the Russian literary tradition, but I felt there was a lot of *her* in her comments and reflections and I didn’t agree with many of her takes. I liked the concept and was grateful for the tool, but it didn’t leave me eager for more of Wilson’s literary takes.
I’ve only come to O’Connor in the past few years and think she is probably the best writer I’ve read, so I feel nervous about seeking literary criticism on her works since there seems so much scope for fudging something that is probably best left in its purest form. I do often find myself wanting “help” in understanding her stories and themes and form, but I’m not convinced that it would actually add anything to the experience of reading her work - quite the contrary. If you have any suggestions though, I’m all ears! I have been planning to do the Close Reads series on her.
I've heard so much about her Brothers K stuff but never actually watched or read it! I guess I would just appreciate if she shared her opinions in a more subtle way? I don't mind writers sharing them even if I disagree, but yeah, it was a lot.
The Close Reads series on Flannery was excellent and I learned so much from it, probably the most I learned about Flannery post-university courses. And just reading her letters, that's honestly what helps the most!
The Philadelphia Story! One of my all time favourites. I want a boat so I can say, “my, isn’t she yarr”….
C.K. Dexter-HAAAVVVEEEN
Interesting thoughts re Wilson/O’Connor. I had a similar reaction although from the opposite position when I used her lecture series on the Brothers K to pull me through the novel - it was definitely helpful to someone, such as I, who knows little to nothing about Dostoevsky and the Russian literary tradition, but I felt there was a lot of *her* in her comments and reflections and I didn’t agree with many of her takes. I liked the concept and was grateful for the tool, but it didn’t leave me eager for more of Wilson’s literary takes.
I’ve only come to O’Connor in the past few years and think she is probably the best writer I’ve read, so I feel nervous about seeking literary criticism on her works since there seems so much scope for fudging something that is probably best left in its purest form. I do often find myself wanting “help” in understanding her stories and themes and form, but I’m not convinced that it would actually add anything to the experience of reading her work - quite the contrary. If you have any suggestions though, I’m all ears! I have been planning to do the Close Reads series on her.
I've heard so much about her Brothers K stuff but never actually watched or read it! I guess I would just appreciate if she shared her opinions in a more subtle way? I don't mind writers sharing them even if I disagree, but yeah, it was a lot.
The Close Reads series on Flannery was excellent and I learned so much from it, probably the most I learned about Flannery post-university courses. And just reading her letters, that's honestly what helps the most!
The Summer Book! Yes, yes and again, yes.
It is just. so. so. good.