Flannery O’connor

In thematic, social, genre, critical, and biographical contexts, May (emeritus, California State U., Long Beach) introduces the enigmatic short fiction of Flannery O'Connor with its Catholic symbolism and violence. Critical essays discuss romance tradition and U.S. Southern religious influences on her; her themes of the meaning of evil and suffering, and women's barriers in a patriarchal society; comic responses; and critical reception. An essay from The Paris Review offers a personal perspective on encountering her "wisdom literature" stories. The volume includes a chronology of Flannery's life (1925-1964), publications and awards; list of her works; and bibliography. Annotation 穢2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)