A Good Hard Look

ByAnn Napolitano

Release Date: 2011-07-07
Genre: Fiction & Literature

Score: 4

From 265 Ratings

Description

From the New York Times bestselling author of Hello Beautiful and Dear Edward, a novel set in Flannery O'Connor's hometown of Milledgeville, and a tragedy that forever alters the town and the author herself

"A wholly believable world shaped by duty, small pleasures, and fateful choices."—O, The Oprah Magazine

Forced by illness to leave behind a successful life in New York, literary icon Flannery O'Connor has returned to her family farm in the small town of Milledgeville, Georgia. With her health and time both limited, all she wants is to be left alone to write.

But Flannery's plans are soon upended by Melvin Whiteson, a banker from Manhattan who has recently married the town belle. Melvin is at loose ends with his new life; though he has every opportunity, he's not sure where to begin. Flannery knows exactly what she wants, but is running out of time. Through their unusual and clandestine friendship, both will come to reflect on the decisions they have made and the paths they have chosen.

Literary history and fiction gracefully intersect in this emotionally charged novel of small town Southern life from one of our most beloved novelists, which asks us all to consider how we can live our lives to the fullest.

Reviews

How powerful and close to the heart the words, characters and peacocks have moved.
5
By weanyheadcheesecake
The writing is by a magician who can make readers travel to startlingly new places.
Intense
5
By Dog parch
This story was deep, disturbing and intense. Well-written with shocking actions that shook my mind. I highly recommend this book.
A Good Hard Look
5
By penarth wales
Loved this book - a page-turner - Can't wait ti discuss it at our book group...
Seaside girl
5
By Seaside ASAP
I loved this book. I read it the first time for pleasure and liked it so much that I recommended it to the two book clubs to which I belong. Then I read it a second time so that I could lead a discussion of the book. I enjoyed it the second time perhaps even more than the first.
A Good Hard Look
5
By Napkak
This is the perfect summer (spring, winter or fall). It begins slowly in keeping with the tempo of the smallSouthern town where it is set. But be prepared for an amazing jolt as the story unfolds. A marvelous book!

It is on Oprah's summer reading list as well as July Indie Next List pick.