Customer Reviews

Everything That Rises Must Converge

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Yes, I bought this book because it was referenced in the TV show 'Lost'.

My heart sank when it arrived. It's a collection of the author's 'classic American short stories', written in the 1950s and 1960s. The 'classic American short story' is a genre I absolutely can't abide. I loathe it. And there was no clue in Lost as to which of the stories Jacob was actually reading... I decided to just read the damn thing until I got to the right one.

I'm so glad I did. Right from the start I found it was no chore to read every story in this book. These stories were compelling, moving and most of all they subtly suggested questions to the reader which can never be answered, just contemplated. Once I found what I believe is the Lost reference, I happily continued reading to the end of the book. Although I'll never be a fan of the genre, I'll defibately be reading more of Flannery O'Connor's work.

It seems unfair to leave the name of the short story I believe is the Lost reference here in this review. I don't want to risk spoiling the discovery for anyone. But incase anyone wants the name, to save them reading the book, I'll leave it as a comment against this review.

Well I tell you one thing she can write. This woman was of exceptional cleverness and writes of characters of her era and ones that live around us now. She rights of the human condition and the darkness of the heart. These story have humor thrown in she tries to give us a view of how we behave and how insanely stupid and careless we can be. How love blinds and evil destroys, how good can only prosper.
She writes of parenthood, guilt, obsession, control freaks, the sick, the despondent, vengeance, redemption, love, compassion and love.
She has been said to be a catholic writer and mentions God and Jesus and themes of redemption. She does not throw it down your throat but adds light on how people behave.
There are a few stories here that that have characters who behave in a fascist manner and used words, N words, that readers might find offensive. The only reason, her being a catholic, in writing with these words and characters can only be to shock and show the reader how on can look like from the outside.
She was capable of so much more, died at a young age of 39 due to Lupus. A gifted writer on the horror and joys of our behavior as people.
Think of some of Stephen Kings stories but realistically told.

I listened to this on audiobook via audible and was really a wonderful listen, it had quite a few voices with southern accents that added to making it enjoyable and easy listening.