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drew03's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
kphelps's review against another edition
5.0
“If this isn’t love I don’t know what is. Or care.”
I have tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat. There’s so much here, but I think I need more time before I can say more.
I have tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat. There’s so much here, but I think I need more time before I can say more.
libbydibbles's review
I found this super interesting and insightful, well written, it was a quick read that scratched my Carson itch, and much more.
jonapelson's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars - QBC September Book
Abandoning at 76% because my hold list and next month's book club pick are calling (not to mention that it's due tomorrow and there's a waitlist!). My abandoning should not be taken as a sign that I did not enjoy this book - I thoroughly did. I was a bit skeptical at the hybrid autobiography/biography approach but it works really well in this case. I also loved Shapland's exploration of 'proof' of queerness in historical figures and the discussion of language (is it fair to use a word to describe a figure that means something different than it did when they were alive?).
Abandoning at 76% because my hold list and next month's book club pick are calling (not to mention that it's due tomorrow and there's a waitlist!). My abandoning should not be taken as a sign that I did not enjoy this book - I thoroughly did. I was a bit skeptical at the hybrid autobiography/biography approach but it works really well in this case. I also loved Shapland's exploration of 'proof' of queerness in historical figures and the discussion of language (is it fair to use a word to describe a figure that means something different than it did when they were alive?).
booksaremyfavorite's review against another edition
5.0
My mom gave me The Heart is a Lonely Hunter for Christmas one year in my 20s, maybe when I was in college, I have no idea why. I've been mildly obsessed with Carson Mccullers ever since. I taught Ballad of the Sad Cafe in my ESL College Reading class. I had a ratty old edition of The Member of the Wedding on my shelf for years, salvaged from Alachua County's amazing Friends of the Library book sale. It was lovely to read about her by someone who admires her as much as I do, especially with such a refreshing take on a biography. I loved the way Shapland interplayed doubt and certainty, and Carson's life and her own. It was masterful.
Favorite book I've read recently.
Favorite book I've read recently.
tenderdispatches's review against another edition
5.0
This book challenges the very idea of biography–as well as the role of the biographer. With precision and a great deal of heart, Shapland exposes the homophobia of McCullers's past biographers, pointing to a long and troubling history of queer writers being posthumously closeted (even by those who dedicate their careers to writing about them). Wrapped up in this archival/archaeological exploration is Shapland's own coming out narrative, and the two weave around one another with breathtaking grace.
Jenn Shapland is an immensely thoughtful and talented writer, and I can't wait to see what she does next.
Jenn Shapland is an immensely thoughtful and talented writer, and I can't wait to see what she does next.