The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter (Oprah's Book Club) | Carson McCullers

The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter (Oprah's Book Club) | Carson McCullers | Loved this book so much I read everything from this author

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The Heart Is a Lon...

	The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter (Oprah's Book Club) Carson McCullers Mariner, 2004 - 368 pages average customer review:based on 156 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

If you've never been lonely, don't bother reading this book

I first read "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter" in the ninth grade, and revisited it recently after it appeared on "Oprah's Book Club" list. I even prevailed upon my own book club to read it, to mixed reviews.

I find this book is one you think about long after you've finished reading it. No, it is not by any means a plot-driven book, although I take exception to those who say there is no plot. There is one -- each character has a conflict, and in his/her own way, resolves the conflict. The tragedy of the misfit in a callous society is mirrored in each of the characters' lives. Each is searching for a connection, and the times they live in and the town they live in prevent most of them from making that connection. I don't think this is as unusual as some readers seem to think. There are many people in our society today who don't fit in, and their loneliness is profound and isolating.

Read the book for it's exquisite prose -- prose that is still very understandable, by the way -- for it's extraordinary character development, and for those who study the craft of writing, McCuller's ability to weave 5 characters' points of view effectively in one novel is breathtaking.

But, as I said, if you've never been lonely, and you aren't introspective in the least, don't bother reading it. You won't get anything out of it and you'll head over to the next potboiler bestseller in a hurry.

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Loved this book so much I read everything from this author

I loved this story and it haunted me for a long time. The writing and imagery was chilling and inspiring. I felt like I was a part of the story and liked the writing so much that I went to the library and read everything from Carson McCullers. This was by far her best work.

The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter

I can't say I found this book to be an enjoyable read. Its a depression era tale that begins with a feeling of gloom and never takes an upturn. No doubt the description of the difficult time rings true. My parents experienced the depression era first hand and had tales of their own. Considering the date this book was written, I'm sure Carson McCullers based some of these events on her personal experiences.
Mick's viewpoint is a coming of age story. Her relationships, experiences and her obsession with music are described with the depression era influence as a backdrop. In the end we are left with her realization that without a job she will never be able to afford to continue with her music studies. With the job after school, she has needed funds but no energy to work on music studies.
Sadly, the person everyone seeks out to confide in is Mr. Singer, a deaf-mute. Towns people confide in and admire him and communicate on a one-on-one basis only. As a group, each one is ill at ease. They each know he cannot repeat private conversations to anyone else. Ultimately, he feels hopeless and isolated. Deep depression when his best friend dies drives him to suicide
Dr. Copeland is respected, although misunderstood, by members of the black community (including his own family). His political leanings toward the teachings of Karl Marx, combined with his lack of religious beliefs, causes feelings of isolation.
The book is well written. Unfortunately the entire story is sad. It begins with a feeling of sadness and ends with a feeling of hopelessness. While I don't always expect happy endings, I prefer a story that gives hope that maybe there will be better times ahead.

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