Title: The Heart is a Lonely Hunter
Author: Carson McCullers
What I Think So Far: To summarise, it’s like William Faulkner met Gabriel Garcia Marquez, went for a stroll, then abruptly ran into Nick Cave and Mark Twain. A tale of the 1930s Deep South, steeped in both nostalgia and tradition, yet with a distinct bitterness as the descriptions of beautiful sunsets clash against the slums pock-marking the horizon. The protagonist is a young deaf-mute man named John Singer, who is deeply revered by the people he inspires. Almost a Christ-like figure, he associates with the oppressed and weak. A Black doctor, an alcoholic Communist, a confused child, a weary cafe owner: they all attach themselves to Singer, asking him for advice. The writing is fantastic, with very evocative imagery sprinkled liberally throughout the book.
Would I Recommend It?: Yes! It’s an absolutely fantastic book that captures both sides of life in the Deep South in the 30s: innocence and friendliness mixed with poverty and bigotry. A gripping, enthralling and ultimately crushing book.
Rating: 9/10
Words by Gabriel Rutherford