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The Heart is a Lonely Hunter
This book deals with life in shades of gray, and my feelings about this book are also in shades of gray. Carson McCullers tackles issues that were prominent in the 1930's, including socialism, poverty, and racism. The writing is excellent, but I found this book dreary. Pretty much, it is about disappointment in life. If a positive message was tucked in, I couldn't glean it. It was hard to read - I would put it down and avoid picking it back up. The author did a good job of drawing her characters in an interesting way, and at a book club we had a lively and riveting discussion on the meaning of the deaf-mute character. I have thought about this book a lot since finishing it - a characteristic that I usually consider the mark of a great book. Nevertheless, I wouldn't recommend it to just any casual reader.
The Heart is a Lonely Hunter
This book was on many high school reading lists and I decided to re-read it 40 years after my first time. It's still a great read, evocative of an interesting period, like stepping backwards in time. The message on the other hand is timeless, reminding those who think we live in a difficult period that all times are challenging. Readers sensitive to racial stereotyping would do well to remember that, when this book was written inclusion of African-Americans in a novel, much less one who is a doctor, was very unusual. Well worth the time.
The Heart is a Lonely Hunter
The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter" is not about complex plotlines. That is not Carson McCullers style of writing. Her works are entrenched in the vivid dimensions of the characters. Understanding the psyche of these souls and maybe even empathizing with them to some degree, is what makes such a novel enjoyable. Miss McCullers style of writing, almost demands that you do.For anyone who decides to venture into this novel, I have to put in a warning. For me, this has been the most heartwrenching novel I have ever read. I think I fell in love with this book right from its title. Due to some odd reason this title reminds of a line which I have read ages ago. The original line is in malayalam, which roughly translates to "Life - An oasis destroyed by memories". Hopefully when I get around to writing my first novel, I too will be able to come up with such a eloquent and insightful title.The central character is John Singer, a deaf mute. The people around him tend to put their worries and questions at rest with him. They see him as a larger than life character who will be able to help through in their times of anguish. But he too is lonely and has his own set of worries.The beauty of Singer's character lies in how he is able to help those people even though he is unable to listen or talk to them. Because the craving to have someone interesting to talk to or listen to is driven by our brain. But all our heart really needs is...someone.
The Heart is a Lonely Hunter
The story is tightly written and very insightful. The characters are well developed. If I were rating the book, I would give it five stars. However, I chose the audio edition, which does not do justice to the book. The reader makes all of the characters sound drunk. Her Southern and Black accents are terrible. Her voice is so shrill and jarring that I have to continually readjust the volume. If you can't manage the book version, skip it altogether.
The Heart is a Lonely Hunter
This book was amazing in conveying the emotions of despair and loneliness. The message sent by the novel is that there is no true answer to our problems - we may think we almost have it, and then everything can be quickly shattered. What I found most interesting about the novel was the fact that Blount (the drunk), would always say, "we need for the people to KNOW, and once they KNOW, then the lie can be exposed." It is this knowledge that McCullers nourishes the reader with. A deeply moving story with an important message.
The Heart is a Lonely Hunter
First of all I can relate to all of you who hated this book, if I hadn't been asigned to reading it I don't think anything could have made me do it. I am also dissapointed in all the adult readers who say that it is impossible for a highschhol student to understand this book. I am a junior in highschool. I found this book to be an amazingly written classic that sums up american life and beauty. I can't even begin to understand life during the depression but this book gave me incredible insight. while I had to force myself to stay awake to read it I think Carson McCullers is one of the best authors of ever had the chance to read the works of.