O’Connor’s first book of short stories is hard to put down; it’s full of cultural insight into the post-bellum south and round, deeply flawed characters. “The River” is a germ about a child growing up in dysfunctional family. “A Good Man is Hard to Find,” “Good Country People,” and “The Temple of the Holy Ghost” are must reads. “A Late Encounter with the Enemy” is a scornful condemnation a number of old men who lied about serving in the Civil War, after all of the real veterans were dead. O’Connor’s settings are grotesque and memorable, very few of her stories end happily although her stories possess a degree of verisimilitude many authors lack. “The Displaced Person,” the last story in her collection, is a chilling tale of bigotry and pettiness; a thought provoking and memorable yarn. It is difficult to forget the lead up and ending of The Displaced Person; arguably it’s the best crafted piece in the collection.

Availability: USMAI
Review Submitted by: Kevin Oldfield
Rating: Highly Recommended