The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter

Dan led the discussion of this book by Carson McCullers. She had an interesting life, partly autobiographical in that she grew up in a small Georgia town and excelled in music. She went to New York to enroll at Julliard at age 17, but lost the money she had brought for her schooling and never did pursue a musical career. Instead she took writing classes and began this book at age 22. She married, then divorced, then remarried the same man. He was an alcoholic who eventually took his own life. She suffered several strokes that left her partially paralyzed and also had breast cancer. She died at age 50. Both she and her husband experienced some homosexual interests.

All of her books, including this one, are characterized by the theme of human loneliness. Each character tried to overcome loneliness by their relationship with Singer, the deaf mute. Each projected their own needs and desires onto Singer, while Singer found solace and meaning only in his relationship with Antonopolis, a self-absorbed, glutenous mute who was convined to a mental hospital. Each character had a passion which was their "one, true thing." Sharing their passion with Singer gave them hope and meaning. Biff was the character that was the most balanced. He was able to express his artistic nature and was considerate and compassionate towards others. The discussion diverged to transgender issues, prompted by the discussion of Biff and his feminine nature. There was a division of opinion as to whether this book ended on a hopeful note or a note of despair. What do you think? Further discussion is welcome.

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao

Our next is by Junot Diaz and just won the Pulitzer Prize. It is about the life of a "ghetto nerd" from the Dominican Republic. It is available on Audible.com. Warning: Strong language throughout. We are scheduled to meet June 12 at the Sudweeks. There were some people with conflicts that night but we were not able to change the date.