When I picked this book off the store shelf, I thought, "I didn't know Flannery O'Connor wrote poetry as well as stories." But here's the thing: (a) O'Connor did not write these poems, but an O'Connor scholar did. The poems (sonnets!) all assume the mind and viewpoint of Flannery. But here's the other thing: I've never read any of O'Connor's fiction, nor knew much about her life. So this book constitutes my entire comprehension of O'Connor and and her oeuvre. ( )

A stunning collection of poetry inspired by Flannery O'Connor's own biography and her own reflections. O'Donnell channels the hidden life of one of America's most beloved authors, who died all too young. This collection is full of startling insight into the life of Flannery O'Connor. It's almost like O'Donnell was of one mind with O'Connor.

Rare and beautiful, witty and sublime, this is an amazing poetry collection. ( )