The first three-quarters amazed and delighted me. That is not a criticism of the final quarter. Rather, it's an admission that the shift in tone led to a place I felt less comfortable. Welty is just an astonishing writer. Her Mississippians are drawn so specifically and so authentically, and the way she differentiates them from the Texan characters is perfect. The book won the Pulitzer Prize, which is no surprise. I've had it on my shelf for years. I'm very happy I finally read it.