The Christ-Haunted Landscape: Faith and Doubt in Southern Fiction

by Susan Ketchin

Here are Susan Ketchin's discerning interviews with twelve southerners living and writing in the South, and along with a piece of fiction by each are her penetrating commentaries about the impact of southern religious experience on their work.

A little more than a generation ago Flannery O'Connor made a startling observation about herself and her fellow southerners: “By and large,” she said, “people in the South still conceive of humanity in theological terms. While the South is hardly Christ-centered, it is most certainly Christ-haunted. The southerner who isn't convinced of it is very much afraid that he may have been formed in the image and likeness of God.”

Guided by O'Connor's perceptive commentary about southerners in general, Susan Ketchin has created a deeply revealing collection that mirrors the pervasive role of religion in the literature by the recent generation of notable southern writers. Ketchin confirms that “old-time religion” remains a potent force in the literature of the contemporary South.

Genres: Short Stories, Religion, Writing, Essays

428 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 1993

Reviews

[whimsicalmeerkat]

Flannery O'Connor said "I think it is safe to say that while the South is hardly Christ-centered, it is most certainly Christ-haunted." From these words, the title of The Christ-Haunted Landscape: Faith and Doubt in Southern Fiction was born. The book consists of twelve interviews Susan Ketchin conducted with Southern authors about the roles played by faith and doubt in their lives and their writing. Each interview was preceded by a brief biography and either a short story or an excerpt from a book by the writer.

This book came highly recommended by a friend with whom I have a shared Southern and religious background. It is not a subject about which I have thought often in such a direct manner, but it is one which struck a chord with me, and this was one of the finest works of non-fiction I have read. The role of these twin subjects in the life of the South is unmistakable to one who has lived there, and the way in which they must be wrestled by these writers rings true. If I have a complaint, it is that there was no representation of authors who are now atheistic.

[Luann Ritsema]

A series of excerpts and interviews with 12 Southern writers focusing on the subject of the influence of religious/Christian faith on their writing/as subject.

I dipped into this over a period of weeks and grew to like it as a whole. I'd read some of the writers before, some I had resisted and was curious about others. The excerpts were interesting selections for the most part -- the interviews were pretty interesting though I felt the interviewer had a tendency to fawn over the writers. Frankly, I could have used more indepth interviewing even at the expense of the writing samples.

A number of highlights but the rambling, free associating responses of Harry Crews were tops for me. The book is listed at $35.00 on Amazon - which I'd never pay and wouldn't recommend at that price. But a good read. After reading the interview, I'm inclined to give Lee Smith another try.

[Kathy Stone]

This critical essay series is told through a short essay about an author, an interview with the author, and then an example of the author's writing. It is a great collection on where southern literature meets its religious upbringing.

[James Aura]

If you're interested in Southern fiction this is a very good overview with some of the South's most acclaimed authors. It introduced me to a couple I was not familiar with. Very enjoyable.

[Dana]

This book is takes an interesting look into the religious thoughts of some of the most popular American-Southern writers of our day -- through interviews and short samples of their fiction. So much fun. I only wish Flannery O'Connor had been alive for an interview when Dr. Ketchin did this book.

[Paige]

Growing up in the south, though not a church-goer, still fear of hell, ect and this book explains why we are like that...great interviews and pieces from southern others that i have never read...helps put a little water on the fire of fire and brimstone to know that others feel this

[Mary Frances]

Some of the stories are well-crafted, some deep, some confusing, all pretty sad and many overwrought. Well, it is Southern fiction. Which I don't generally enjoy. However, the interviews with the authors are very interesting.

[Chelsea]

I love the title of this book. It was required for a Southern Lit class but I enjoyed every minute of it.

[Mike]

I must qualify this some, I haven't read all of the book. BUT it's a great anthology that shows how various southern authors have been affected by their belief (or lack thereof) in a Higher Power

[Linda]

W

[Carol]

There are so many parts in this book that ring true. It's almost therapeutic to read it.

[Madly Jane]

Love this book. It's so insightful into the landscape of southern fiction. Highly recommended if you like southern fiction and want a look into the mythic side of things.