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The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter

Carson McCullers

Start date: February 1, 2020

Finish date: February 29, 2020

Discussion: New School Classics- 1915-2005

Why we're reading this: February 2020 New School Classic Read
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New School Classics- 1915-2005

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What Members Thought

May 05, 2012 Franky rated it really liked it

The theme of isolation is at the forefront in McCullers’ novel The Heart is a Lonely Hunter, which is set in a rural Southern community in the 1930s. The plot revolves around the stories of several central characters who all gravitate towards the main character, mute John Singer, who has an aura of spirituality and wisdom about him that make others turn to him. Each has their own sense of longing and emptiness within their soul, and Singer represents the link that gives them spiritual comfort. D The theme of isolation is at the forefront in McCullers’ novel The Heart is a Lonely Hunter, which is set in a rural Southern community in the 1930s. The plot revolves around the stories of several central characters who all gravitate towards the main character, mute John Singer, who has an aura of spirituality and wisdom about him that make others turn to him. Each has their own sense of longing and emptiness within their soul, and Singer represents the link that gives them spiritual comfort. Despite their differences of each (Mick, Dr. Copeland, Jake Blount, Biff Brannon), all are connected and linked by their need for comfort. Even Singer shares this common feeling of loneliness, as he sees his best friend, Spiros, sent to an asylum within the book’s first chapters.

The question that The Heart is a Lonely Hunter seems to address is: How do we deal with isolation or sense of loss when we experience it? Mick, for instance, seems to find peace in music, but comes to trust in Singer as well. Doctor Copeland feels anger and injustice in the world and seeks answers. Others, Jake and Biff, both trust in Singer as a means of expressing their frustrations. Although Singer cannot speak to them, they build a bond, a connection. The book’s title is fitting because it is symbolic of each person’s search for a connection to share life’s experiences—goals, hopes, aspirations, frustrations. Singer is the catalyst for hope.

I think many people read The Heart is a Lonely Hunter and see it as “depressing”, but the book is also hopeful at points. Certain tragedies arise that are like a punch to the gut, a major letdown, but there is also a sense of hope and resolve within the novel. The author leaves some ambiguity for us to decide how things will go on.

McCullers writes with such a descript prose that isn’t too flowery, but is poetic and illustrative of the human condition. She takes you right into this community. She has such a command for description and transition from one tale to the next that it is an easy and smooth, yet powerful Southern read. Another great read from McCullers is her short story collection that features “The Ballad of the Sad Café.”
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Oct 14, 2013 Katy rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: all-time_100_novels, bingo-2016

A depressing tale of loneliness, poverty, race relations, injustice, and hopelessness.

5 likes · Like · see review

Oct 12, 2017 Teri rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2017, classic

This is the sad story of a deaf-mute set in a 1930s mill town. John Singer's best friend, another deaf-mute is taken away to an institution and he finds himself surrounded by a group of misfits at his boarding house. Mick is a young girl that dreams of being a musician. Portia is the housekeeper and cook, her father is a local doctor. Jake is a wild drunken guy who works at the local carnival. Each person and their family faces adversity that they simply can't overcome.

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Aug 26, 2020 Michael Sump rated it it was amazing

Why did I wait so long to read McCullers? This is a devastatingly good book. Written over 80 years ago, I found it very compelling. One of my friends compared it to _To Kill a Mockingbird_--this makes no sense to me. Another thought it more like _Look Homeward Angel_. I found it much better than that. The character of Singer is curious, and the response of the major characters--Mick Kelly (voice of McCullers?), Jake Blount, and Dr. Copeland are even more curious. It's a story that well tells of ...more

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Feb 05, 2017 Vince rated it really liked it

This one sticks with you.
Several lonesome people find a separate connection & solace through a deaf mute in the late 30's in a sleepy southern Georgia mill town. Anxiety, racism, alcoholism, loneliness and poverty all play into their individual predicaments. Good writing! ...more

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