Wow! Found a friend in Flannery. Even had a Mass prayed for her, although probably benefited some other soul after these many years. Learned her like she probably knows me now, or her knowing the better of me, from her view. Confessor says she makes a good mentor for the likes of this suffering hermit. Loved her peacock interest, her saying she is a literary hermit, and how she suffered so well and kept going...simply kept going. But she had the Catholic faith, and she knew where to go for a degree in writing. She also humbly accepted the hand dealt her, and played it well, living with her mother after her New York City life early closed and she returned to the Georgia family farm. She existed in and yet beyond the acres.

Stimulating, thoughtful, profound letters on literature, religion and life by an American classic. Her charm and humor and generosity in the face of the lupus which kept her homebound are as homey and inspiring as a favored family member telling you special secrets of love and life. ( )