The Complete Stories

by Flannery O'Connor, Franz Kafka
The Complete Stories cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Short Story Collections
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  • ID: 5644
  • Added: 2025-10-24
  • Updated: 2025-10-27
  • ISBN: 9780571143801
  • Publisher: Schocken
  • Published: 1990-01-01
  • Reviews: 4

The Complete Stories by Flannery O'Connor is the definitive compilation of her acclaimed short stories, including works from her renowned collections A Good Man Is Hard to Find and Everything That Rises Must Converge. This volume also features several stories previously unpublished in book form, offering readers a comprehensive look at O'Connor's unique literary voice and her profound insights into the human condition./n/nFlannery O'Connor's stories are celebrated for their sharp wit, dark humor, and unflinching examination of the tensions and contradictions within the American South. Her work delves into the heart of modernity, addressing themes that resonate universally, making this collection a must-read for literature enthusiasts and those interested in the intricacies of human behavior.

Reviews
The Storygraph · 2023-01-01
profound 4.00

Kafka's work is not overrated but could have benefited from better editing. The collection is praised for its depth but criticized for its lack of editorial oversight.

The reviewer acknowledges Kafka's significance but believes his work could have been better presented with more editing. They appreciate the depth and complexity of Kafka's stories but note that the lack of editorial oversight detracts from the overall experience. Despite this, the collection is seen as a valuable addition to any literature enthusiast's library, offering profound insights into human nature and society.

Quick quotes

    Kafka is not an overrated classic.

    He was sadly under-edited.

    The collection offers profound insights into human nature.

Medium - Book Rambles · 2022-01-01
profound 4.00

The collection explores themes of alienation and the absurd, offering a unique perspective on conformity. The writing is praised for its depth and insight.

The reviewer delves into Kafka's exploration of alienation and the absurd, highlighting how these themes challenge societal norms. They appreciate the depth and insight in Kafka's writing, noting that it offers a unique perspective on conformity and individuality. The collection is seen as a profound exploration of human experiences, making it a worthwhile read for those interested in existential themes.

Quick quotes

    Kafka's writing is a masterclass in exploring the absurd.

    The collection is a profound exploration of alienation and conformity.

    Kafka's stories offer a unique perspective on human experiences.

The New York Times · 2021-10-21
thoughtful 4.50

O'Connor's sentences are ruthless and objective, showcasing her unique style. The stories are powerful and thought-provoking.

The reviewer highlights O'Connor's distinctive writing style, describing her sentences as ruthless and objective. They compare her work to other notable authors, emphasizing her unique approach. The stories are praised for their power and thought-provoking nature. The reviewer appreciates the depth and complexity of O'Connor's writing, making the collection a standout.

Quick quotes

    O'Connor's sentences, as ruthless as Stephen Crane's but less literary, always more objective than Hemingway's at his would-be toughest.

    The stories are powerful and thought-provoking.

    O'Connor's unique approach makes the collection a standout.

Literary Elephant · 2020-06-23
insightful 4.20

The writing improves throughout the collection, becoming sharper and more immersive. The stories are deeply personal and impactful.

The reviewer notes that Flannery O'Connor's writing evolves significantly throughout the collection. They appreciate the sharper, more immersive style that develops, particularly toward the end of her career. The stories are described as deeply personal and impactful, with a noticeable improvement in quality. The reviewer finds the collection to be a compelling journey through O'Connor's growth as a writer.

Quick quotes

    Her writing noticeably improves as she goes, becoming sharper, more immersive, and I think more personal, toward the end of her career.

    The stories are deeply personal and impactful.

    The collection is a compelling journey through O'Connor's growth as a writer.

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