The Mystery and Manners of Flannery O’Connor

“Fiction is hard if not impossible to write because fiction is so very much an incarnation art…The fact is that the materials of the fiction are the humblest. Fiction is about everything human and we are made out of dust, and if you scorn getting yourself dusty, then you shouldn’t try to write fiction. It’s not a grand enough job for you.” - Flannery O’Connor

In this episode we are joined by Shane Jenkins to discuss the mystery of the author Flannery O’Connor. We delve into her personal writing, in her prayer journal, her letters and her essays, in order to try to understand her and her writing. Much touted for her Catholicism, nevertheless many readers, especially Catholic readers, struggle with the bleak and grotesque imagery in her writing. While the power of her fiction stands on its own, in this episode we take a look at how Flannery’s personality, so vivid in her personal writing, helps position and give context to her fiction in a way that opens it up for readers today.

Hosts: Rachel Sherlock, Shane Jenkins

Follow us on social media: @seekingwatson @shanekins

Follow the podcast on Instagram: @riskingenchantmentpodcast

Find out more at www.rachelsherlock.com

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Music: Ashton Manor by Kevin MacLeod

Works Mentioned

Mystery and Manners: Occasional Prose by Flannery O’Connor

The Habit of Being by Flannery O’Connor

Prayer Journal by Flannery O’Connor

The Complete Short Stories by Flannery O’Connor

Wise Blood by Flannery O’Connor

Bishop Barron Presents | Ethan and Maya Hawke - Understanding Flannery

Wildcat (2023)

Flannery O'Connor Collection, Word on Fire Classics

 

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Shane:

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Rachel

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