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Federico DN's Reviews > A Good Man Is Hard to Find and Other Stories
A Good Man Is Hard to Find and Other Stories
by
by
A Good Short Story Is Hard To Find.
A collection of ten short stories by Flannery O'Connor, Queen of Southern Gothic and Christian low-jabs.
I have this feeling reading Flannery O'Connor is like reading a Christian version of Shirley Jackson, which isn’t bad really, just not my jam, sadly. One can only endure so many slaps to the face! This was my first encounter with the “Southern Gothic” genre, which can’t say I’m a fan of, and never knew before it existed. Of course, even if I didn’t found it so enjoyable that doesn’t mean it can’t be for others. I’m positive any Shirley Jackson fan would love these stories, since dear Flannery O'Connor seems to irk her readers the same way, sort of. Like Shirley, truly excels at the deeply, unsettling thing, honestly.
All in all, I’m just glad I got to read ”The Displaced Person” and ”A Good Man Is Hard to Find", which are the two stories I hold most dear from this collection, and the only ones that I think will truly remain in my memory; the rest, although good, or ok, I could’ve lived without. Flannery O'Connor is just too damn religious sometimes, for my taste.
Can’t say I look forward to reading more by this author, but chances are high that I will anyway, because of randomness, and stuff. Yet, hopefully, it’ll be someday far away.
Go for the Best, consider the Good, whatever the Meh.
The Best :
★★★★☆ "The Displaced Person." [4.5]
★★★★☆ "A Good Man Is Hard to Find." [3.5]
The Good :
★★★☆☆ "The River."
★★★☆☆ "A Stroke of Good Fortune." [2.5]
The Meh :
★★☆☆☆ "Good Country People." [2.5]
★★☆☆☆ "A Circle in the Fire."
★★☆☆☆ "A Late Encounter with the Enemy."
★★☆☆☆ "A Temple of the Holy Ghost." [1.5]
★☆☆☆☆ "The Artificial Nigger." [1.5]
★☆☆☆☆ "The Life You Save May Be Your Own." [0.5]
-----------------------------------------------
PERSONAL NOTE :
[1955] [252p] [Collection] [2.5] [Partly Recommendable]
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Una Buena Historia Corta Es Difícil De Encontrar.
Una colección de diez cuentos cortos por Flannery O'Connor, Reina del Gótico sureño y golpes bajos cristianos.
Tengo la sensación de que leer a Flannery O'Connor es como leer una versión cristiana de Shirley Jackson, lo cual no está mal en verdad, pero no mi vibra, lamentablemente. ¡Uno sólo puede soportar tantas bofetadas en la cara! Este fue mi primer encuentro con el género “Gótico sureño”, del que no puedo decir que sea fan, y que ni siquiera sabía que existía hasta ahora. Por supuesto, incluso si no lo disfruté tanto, eso no significa que no pueda serlo para otros. Creo con cierta seguridad que a cualquier fan de Shirley Jackson le encantarían estas historias, ya que la querida Flannery O'Connor parece irritar a sus lectores de la misma manera, más o menos. Como Shirley, realmente sobresale en esa cosa profundamente inquietante, honestamente.
Considerando todo, me alegra haber podido leer ”La Persona Desplazada” y ”Un Buen Hombre es Difícil de Encontrar", que son las dos historias que más aprecio de esta colección, y las únicas que creo que realmente permanecerán en mi memoria; el resto, aunque buenas o aceptables, podría haber vivido sin ellas. Flannery O'Connor es a veces simplemente demasiado religiosa, para mi gusto.
No puedo decir que tenga ganas de leer más de esta autora, pero hay altas posibilidades de que lo haga de igual forma, por mi aleatoriedad, y esas cosas. Sin embargo, con suerte, será algún día lejano.
Ir por lo Mejor, considerar lo Bueno, loquesea lo Meh.
Lo Mejor :
★★★★☆ "La Persona Desplazada." [4.5]
★★★★☆ "Un Buen Hombre es Difícil de Encontrar." [3.5]
Lo Bueno :
★★★☆☆ "El Rio."
★★★☆☆ "Un Golpe de Buena Fortuna." [2.5]
Lo Meh :
★★☆☆☆ "Buena Gente del Campo." [2.5]
★★☆☆☆ "Un Círculo en el Fuego."
★★☆☆☆ "Un Encuentro Tardío con el Enemigo."
★★☆☆☆ "Un Templo del Espíritu Santo." [1.5]
★☆☆☆☆ "El Negro Artificial." [1.5]
★☆☆☆☆ "La Vida que Salves puede ser la Tuya." [0.5]
-----------------------------------------------
NOTA PERSONAL :
[1955] [252p] [Colección] [2.5] [Parcialmente Recomendable]
-----------------------------------------------
A collection of ten short stories by Flannery O'Connor, Queen of Southern Gothic and Christian low-jabs.
I have this feeling reading Flannery O'Connor is like reading a Christian version of Shirley Jackson, which isn’t bad really, just not my jam, sadly. One can only endure so many slaps to the face! This was my first encounter with the “Southern Gothic” genre, which can’t say I’m a fan of, and never knew before it existed. Of course, even if I didn’t found it so enjoyable that doesn’t mean it can’t be for others. I’m positive any Shirley Jackson fan would love these stories, since dear Flannery O'Connor seems to irk her readers the same way, sort of. Like Shirley, truly excels at the deeply, unsettling thing, honestly.
All in all, I’m just glad I got to read ”The Displaced Person” and ”A Good Man Is Hard to Find", which are the two stories I hold most dear from this collection, and the only ones that I think will truly remain in my memory; the rest, although good, or ok, I could’ve lived without. Flannery O'Connor is just too damn religious sometimes, for my taste.
Can’t say I look forward to reading more by this author, but chances are high that I will anyway, because of randomness, and stuff. Yet, hopefully, it’ll be someday far away.
Go for the Best, consider the Good, whatever the Meh.
The Best :
★★★★☆ "The Displaced Person." [4.5]
★★★★☆ "A Good Man Is Hard to Find." [3.5]
The Good :
★★★☆☆ "The River."
★★★☆☆ "A Stroke of Good Fortune." [2.5]
The Meh :
★★☆☆☆ "Good Country People." [2.5]
★★☆☆☆ "A Circle in the Fire."
★★☆☆☆ "A Late Encounter with the Enemy."
★★☆☆☆ "A Temple of the Holy Ghost." [1.5]
★☆☆☆☆ "The Artificial Nigger." [1.5]
★☆☆☆☆ "The Life You Save May Be Your Own." [0.5]
-----------------------------------------------
PERSONAL NOTE :
[1955] [252p] [Collection] [2.5] [Partly Recommendable]
-----------------------------------------------
Una Buena Historia Corta Es Difícil De Encontrar.
Una colección de diez cuentos cortos por Flannery O'Connor, Reina del Gótico sureño y golpes bajos cristianos.
Tengo la sensación de que leer a Flannery O'Connor es como leer una versión cristiana de Shirley Jackson, lo cual no está mal en verdad, pero no mi vibra, lamentablemente. ¡Uno sólo puede soportar tantas bofetadas en la cara! Este fue mi primer encuentro con el género “Gótico sureño”, del que no puedo decir que sea fan, y que ni siquiera sabía que existía hasta ahora. Por supuesto, incluso si no lo disfruté tanto, eso no significa que no pueda serlo para otros. Creo con cierta seguridad que a cualquier fan de Shirley Jackson le encantarían estas historias, ya que la querida Flannery O'Connor parece irritar a sus lectores de la misma manera, más o menos. Como Shirley, realmente sobresale en esa cosa profundamente inquietante, honestamente.
Considerando todo, me alegra haber podido leer ”La Persona Desplazada” y ”Un Buen Hombre es Difícil de Encontrar", que son las dos historias que más aprecio de esta colección, y las únicas que creo que realmente permanecerán en mi memoria; el resto, aunque buenas o aceptables, podría haber vivido sin ellas. Flannery O'Connor es a veces simplemente demasiado religiosa, para mi gusto.
No puedo decir que tenga ganas de leer más de esta autora, pero hay altas posibilidades de que lo haga de igual forma, por mi aleatoriedad, y esas cosas. Sin embargo, con suerte, será algún día lejano.
Ir por lo Mejor, considerar lo Bueno, loquesea lo Meh.
Lo Mejor :
★★★★☆ "La Persona Desplazada." [4.5]
★★★★☆ "Un Buen Hombre es Difícil de Encontrar." [3.5]
Lo Bueno :
★★★☆☆ "El Rio."
★★★☆☆ "Un Golpe de Buena Fortuna." [2.5]
Lo Meh :
★★☆☆☆ "Buena Gente del Campo." [2.5]
★★☆☆☆ "Un Círculo en el Fuego."
★★☆☆☆ "Un Encuentro Tardío con el Enemigo."
★★☆☆☆ "Un Templo del Espíritu Santo." [1.5]
★☆☆☆☆ "El Negro Artificial." [1.5]
★☆☆☆☆ "La Vida que Salves puede ser la Tuya." [0.5]
-----------------------------------------------
NOTA PERSONAL :
[1955] [252p] [Colección] [2.5] [Parcialmente Recomendable]
-----------------------------------------------
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Reading Progress
August 18, 2025
– Shelved
August 28, 2025
–
Started Reading
September 8, 2025
–
Finished Reading
Comments Showing 1-50 of 96 (96 new)
message 1:
by
Darla
(new)
Sep 01, 2025 04:04AM
I am a fan of this author, but have not read this collection. Looking forward to your review, Federico.🤩
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Darla wrote: "I am a fan of this author, but have not read this collection. Looking forward to your review, Federico.🤩"Thank you Darla! Sadly I'm dealing with Hemingway now, but as soon as I'm finished with him I'll be overjoyed to resume this because the other guy is dull AF lol xD
Interesting review, Federico! I've never heard of this author ;) Southern Gothic sounds like fun, but I hope you will like your next book better.
Alexandra wrote: "Interesting review, Federico! I've never heard of this author ;) Southern Gothic sounds like fun, but I hope you will like your next book better."Oh, I've seen her name so many times here and there it was about time I read one of her books lol. Indeed sad it wasn't better. Oh well. Thank you Alexandra :) !
Terrific review again Fede, this collection sounds like a mixed bag buddy. But, I have taken note and found a copy of A Displaced Person, so I reckon I might read it tonight. Thanks heaps for taking one for the team and sorting out the wheat from the chaff my friend 😬🤓. Oh, if you're after a brilliant (the best?) short story - The Overcoat by Gogol. But, I have a feeling you have already read it 🤗
Mark wrote: "Terrific review again Fede, this collection sounds like a mixed bag buddy. But, I have taken note and found a copy of A Displaced Person, so I reckon I might read it tonight. Thanks heaps for takin..."Thank you Mark! All collections are usually a mixed bag, you just can't escape the rule lol. Hope you enjoy that one, "A Good Man Is Hard to Find" is also quite impactful too and the most recognized work by this author methinks. Indeed I knew about Gogol and he's already in my sights :). I have "The Overcoat and Other Short Stories" to read soon and my review template already ready and just waiting to fill in the blanks lol. Thank you for the rec!
Your reviews are very detailed and consise! Really enjoy reading them.
😂 I can see this to be true, your opening line a good short story is hard to find. You are doing a great job searching! Amusing review, Federico!
KRITYA wrote: "Your reviews are very detailed and consise! Really enjoy reading them."Thank you so much Kritya <3. Oh, we have so many reviews to read here in GR sometimes, I just try to get out everything quickly and easy. The least I can do really, plus I don't like to beat around the bush lol.
Diana wrote: "😂 I can see this to be true, your opening line a good short story is hard to find. You are doing a great job searching! Amusing review, Federico!"I think I'm going through some sort of intense short story phase here xD. But it's ok really, even if not all great, I'm still enjoying it while it lasts, because next year will be novel time lol. Thank you Diana!
Vasilii wrote: "Hope your next read is better!!!🖤💗"Thank you Vasilii :D !
Hmm. Southern Gothic - I'm aware of it but have never read anything from the genre, unless you count Cormac McCarthy's The Road which some people include in the category. I can see that novel as Gothic but I didn't feel it was distinctly "Southern". Anyway, I don't think O'Connor is an author for me. Excellent Review Fede!
Ian wrote: "Hmm. Southern Gothic - I'm aware of it but have never read anything from the genre, unless you count Cormac McCarthy's The Road which some people include in the category. I can see that novel as ..."Oh haven't read McCarthy's 'The Road' yet, nor watched the movie, but I've seen it enough times to know it's there and do have it in my TBR; thought it was sth post-apocalyptic though. Anyway better not even know so to go in blind like I like to lol. I honestly don't know if you'd enjoy it, Ian. Like Shirley Jackson, Flannery O'Connor seems to be some sort of wildcard, you never know until you know lol. Thank you!
Fede...A good review from you isn't hard to find! 👍 Onward!👍
Fran wrote: "Fede...A good review from you isn't hard to find! 👍 Onward!👍"Lol. I didn't see that coming lol. Thank you Fran 👍 !
TL *Humaning the Best She Can* wrote: "👏 👏":D :D
Seeing religious content when you didn't expect it can indeed be a bummer. I do enjoy the Southern Gothic genre and am okay with a certain level of religion in fiction (shouldn't be preachy though), so I guess I might like this better. Thanks for setting the right expectations, Feddie! I hope you do find that rare good short story soon. ( ◜‿◝ ) ♡
Glad you found at least two stories to enjoy in this collection. We are very different in our reading tastes. I would rather read O'Connor over Jackson because of her religious content.😎
Hi! I like your reviews!
Rosh ~catching up slowly~ wrote: "Seeing religious content when you didn't expect it can indeed be a bummer. I do enjoy the Southern Gothic genre and am okay with a certain level of religion in fiction (shouldn't be preachy though)..."It did get a bit preachy, but it could've just been me. I think unexpected religion really irks me sometimes lol. Thank you Rosh! Hope you can enjoy it when the day comes. Def sounds like Flannery O'Connor may be more of your jam than mine ;)
Darla wrote: "Glad you found at least two stories to enjoy in this collection. We are very different in our reading tastes. I would rather read O'Connor over Jackson because of her religious content.😎"Lol. Exactly opposites on this topic indeed, but good to know because if I find more religious crap, I mean stuff, I'll sure let you know Darla ;). Thank you!
Claire is a Bibliophile wrote: "Hi! I like your reviews!"Well howdy Claire! Thank you :D
Thank you for your review !! One less item in my TBR pile. And I also get to practice reading in Spanish with your reviews. Thanks!!
Anne wrote: "Thank you for your review !! One less item in my TBR pile. And I also get to practice reading in Spanish with your reviews. Thanks!!"Always glad to be of assistance lol. Although to be honest those two in the top of the list weren't so bad at all! So if you ever reconsider at least giving Flannery O'Connor a sample try, I'd sure rec either of those two. Muchas gracias Anne ;) !
I agree, Federico, that "A Good Short Story Is Hard To Find." I think there are 15 total that made enough impact on me since elementary school, and I've read many. As for S Gothic, I do think I'm a fan—I'm not savvy enough to be sure. Fair review.
Me parece admirable tu capacidad para titular. Podrías trabajar para Página 12 o Crónica, que se caracterizan por eso. Y una buena reseña; muy clara y respetuosa.
Jennifer wrote: "I agree, Federico, that "A Good Short Story Is Hard To Find." I think there are 15 total that made enough impact on me since elementary school, and I've read many. As for S Gothic, I do think I'm a..."Now that you mention it, I have a special shelf for my "best short stories", currently at 52, and considering that's out of 500 short stories I've read in total, more or less, that makes indeed "A Good Short Story Is Hard To Find" lol. 10% chance or so, which doesn't sound so bad really, considering all the "not so great stuff" we have to read sometimes :p. Thank you Jennifer!
Pedro wrote: "Me parece admirable tu capacidad para titular. Podrías trabajar para Página 12 o Crónica, que se caracterizan por eso. Y una buena reseña; muy clara y respetuosa."Creo que soy ocurrente y tengo cierto talento especial para jugar con las palabras, pero nada más. Alguna vez pensé en trabajar en algún diario, pero qué se yo. Una cosa es escribir sobre lo que a uno le gusta, y otra muy distinta tener que trabajar y escribir para lo que quieren otros. Y en especial en este país de cuarta donde te bajan línea. Pero en fin; estoy contento en GR, por ahora :p. Muchas gracias Pedro!
That was an enlightening review......probably wouldn't be my speed either! ;)
Federico wrote: "Ian wrote: "Hmm. Southern Gothic - I'm aware of it but have never read anything from the genre, unless you count Cormac McCarthy's The Road which some people include in the category. I can see that..."It is post-apocalyptic.
Federico wrote: "Jennifer wrote: "I agree, Federico, that "A Good Short Story Is Hard To Find." I think there are 15 total that made enough impact on me since elementary school, and I've read many. As for S Gothic,..."Thanks for letting me know about your shelf, Federico! There have been more than 15 stories I've enjoyed, but only 15 stand in memory. This is so much less than even the meh novels and novellas, I don't know why they don't stick. It sounds like they work better for you, in general, and I'm glad. I've been trying, lol.
Cindy wrote: "That was an enlightening review......probably wouldn't be my speed either! ;)"Thank you Cindy! Hardly think this would be the kind of Christian stuff you like to read lol. Yes, probably a better idea to stay away xD
Ian wrote: "It is post-apocalyptic..."Ah great! Glad to know I wasn't so far off then lol. Since I go in completely blind with almost any book, I never really know for sure! Post-apocalyptic was all I could gather from the movie poster and maybe something that I might've heard/read a long time ago and have completely forgotten by now xD
Jennifer wrote: "Thanks for letting me know about your shelf, Federico! There have been more than 15 stories I've enjoyed, but only 15 stand in memory. This is so much less than even the meh novels and novellas, I don't know why they don't stick...."Anytime! There should be some free domain stuff there too if you care to try. So you know, you don't even have to compromise your money for it, just maybe a bit of your time lol. Wouldn't try my judgement about being "best" either, I mean tastes differ... and it always works better to go completely free of expectations :). All the best Jennifer!
Ah! Can't say I've a lot of Southern Gothic either, though I did read something on those lines (one book was horrible, the other two were essentially fantasy smut lol). I hope you won't stumble upon the author's works anytime soon!
Superb review, Federico. :)
Srivalli wrote: "Ah! Can't say I've a lot of Southern Gothic either, though I did read something on those lines (one book was horrible, the other two were essentially fantasy smut lol). I hope you won't stumble up..."Oh it's been a while since I read any fantasy smut, or any smut for that matter lol. Does appeal to me much more than Southern Gothic xD. I'm sure it won't happen anytime soon with this author, yet the future is full of surprises, and sometimes of the unpleasant kind lol. Thank you Srivalli!
Sometimes an author’s style or genre just isn’t your jam, that’s totally okay. A lot of religion is not for everyone. Fair review, Federico.
Thibault wrote: "Sometimes an author’s style or genre just isn’t your jam, that’s totally okay. A lot of religion is not for everyone. Fair review, Federico."It happens. Many people do enjoy Flannery O'Connor, and a lot. Nothing wrong with it, either way :). Thank you Thibault!
Excellent review Federico. I remember years ago when I tried to teach this to an adult class. I read some passages out loud to the class and tried hard not to laugh hysterically. At some point I looked up to find a bunch of blank looks. A specific or acquired taste i think!
Pam wrote: "Excellent review Federico. I remember years ago when I tried to teach this to an adult class. I read some passages out loud to the class and tried hard not to laugh hysterically. At some point I lo..."I can def see your class, 50% liking it, the other half finding it utterly distasteful lol. You never know! A personal or acquired taste for sure methinks, but not bad, if you enjoy it. To each their own I say :). Thank you Pam!
One shouldn't have to endure stories that feel like a slap to the face but I really enjoyed your entertaining honest review Fede! I hope your next good short story is easy to find and feels like a gentle face hug or facial massage or whatever the opposite is of slap to the face haha.
Esta wrote: "One shouldn't have to endure stories that feel like a slap to the face but I really enjoyed your entertaining honest review Fede! I hope your next good short story is easy to find and feels like a ..."I reading a bunch of horror collections so I think anything gentle is out of the question for the moment lol, but looking forward to it now that you mention it :p. Will have to pick something cute and wholesome next for sure! Thank you much Esta <3
Even if this collection wasn’t quite your taste, I’m glad you still found two stories you enjoyed and that were memorable. Wonderful review, Fede! ♡
Love that opening bolded line. I tend to agree with you. I find that most novella's I read leave me wanting more and thinking it should be a book not a novella. Same holds true with a lot of short stories, like what is the point?? Read on my friend :)
Great review Federico! So true, a good short story is hard to find!
Nancy wrote: "Even if this collection wasn’t quite your taste, I’m glad you still found two stories you enjoyed and that were memorable. Wonderful review, Fede! ♡"Always delighted to find 4 and 5 stars <3. Flannery O'Connor may be a hard pill to swallow sometimes, every time, but she does have her good moments that even a non fan can appreciate :). Thank you Nancy!
Luna wrote: "Love that opening bolded line. I tend to agree with you. I find that most novella's I read leave me wanting more and thinking it should be a book not a novella. Same holds true with a lot of short ..."Short stories are not for everyone, regretfully, and especially if you get to read the not so great ones! In a way, you can view a short story like a novel compressed to its maximum state, Luna. For example, if you had to resume any book, for a review or to tell a friend about it, the ending result would be a "short story" of it! Unless you plan on telling it by reading the whole thing lol. But still, I get you, for example I just can't stand extremely long books, we are just on the opposite sides of the same spectrum, the shorter the book you dislike, the longer, I do lol.
JustJJ wrote: "Great review Federico! So true, a good short story is hard to find!"But there are many! The more I read the more I find lol. Thank you JJ :D !
