A careful study of modern American novelists (Kurt Vonnegut, Arthur C. Clark, Truman Capote, John Updike, Saul Bellow, John Gardner, Thomas Pynchon and other) and the value of modern fiction as reflecting changes in our adaption to life. The book combines social awareness with psychological insight to relate economic climate, feminism, masculinity, and the desire for self-improvement.
The study delves into the complexities of Flannery O'Connor's identity, juxtaposing her conservative Southern upbringing, devout Catholicism, and personal struggles with her provocative and often violent storytelling. It examines how these contradictions inform her literary work, revealing a deep tension that reflects the broader American experience. Through this lens, the book highlights O'Connor's unique contributions to literature and the ways her life experiences shaped her narratives.