I see my mind as a tapestry woven through with memories, dreams and thoughts.

Sunday 12 June 2011

Sunday Snippet

I have chosen this short extract from 'A Late Encounter with the Enemy' which is one of Flannery O'Connor's short stories. It never ceases to amaze me that she can so easily conjure up characters in words so that they are immediately visible in the mind.



'General Sash was a hundred and four years old ........He didn't remember the Spanish-American War in which he had lost a son; he didn't even remember the son. He didn't have any use for history because he never expected to meet it again. To his mind, history was connected with processions and life with parades and he liked parades. People were always asking him if he remembered this or that - a dreary procession of questions about the past.'
From 'Complete Stories' by Flannery O'Connor

9 comments:

Dulçe ♥ said...

Seems interesting indeed. Thank you Aguja for your always amazing snippets

K said...

I must admit that I've never heard of this writer, but your snippet illustrates that their writing is interesting. Great snippet!

Barbara von Enger said...

Have yet to read this book - thank you for the snippet. I shall read and report back. Have a lovely Sunday;-)

steven said...

aguja - i've spent much fo my life reading so i know the name but not in all my time have i read any of her writing. that shall change! thankyou for the tiny introduction! steven

Melissa Sarno said...

Great snippet. When someone gets to be that age, it's almost like you don't see that person as being a part of the present, so this interesting. I need to read more Flannery O'Conner.

aguja said...

She was recommended on someone's blog and that is how I came across her. Her character insight is amazing ... in my opinion.

Thank you for your encouraging comments.

Unknown said...

I love Flannery's short stories. Each is a gem. I don't think the woman could possibly write anything that wasn't good!

I thought I'd read all or most of her stories but I don't recall this one from your snippet. I'll have to fetch my own copy of the complete stories now...

Thank you, Aguja!

Olga said...

I'm really enjoying the posts detailing your current journey. Due to your recommendations, I have already read some amazing books.

aguja said...

Great, Olga! I am sorry that it has now come to an end ... but there are always the memories!