A Good Hard Look

A Novel

From the New York Times bestselling author of Hello Beautiful and Dear Edward, a novel set in Flannery O'Connor's hometown of Milledgeville, and a tragedy that forever alters the town and the author herself

"A wholly believable world shaped by duty, small pleasures, and fateful choices."—O, The Oprah Magazine

Forced by illness to leave behind a successful life in New York, literary icon Flannery O'Connor has returned to her family farm in the small town of Milledgeville, Georgia. With her health and time both limited, all she wants is to be left alone to write.

But Flannery's plans are soon upended by Melvin Whiteson, a banker from Manhattan who has recently married the town belle. Melvin is at loose ends with his new life; though he has every opportunity, he's not sure where to begin. Flannery knows exactly what she wants, but is running out of time. Through their unusual and clandestine friendship, both will come to reflect on the decisions they have made and the paths they have chosen.

Literary history and fiction gracefully intersect in this emotionally charged novel of small town Southern life from one of our most beloved novelists, which asks us all to consider how we can live our lives to the fullest.

Very good story!

Loved the analogy with the birds and very well narrated. Didn’t think I was going to like it at first but I really did! The author can tell a story very well!

Beautiful

The first half of the book is a slow go, but it is worth it

Another excellent novel

I really enjoy Ann Napolitano’s books. The characters in this one pull you in and feel so real. I finished listening to it in 2 days!! Like all her books, this one is excellent.

Great

The story is good and it’s read well. Keeps you interested the whole way. Thanks.

A rare five star

I only read 4 1/2 stars and up, as a rule. I rarely give five stars. If I liked it, I give 4 stars and I usually don’t review books that I didn’t like a lot. I get five stars when a book is poignant and memorable and leaves a lasting impression. This book was amazing and brilliantly presented.