Flannery O'Connor

This is the main character of this book of letters. She is the subject matter of the work, but not in the usual manner. The letters are not an autobiography in the typical sense, but as they are written by her and come from her perspective. As such, they are akin to an autobiography in that much about her is revealed and it does come from her own subjective perspective. The letters are often not purely 'about herself'. There is a sense in which they often are - even when she discusses business she is seeking to make contracts with 'her' publishers, for 'her' work. She is writing to 'her friends'.

As the centerpiece of the nonfiction book, Flannery O'Connor is thoroughly involved in every single 'chapter'. Her personality does come through in the letters, albeit with a flatness found in writing when contrasted to live experience...