The Mystery and Manners of Flannery O’Connor
Risking Enchantment
“Fiction is hard if not impossible to write because fiction is so very much an incarnation art…The fact is that the materials of the fiction are the humblest. Fiction is about everything human and we are made out of dust, and if you scorn getting yourself dusty, then you shouldn’t try to write fiction. It’s not a grand enough job for you.” - Flannery O’Connor In this episode we are joined by Shane Jenkins to discuss the mystery of the author Flannery O’Connor. We delve into her personal writing, in her prayer journal, her letters and her essays, in order to try to understand her and her writing. Much touted for her Catholicism, nevertheless many readers, especially Catholic readers, struggle with the bleak and grotesque imagery in her writing. While the power of her fiction stands on its own, in this episode we take a look at how Flannery’s personality, so vivid in her personal writing, helps position and give context to her fiction in a way that opens it up for readers today. Hosts: Rachel Sherlock, Shane Jenkins Follow us on social media: @seekingwatson @shanekins Follow the podcast on Instagram: @riskingenchantmentpodcast Find out more at www.rachelsherlock.com Sign up for our email list at www.rachelsherlock.com/podcast Music: Ashton Manor by Kevin MacLeod Works Mentioned Mystery and Manners: Occasional Prose by Flannery O’Connor The Habit of Being by Flannery O’Connor Prayer Journal by Flannery O’Connor The Complete Short Stories by Flannery O’Connor Wise Blood by Flannery O’Connor Bishop Barron Presents | Ethan and Maya Hawke - Understanding Flannery Wildcat (2023) Flannery O'Connor Collection, Word on Fire Classics What We’re Enjoying at the Moment: Shane: Typhoon The 1975 John Lucas Rachel The Bear