This very original novel of letters is an imagined friendship based on the lives of Flannery O’Connor and Robert Lowell. Carlene Bauer’s intelligence, research, imagination, and insight shines brightly in every word and letter. Themes of friendship, family, culture, loyalty, identity, calling, love, and more run through the pages. As much as what is said between Frances and Bernard matters, so much is revealed by their letters to their friends. Thanks to Annie B Jones of the Bookshelf Thomasville for the recommendation. I deeply enjoyed reading this epistolary novel.