CityView Magazine

Above | Author Carson McCullers penned portions of the classic Southern novel, "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter," in Fayetteville. Photo courtesy of Columbus Ledger-Enquirer 40 | Feb/Mar • 2010 By Skip Maloney If Carson McCullers had only stayed in Fayetteville, where she penned her first and what would become her best-known novel, she might have survived into her late 50s and beyond. Or so goes the theory. Here are the facts: in the late 1930s, McCullers wasn't just an up and coming writer, she was also a young military wife. You see where this is going. While her husband, Reeves McCullers, served in the Army, Carson lived in the historic Cool Springs Tavern and worked on a book she called "The Mute." And one wonders if those were simpler times. As it turned out, the success of the novel, later renamed "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter," led to a move to New York City, and later, Paris, as McCullers' private life reeled in and out of control. She and Reeves divorced then remarried. Carson struggled with depression, alcoholism and strokes which eventually took her life in September 1967 in Nyack, N.Y. Now, thanks to the efforts of the Cumberland County Public Library, McCullers is coming home. Beginning in late March, all seven public library branches, two university libraries, two military libraries, the Museum of the Cape Fear and Cool Springs Tavern will play host to more than 30 programs centered on the life and work of Carson McCullers. Here are the highlights: "The Member of the Wedding," March 12-28. McCullers' next-most famous work is performed at the Cape Fear Regional Theater. Big Read Kickoff, March 26. The Headquarters Library will give away copies of McCullers' books and offer entertainment and refreshments. "Connecting to Carson McCullers," March 27-May 30 at the Museum of the Cape Fear. Movie nights, April 5-22. Multiple screenings of "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter," starring Alan Arkin, plus the famous Marlon Brando-Elizabeth Taylor flick, "Reflections in a Golden Eye," and "The Member of the Wedding." All library events are subject to change. Visit www.cumberland.lib.nc.us for details. Walking tour, April 18. Bruce Daws will lead a tour of downtown to talk about McCullers' time in Fayetteville. It's big all right. For one month, all Fayetteville bookworms live, breathe and read the same novel. In past years, the Cumberland County Public Library and Information Center has tackled books like "Their Eyes Were Watching God" and "The Maltese Falcon." This year, we sink our teeth into the Southern classic "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter" by Carson McCullers. Routinely named as one of the best literary works of our time, portions of it were written right here in Fayetteville. THE BIG READ 1.

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