I did not spend nearly as much time on these as they deserve. Here are a few thoughts, though.

- Had the feeling I was reading somewhat above my grade level! Any of these would be great to dive into and dissect. People talk about what a great short story writer Chekhov was, but Welty could give him a run for his money.

- I was surprised by how many stories were set in Natchez and/or the Natchez Trace. What a great evocation of place.

- I was also surprised by the feeling of magical realism many of these had. And maybe a Southern Gothic vibe. Her novels seem comparatively more mundane and did not prepare me for this. Some of this is down to just how she writes, I think, in a highly visual manner. As if the story is an eyeball and the reader has to transmit image into meaning by herself. Like instead of saying a fellow was shot, describing him falling and the bloom of dark color on his shirt. You kind of have to think a minute to realize what has happened.

- I definitely only skimmed some of the longer stories. If I'm reading a short story, I want it to be short, dadgumit!