By Lee Cross

I was gifted Flannery O’Connor’s Wise Blood for Christmas; and like all presents from loved ones, I immediately came to cherish the book and very much enjoyed the read (not simply due to the pleasure derived from the book itself, but also from the enjoyment of knowing that someone I hold in high regard felt it worthy of recommendation).

Firstly, if I’m trying to write a review, I guess I’d have to admit to never having heard of Flannery O’Connor before, nor of Wise Blood (neither the book or movie); and If I’m being entirely honest, I’m really not sure what to make of the book now I’ve read it.

On the one hand, the skill in the language used is both fabulous and consistent; as is the rather jumpy style in which the story unfolds. For the first few pages I struggled with the way one…