Finding the name of a book I have forgotten -

[DLeeds]

I read a book in my twenties and remember really enjoying it - but I cannot for the life of me remember who wrote it or what it was called. Can anyone help in this hiding to nothing,

Clues I can remember

American woman writer,

Maybe written in 40s, 50s, 60s.

Author only wrote a couple of novels (this one is the most well known) but then died a tragic (tb or drink) death early (I think)

Set in deep south of USA - plot was around lost, sad, young women growing up,

possibly had crying or heart in the title.

Can anyone help here - before I ransack the boxes of books in the cellar. I am going slowly mad trying to remember.

What happened in the novel?

Heart is a Lonely Hunter, Carson McCullers

or maybe Member of the Wedding (same)

There's also Ballad of the Sad Café; and Reflections in a Golden Eye (all same)

that's the dreadful thing - I can't really remember (said it was a long shot). But basically about a young teenager's miserable life and journey to adulthood. Girl was white and lived in a destitute alcoholic family. It was also her observations of small town southern life in the states.

but I could be wrong.....I do know the author herself was ridiculously young when she wrote it (in her twenties) to much critical acclaim. But her subsequent novel's were not as powerful.

But still no further forward. Have googled all evening - 'tis driving me bonkers.

If it helps I do know that feeling of helplessly googling for long forgotten books. You may need to get out those boxes!

CarGirl - you are a complete STAR. of course it is. How could I forget. Am about to order and re-read. I hope it is good or was it an adolescent thing, which doesn't stand up to mature scrutiny.

heart is lonely hunter is the one!

CarGirl? CARGIRL? Who is this Cragril?

sorry got distracted - good grief reading two threads, thank you BINK for your excellent literature knowledge. What was the clue that worked it out and more importantly is it worth re-buying?

"crying or heart in the title"

• southern American woman writer
• lost, sad, young

I lived in her books for a good few years back then.

lol, thanks I have just ordered off Amazon and will have a trip down memory lane and see how it stands up. Many thanks, you did save my sanity. (It is like a lost item in the house, cannot rest until found/discovered).

H is a LH is the best though, if I remember correctly.

In future, Abebooks is also helpful - their forums are excellent for this sort of thing.

I like all of her books. She was the cousin of Harper Lee, strangely enough.