Harry Crews

Harry Crews was an American novelist, playwright, short story writer, and essayist. Born on June 7, 1935, in Bacon County, Georgia, he is known for his gritty, Southern Gothic style and his exploration of the lives of the working poor in the American South. His writing often includes elements of black humor and the grotesque. Crews's notable works include 'A Feast of Snakes', 'The Gospel Singer', and his memoir 'A Childhood: The Biography of a Place'. He passed away on March 28, 2012.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. A Childhood: The Biography of a Place

    This book is a memoir of the author's early years in Bacon County, Georgia, during the Great Depression. It details his life in a poverty-stricken, rural community, exploring themes of hardship, resilience, and the human spirit. Despite the harsh circumstances, the author also recounts moments of joy and beauty, offering a vivid and compelling portrait of his childhood and the place that shaped him.

  2. 2. A Feast of Snakes

    In this dark and gritty novel, a small, poor Southern town is the setting for an annual snake hunt that brings together a cast of deeply flawed characters. The protagonist, a former high school football star, is now trapped in a miserable marriage and struggling with alcoholism. As the snake hunt approaches, tensions rise, leading to a violent and tragic climax. The narrative explores themes of poverty, desperation, and the destructive power of masculinity.