Carson McCullers, born Lula Carson Smith, was an influential American novelist, short-story writer, playwright, essayist, and poet. Her work profoundly delves into the spiritual isolation of misfits and outcasts, primarily set in the Southern United States. Her first novel, The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter (1940), instantly garnered her critical acclaim for its exploration of such themes. McCullers's literature is often characterized as Southern Gothic, reflecting her deep Southern roots.

Her narratives and eccentric characters are recognized for their universal appeal. McCullers's stories have been widely adapted into stage and film, including a successful Broadway run of The Member of the Wedding (1946) which captures a young girl's feelings at her brother's wedding. Beyond her literary contributions, McCullers's life was marked by her early fame, achieving notable success with her first novel at the age of 23. Her marriage to Reeves McCullers, an ex-soldier and aspiring writer, and their life together in North Carolina, framed much of her writing period. Critics and readers alike celebrate McCullers for her unique voice and her ability to intimately portray the inner lives of her characters.