Shirley Ann Grau, an illustrious novelist, gained widespread recognition when her third novel, The Keepers of the House, won the Pulitzer Prize in 1965. This triumph was preceded by critical acclaim for her debut novel, The Hard Blue Sky (1958), and her sophomore work, The House on Coliseum Street (1961). Grau continued to expand her literary repertoire with subsequent novels such as The Condor Passes (1971) and Evidence of Love (1977), alongside her contributions to short fiction, including collections like The Black Prince and Other Stories (1955), The Wind Shifting West (1973), and Nine Women (1986).

Despite her accomplishments, Grau remains a challenging figure for critics to pigeonhole, as her themes and styles evolve with each novel, defying easy categorization. Although often associated with the "Southern" literary tradition, Grau herself resists this label, preferring to be seen as part of the broader modernist movement. Her works, with their polished exteriors, invite deeper analysis to uncover the intricate layers and complexities beneath the surface. Unfortunately, critics have sometimes misread her works by focusing solely on their surface attributes. Nonetheless, Grau’s body of work commands ongoing and increasing interest, underscoring her position as a significant figure in contemporary literature.