The Ballad of the Sad Cafe Author:Carson McCullers This collection assembles Carson McCullers' best stories, including her study of love and longing "The Ballad of the Sad Café." A haunting tale of a human triangle that culminates in an astonishing brawl, the novella introduces readers to Miss Amelia, a formidable southern woman whose café serves as the town's gathe... more »ring place. Among other works, the collection also includes "Wunderkind," McCullers' first published story, written when she was only seventeen, about a musical prodigy who suddenly realizes she will not go on to become a great pianist.