"The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter" is a novel by Carson McCullers, published in 1940. It tells the story of a deaf-mute man named John Singer who becomes a confidant for various characters in a small Southern town during the 1930s. Each character grapples with their own loneliness and struggles, seeking connection and understanding. The novel explores themes of isolation, communication, and the human condition. Through the interactions between Singer and the townspeople, including Mick Kelly and Biff Brannon, McCullers highlights the deep emotional needs that drive individuals to seek companionship, even in a world filled with barriers.