Reader Response Varied On Hemingway

Some agreed with me that it’s often necessary to, as Portland resident Don Jacobson put it, “separate a person and their lifestyle from their creative works.”

All these years later, with just 25 days to go before the 100th anniversary of his birth, the name Ernest Hemingway still registers with the public.

Responding to a June 13 article that I wrote about the Nobel Prize-winning author, several readers wrote or e-mailed their thoughts.

Some agreed with me that it’s often necessary to, as Portland resident Don Jacobson put it, “separate a person and their lifestyle (with all their unique quirks and peculiarities that each of us has) from their creative works.”

“My own view is that our brightest moments as a species often occur as the result of the flaws in our nature,” wrote Doug Burr. “Many of the authors I cherish would have been candidates for every modern 12-step program. Many had big egos, engaged in the shallowest forms of indecency and could not keep the intoxicants beyond arm’s reach, but man, could they write.”

Some saw the issue with humor.

“Thanks for your article on Hemingway in last Sunday’s paper,” wrote Peggy Thomas, who noted the writer’s notorious misuse of commas. “It, was, quite, enjoyable,,,.”

Meanwhile, former Spokesman-Review staffer Earl Gerheim punished me with his knowledge of Hemingway book and story titles: “I’m sure a lot of readers have found a clean, well-lighted place far from where the bell tolls just after the sun also rises to enjoy reading your article,” he wrote.

One suggested an amendment.

“Don’t you think it would have been more up to date to write `Hillary Clintonlike’ instead (of Nancy Reaganlike)?” wrote Dan Anderson. “After all, her husband’s attitudes toward women have hardly been enlightening either. Yet she continues to be the dutiful little wife.”

One pointed out a mistake.

“You state that Robert Jordan called Pilar his little `rabbit,”’ wrote Frances Fee. “Well, Mr. Webster, if Roberto had called Pilar his little rabbit, I have a strong feeling she would have taken strong exception to the description of her. It was Maria who was Robert’s little `rabbit.’ Right?” (Absolutamente correcto).

But it was Doug Burr who, I think, understood my intention perfectly.

“My son is now 11 years old and shares Hemingway’s birthday, July 21st” he wrote. “In a few years we will camp together along some river and over coffee, cigars and fish, I will introduce him to Nick Adams.”

On the shelf

Missoula novelist Deirdre McNamer has a new book out. Author of “Rima in the Weeds” and “One Sweet Quarrel,” the latter which was a New York Times “Notable Book,” McNamer titled her new novel “My Russian” (Houghton Mifflin, 288 pages, $24).

The book involves a 40-something woman who one day realizes that “she has lost her way” in life. Her search for a new self begins with the aid of a Russian gardener, a survivor of Chernobyl.

The book is already attracting good reviews. Publishers Weekly calls “`My Russian’ … a piercingly intuitive third novel.” Library Journal describes it as “a bold, splendid novel.” And Book Magazine says that “McNamer pushed the envelope of the midlife crisis genre.”

Sherman comes together

If you’re interested in keeping up with the expanding career of poet/ novelist/filmmaker/cultural commentator/comedian/Wellpinit native Sherman Alexie, it’s now easier than ever - if you’re connected to the Internet.

Alexie ‘s “official” Web site, www.fallsapart.com, has a variety of literary bites, from a biography to quotes and an update of his latest doings (he’s been competing across the country in various “poetry bouts.”

By the way, Alexie’s latest novel - “Al Capone’s Bones” - has been delayed. But, he promises, look for a book of poetry and a short-story collection in the spring of 2000.

News from the gay front

Not to be outdone by the Modern Library’s list of great books, The Publishing Triangle - a coalition of gay and lesbian authors involved in the publishing industry - has released its own list.

It’s called “The 100 Best Lesbian and Gay Novels.” The top five are: 1, “Death in Venice” by Thomas Mann; 2, “Giovanni’s Room” by James Baldwin; 3, “Our Lady of the Flowers” by Jean Genet; 4, “Remembrance of Things Past” by Marcel Proust; 5, “The Immortalist” by Andre Gide.

To access the entire list, go to www.publishingtriangle.org.

Book club news

The Valley Hastings store, 15312 E. Sprague, will hold its monthly bookdiscussion group at 7 p.m. Thursday. The book to be discussed is “The Pilot’s Wife” by Anita Shreve. The meeting is open to the public. For information on book-group discounts, call 924-0667.

What’s your signing?

Bill Elston, author of “Golf History of Spokane, Washington” and “Teach Your Children How to Play Golf,” will sign copies of his books at the Valley Hastings beginning at 3 p.m. Saturday.

The reader board

Alice Reeve Scriber, author of “Bonds of Love and Laughter,” will read from her memoir at 7:30 p.m. Monday at Auntie’s Bookstore, Main and Washington. For further information, call 838-0206.

Jack Whyte, author of the “Camulod Chronicles,” will read from his latest two episodes - “Ford at River’s Bend” and “Sorcerer’s Metamorphosis” - at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Auntie’s Bookstore.