First we’d like to welcome Conner to the ranks of published authors. Conner, a young writer, recently experienced the heartbreak of rejection (subject matter deemed too “violent”) and the joy of seeing his work in print (first link below). If creativity must be contained within undefined boundaries, then today’s kids are losing out.
Okay, perhaps we can buy into the notion that, by virtue of nationality, Agatha Christie is “un-American”. But Jack London? To say that we’re disheartened by the notion that an author’s personal beliefs would overshadow his contributions to the literary world would be an understatement. We do not believe any reader will go into a library and say, “Hmm, that Jack. Total Socialist. Sure can’t linger in a room named after him.” If choosing London is a political statement, then forget Hemingway. And didn’t Edith Wharton spend a lot of time in Italy? Very suspect, that.
2 responses so far ↓
David Thayer // Mar 18, 2005 at 10:50 am
Let’s cry. Let’s denounce socialism before we die. Jack London? Dame Agatha…politically charged?
Let’s beat up all the old English ladies we can find.
booksquare // Mar 19, 2005 at 10:01 am
Around Chez Booksquare, this has inspired a rousing game of “who will pass the test”. And we have found our perfect author: Thomas Pynchon. Not enough known about the man to inspire worries (though two appearances on The Simpsons might be considered suspect by some). Sure, I have issues with his fascination with rockets, but have been assured it’s a benign sort of guy thing.