I've read "Hapworth" twice, decades apart. The time between didn't make it any less of a slog to get through. But your essay was very insightful, thank you. There was a little book published in 1977 titled "Zen in the Art of J.D. Salinger" which traces the development and progression of Zen concepts in Salinger's writing. There are traces of it even in "Catcher" and the early short stories, according to the book. By "Hapworth" it was full-blown. So who knows how readable or publishable the post-"Hapworth" material is?
That’s such a wonderful, thoughtful comment. Having read and taught Salinger, I am really curious if he really took fiction somewhere else. Truly appreciate your kind words and response
Harper Lee was similarly silent after writing To Kill a Mockingbird. It's not surprising that some authors only have a single, truly great novel in them (we should all be so lucky). After that, everything they write they consider pedestrian, so why publish it?
Like Salinger's later efforts, Harper Lee published Go See a Watchman in 2015 to mediocre reviews, at best.
I've read "Hapworth" twice, decades apart. The time between didn't make it any less of a slog to get through. But your essay was very insightful, thank you. There was a little book published in 1977 titled "Zen in the Art of J.D. Salinger" which traces the development and progression of Zen concepts in Salinger's writing. There are traces of it even in "Catcher" and the early short stories, according to the book. By "Hapworth" it was full-blown. So who knows how readable or publishable the post-"Hapworth" material is?
That’s such a wonderful, thoughtful comment. Having read and taught Salinger, I am really curious if he really took fiction somewhere else. Truly appreciate your kind words and response
I'm also extremely curious! I do hope his son hasn't abandoned the plan to release posthumous works.
Hey! Post something. I saw Bob Dylan in Hamilton years ago. Happy Holidays.
Wow. A quality of writing seldom seen in places where you don't have to get past an editor.
Harper Lee was similarly silent after writing To Kill a Mockingbird. It's not surprising that some authors only have a single, truly great novel in them (we should all be so lucky). After that, everything they write they consider pedestrian, so why publish it?
Like Salinger's later efforts, Harper Lee published Go See a Watchman in 2015 to mediocre reviews, at best.
Great essay!!!! Need to read it a couple more times, and I am going to look for Hapworth. Thanks for the link!