by Esther Lombardi || ESTHER’S CLASSIC LITERATURE BLOG || FEB 2010

The Big News in the literary news over the last new days has been around the death of J.D. Salinger. He was such a reclusive (and controversial) writer during his lifetime that his death only served to catapult him into an even more mythic (albeit perhaps more of an anti-hero) status.

Even before news of his death was quite cold on the presses, we were already talking about what other works of literature he might have left behind. The Catcher in the Rye was NOT enough. He always said he wrote for himself. And, he continued to write. But, with the maniacal fanaticism that haunted him after his early success, he hasn’t published since the 1960′s. Yep, it’s nice to be known, but writers like Doris Lessing and other have long lamented the high price of fame. Too high…

So, what do you think about Salinger’s death? Did you read his famous novel? How do you think Salinger’s life and legacy in words will be remembered and documented in the coming days? Have you read the news of a new documentary? How do you hope they will remember J.D. Salinger–in the years to come?

Print PDF