Wednesday’s WIP: Memories, My German Passport & Me
As many of you already know, my grandmother–who would be 99 today–was a huge influence on the stories in my collection, Quiet Americans. Which celebrated the third anniversary of its publication a few days ago, too.
And as for my passport, it was the focus of one of my first published essays. The scan quality isn’t great, but I’ve uploaded a copy of “Passport from the Past,” which was published in the Boston Sunday Globe in 1997.
[UPDATE: The city schools (and my office) are open–but transit is dicey and non-essential travels around the city aren’t in the cards this morning. I’m going straight to work and rescheduling the consular appointment. I think that Grandma would approve!]
Mazel tov on the third anniversary.
Grandmothers are rather special, aren’t they? Yours is obviously a continuing influence. May it always be so.
Thank you, David.
Great essay…I like how you balanced your reason of resistance/history with practicality. It make it more real. Stay warm!
Thank you, Becca–and I haven’t yet had the chance to congratulate you on your latest in TABLET. Another wonderful, honest piece.
What a beautiful, eloquent essay. So, all these years later, have you come any closer to a genuine peace with the country? It surely is significant that you’re determined to renew your passport.
John, thank you! And the short answer to your question is: yes, I think I have.
Erika — Thank you for sharing this essay from your archive. I am awed by your courage and compassion. And happy anniversary to Quiet Americans! My 21-year-old daughter has just finished reading your book and tells me she cannot let your stories go.
Oh, Shaun–you’ve made my day! Thank you.