I, John Kennedy Toole by Kent Carroll & Jodee Blanco

Author:Kent Carroll & Jodee Blanco
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Pegasus Books
Published: 2020-05-05T00:00:00+00:00

* * *

Kenny had never felt courted before. He’d romanced only two people in his life, Ellen and Ginny. He realized that it would be prudent to maintain perspective and, like his uncle Arthur always counseled him, never believe anything until the money’s in the bank, but Kenny couldn’t help but be excited. He’d passed the first test. He’d awakened the interest of a top editor. Surely, he told himself, it would be easier from here.

Kenny didn’t change the date for his New York trip to accommodate the editor’s schedule. His mother had counseled him not to appear too eager, so he’d heeded her advice, choosing not to alter his plans, and missed seeing Mr. Gottlieb. Years later, Kenny would curse himself for his stupidity. He did, however, speak to Ellen. He was surprised when she answered the phone, as he wasn’t certain the number was active anymore. It had been five years since he’d seen her. She’d written him one letter, saying she missed him and that her parents had been asking about him. When Kenny heard her voice again, he felt like a nervous schoolboy. He talked about his life since Columbia, his teaching at Dominican, and his novel. He didn’t say anything about Simon & Schuster. She told him of her new job working as a journalist at the New York Times. She said that her family had reluctantly accepted her desire to become a writer. Her father had been appeased by such a prestigious paper, and while he lamented her aversion to becoming a doctor and continuing his legacy, he’d come to terms with her decision. Kenny told her that he was going to be in the city later that month and asked if she’d join him for dinner.

The days passed quickly and soon Kenny was disembarking from his flight to New York. This time he could afford a modest hotel in Chelsea. On the cab ride from the airport, he thought about his long-ago sojourn to New York City with his friends from Tulane. Kenny guarded those memories, as his time at Columbia had soured him on New York, and he was hoping that this trip would reawaken his love for the place.

When Kenny arrived at his hotel, he was already fantasizing about what life would be like as a revered author. The letters, tucked neatly in his suitcase, were reassuring reminders that his destiny was finally within reach.

A few days after he received the initial overture from Mr. Gottlieb’s assistant, he got a letter from the man himself, saying that he was sorry they’d miss each other in New York. Then the editor offered his appraisal of the manuscript. Kenny had read that part of the letter so many times, he’d memorized it:

“It seems to me that I understand the problem—the major problem—involved, but think that the conclusion can solve it. More is required, though. Not only do the various threads need resolving; they can always be tied together conveniently. What must happen is

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