Hortense Calisher Libri

Rupert is an honored American poet; Gemma a retired architect. They live happily and comfortably in a Greenwich Village apartment; the setting, for over thirty years, of their married life. Each with a previous marriage behind them - which left her with two daughters and him with the promise of greatness - they are now facing the challenge of old age together. Both, in their own way, defy the inevitability of death, and yet both are busy preparing for it. The alternating entries of their private journals, which make up the body of Calisher's text, tell a story of familiarity and the fear of loss, love and uncertainty of the future, meanings and habits. With rare verve and panache, Hortense Calisher has confronted a difficult and often neglected subject - and has triumphed magnificently.

The narrative explores the complex legacy of a Jewish family that once owned slaves in the South, intertwining personal history with broader themes of identity and memory. Hortense Calisher, acclaimed for her poignant storytelling, reflects on her family's migration to New York City while grappling with the haunting echoes of their past. This evocative account reveals a seldom-discussed aspect of history, blending personal and collective experiences with sensitivity and depth.

The novel delves into the complexities of a family marked by both strong ties and deep ideological divides. Each member grapples with personal ambitions and secrets: Charles aspires to the Supreme Court, Nell navigates relationships, Erika undergoes transformation, and Zach juggles marriages. Their mother, with a storied past in Israel, struggles with her former wealth. The family's buried history resurfaces when grandson Bert introduces a woman whose past connection to them remains shrouded in mystery, prompting revelations that redefine their identities.