tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3458341.post6182230178496496673..comments2024-01-06T10:36:04.084-05:00Comments on A Commonplace Blog: A letter from NachmanD. G. Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10659136455045567825noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3458341.post-13877124412905902262011-03-18T14:52:47.881-04:002011-03-18T14:52:47.881-04:00Yes, there are many things I could say about Burnt...Yes, there are many things I could say about Burnt Books, but I'm writing today, not to give a review or express an opinion, but to respond in kind to Jonathan Rosen's remarks. The foundation and connecting narrative of the book is reincarnation, the kabbalah and gilgul, with a thoughtful and detailed inquiry to the possibility if the minds of Kafka and Nachman melded. In the tradition of examining Kafka, Rodger Kamenetz also includes dialogue about messages sent but not received; messengers who wait; doors before the law that are never opened but are open. Jonathan Rosen edited the book. In this context I find myself wondering why Rosen wrote, even if it was jokingly, that he received a message/book review from Nachman, had it "typed and am sending it more as a curiosity... his private opinion is that the letter was written by Kafka pretending to be Nachman, and he could kick himself now for not saving the original handwritten copy. I could have made a fortune at Sotheby’ …” <br /><br />Because many have said that "everything has a reason" and Rosen embraces transmigration and the melding of minds, I must admit that my curiosity is indeed piqued; what is the reason for suggesting I wrote the above letter? Is Rosen subconsciously or at this point, consciously, searching for me? Is he baiting me to fly free to the open air and defend myself from the charge of forging Nachman's name? I must ask, what is the reasoning for thinking I would step forward now, but not earlier- if indeed he believes I am here in the now and reading reviews? Even though one cannot step into the same river twice ( truth be told it's actually the same river different foot), yes, I admit it: you have found me: I am very much alive and breathing, and to borrow a song from Longfellow- the proverbial arrow shot into the air was found, pondered and is now being answered, or at least in part; and if I am slow to answer it's because I carefully choose why if not when, who but not how.<br /> <br />Why am I stepping forward now, but not earlier? - surely that question must come to mind? Dear Mr. Rosen, now that I've read some of your work and very much like it and know you if only through the prism of those words, I would like at this time to assure you I did not pen or transmit in any way any letter to you, or specifically write the above letter signed Nachman of Bratslav. Sorry Jonathan, (if I may call you Jonathan), and too bad about the Sotheby's though, I do appreciate the value of art! As for coming forward now, but not earlier, I confess it is the timing coupled with the utilitarian lack of knowing you; and I've been waiting for the trials in Israel. In lieu of the boxes being released that were held by Max and the Hoffe sisters, the debate as to who can buy what and why, we should discuss in advance what the contents of these boxes will reveal. I would very much enjoy meeting you, we can share stories and talk about the many doors that are open but not used, the messages sent but not heard, what's buried but not lost! Talk to you soon. Let's do lunch. Sincerely, and with Best Regards, Franz Kafkaclaves curiaehttp://carolhardick.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.com