“Jacob’s Folly” comes out tomorrow
March 4th, 2013 | 
Author: I am nervous. It seems so strange to have this story, which has been twisting around inside me for years, belonging to strangers now. That’s the beauty of it I suppose. Publishing is a balm to the loneliness of the writer.
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Won’t the real balm be good reviews? All the early press seems to bode well. I’m really looking forward to reading beyond the initial excerpt. Some of the themes and ideas resonate for me. Secular myself, I know the Orthodox Jewish community pretty well, and my interest is 18th century lit. I hope you included Emily Dickinson’s poem, “I Heard a Fly Buzz When I Died!” Good luck to you indeed.
I manage a book store and am fired up to buy Jacob’s Folly tomorrow morning. I’m sure I’ll be up reading all night tomorrow night. We’ll be enthusiastically handselling it over at my place.
I recognize the feeling you describe. All writers, I suppose, end up as the eventual property of strangers; the book we write is never quite the same book anyone else reads. Never the less, I suspect this one will do well, from everything I’ve heard — I ordered my copy today and it;s meant to be here on Thursday; this stranger, at least, will handle the book with care.
Kind of like birthin’ a baby, ain’t it? Writing a book, making a painting — any artistic creation you’ve bled over in the privacy of your study or studio has already accomplished part one of its mission. Part two isn’t mandatory, but it does complete the ego circle to put it out into the world, and perhaps finishes the mission from simply touching your own soul in its creation to touching the souls of others. Jacob’s Folly, I predict, will touch souls and resonate. Nice to see you again at the bookstore after 30 years. Brought back Norfolk memories. (Wish I’d thought to get a copy of JF signed…) Best to you.
I heard you interviewed on NPR. I was immediately interested because you seem very ‘down to earth’ while surrounded by amazing creativity. I went to the library to find what you have written and came home with “The Private Lives of Pippa Lee’ to start with. I can’t put it down. I can’t get anything done around the house, gym, etc.! I don’t think of myself as easily impressed but I am: with your work, your heritage, your life. What amazing serendipity to have found you. Rock on!
Your book will do fine, Rebecca. Your gift of sharing it is our delight while reading something exquisite. I’ve managed independent bookstores, trade and college, for many years and I’m happy to see that you are touring fine independent bookstores. The folks that work in these stores are supporting you and your work. Believe me, it is a passion for passing on fine ideas and not the salary that keeps some of us going! Have your agent check out college bookstores,too. There are some very good ones in the U.S. and Canada that would love to have you come and talk about your work (and sell your books). You can e-mail me off-line if you need ideas of the great ones (although I bet you are already familiar with the gems). I can’t wait to read your latest; if it is anything like your other work, we are in for a grand treat. Best of luck-Julie B
As an English teacher, I constantly read young adult novels and popular fiction. As a true lovers of words as they collect on the page, and a person who can be transformed by them, I often feel like I never read a truly original story. Not so with Jacob’s Folly. I heard about it on NPR last week and rushed to download it, only to find I had to pre-order it instead. I am now 3/4 of the way finished, and I am hooked on this Kafka-esque interweaving of the most unlikely characters that transcends time in so many ways. I will devour it, recommend it, and sing its praises.