13 Comments
Sep 30, 2022·edited Oct 12, 2022Liked by Sari Botton

One of my favorite human beings! Thank you for interviewing Hilma Wolitzer. Her writing has been such a solace for me. Her latest book is wonderful. I've now read it thrice. I have two copies because I was so excited to read it I accidentally pre-ordered twice. I keep meaning to pass one of my copies along to someone who will appreciate it. When I was young, Hilma's book Hearts came out. It spoke to me on so many levels, many of which I wouldn't understand until years later. Hearts has been packed for many more years than I intended because a series of unfortunate events has delayed my purchase of a new home. That may be changing soon. I hope, I hope. One of the things I look forward to is having Hearts back in my bookcase, ready for me to take down and re-read whenever I need comfort. HIlma is a beautiful writer. It has been a pleasure to meet her on social media and find she is also a beautiful soul. May Hilma celebrate a happy and healthy 100th birthday at her family's insistence. We need her on planet earth for as long as she is happy to be here. ♥️

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Sep 30, 2022Liked by Sari Botton

Back in the years when I worked in book publishing, I was Hilma’s publicist (I think it was the paperback edition of Silver in 1989 or so). I had the pleasure of taking her to lunch at Felidia. So nice to see Hilma here and doing so well after all these years. Glad her family made her celebrate her 90th.

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Sep 30, 2022Liked by Sari Botton

I loved this interview, and am a fan of both Hilma and Meg's writing. My mom used to use the phrase "If wishes were horses..." - thanks for reminding me, Hilma Wolitzer!

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Sep 30, 2022·edited Sep 30, 2022Liked by Sari Botton

To me, Hilma still looks pretty much the same as when I first saw her at Bread Loaf in 1977 and discovered what a great (underrated) writer and teacher she is. (Hopefully she hasn't seen any mice in her room for the last 45 years.) She has a legion of appreciative former students from Columbia and other colleges and writers' conferences, but in addition to her latest work, I would recommend some of her wonderful books from decades ago: In the Flesh (my favorite), In the Palomar Arms, and Hearts. She is a national treasure.

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I haven't read any of Hilma Wolitzer's writings so far. But I will do now! Thank you!

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Sep 30, 2022Liked by Sari Botton

love this so much!

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I hope all your wishes come true! Keep on keeping on. Lovely!

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Oct 2, 2022·edited Oct 2, 2022Liked by Sari Botton

What a delightful interview! I recall meeting your uncle in Tucson many years ago, Hilma, while visiting my parents. He was so proud of you, rightly so; mentioned your name as soon as I admitted to being an aspiring writer. He was 92 then, I believe, had just married a much younger woman (80?) and carried a coffee cup that read, “sex is the best 2 minutes of my day.” A charmer. Age does not define us, clearly. 💕

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I'm so excited to add Today a Woman Went Mad in the Supermarket to my queue. I just cannot wait to start this collection.

I appear to have been living under a rock for a few decades and had never heard of Hilma Wolitzer. I've read her daughter's novels, but not hers. So sad to have missed -- but pleased to be rectifying. Better late than never!

Hilma's answers to the Oldster questionnaire whetted my appetite to know more about her -- and I was shocked and saddened to read of some of her recent losses. What an amazing person.

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