Fall of J.D. Salinger
Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
Is J.D. Salinger over-exposure possible? Based on the late author’s reclusive life and limited output you would think not, but this fall might convince you otherwise.
On September 6 Shane Salerno’s much anticipated and highly secretive bio-pic, “Salinger,” will hit theaters. It will be accompanied by a book, also by Salerno along with David Shields, and also titled “Salinger,” that will hit shelves September 3.
And to top it off, the Morgan Library and Museum will be exhibiting nine letters written by Salinger to Canadian writer Marjorie Sheard, from between 1941 and 1943. That show opens September 10.
Will this onslaught of Salengeriana answer any questions about why the author stopped writing and made such a complete retreat from public life? And if it does, will that ruin the mystique of the man beloved for books like “Franny and Zooey” and “The Catcher in the Rye”? Is it possible to have it both ways? Well, in a couple of weeks we’ll know.
Watch the trailer for ‘Salinger’:
Did you know that only 2% of Forward readers donate to support our nonprofit newsroom? That 2% make it possible for millions to read the Forward without a paywall or subscription — removing any barriers to the full and fair Jewish story.
But while the Forward is free to read, it isn’t free to produce. Big stories — like deep dives into the antisemitism data, political scoops or reporting trips to college campuses — take months of research and fact-checking. All while we keep you informed of what you need to know each day.
— Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Forward Publisher & CEO
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
