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Awkward Night Out With J.D. Salinger, Circa 1952
By
Jen Carlson
Published Feb 7, 2011
Modified Feb 7, 2011
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By
Jen Carlson
Published Feb 7, 2011
Modified Feb 7, 2011
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Following the death of J.D. Salinger, stories about encounters with the author began to surface, putting him back in the public eye he had tried to escape. Notoriously reclusive, these stories of Salinger earlier in life—attending parties, going on dates—are intriguing, and The Paris Review has just published the latest.
The story takes place in New York City, during the winter of 1952. The man telling it, Blair Fuller, attended a cocktail party at his parents' house on 38th Street. Salinger was there, made some moves on Fuller's younger (married) sister, and eventually took her, her husband, and Fuller back to his own place—a brownstone further uptown—for more drinks in a more private setting.
Upon his guests somewhat abrupt departure later that night, however, Salinger allegedly chased their cab down the street, yelling: “No, no. Please don’t go. Please stay and have another drink. Don’t go now. Stop. Please come back!” Could this have been the beginning of his life as a recluse? After all, there is no rejection when you don't let anyone in. Way to go, Fuller.
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Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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