For about 18 months in the late 1970s James Wright and Leslie Marmon Silko exchanged letters that shifted from formal expressions of admiration to warm, personal, often tender missives. The two writers discuss their writing, encourage each other, and share how the events in their personal life influence their work. Wright’s widow compiled the letters in the slender volume The Delicacy and Strength of Lace, a book that is close to perfect as I can imagine.
While in Belgium, Wright purchased lace to send to Silko for her birthday, hence the title. From the thinnest of threads, as with knitted lace, the lace maker creates something both beautiful and useful. Just think how rich our world is when we have that combination–beauty and usefulness–in our lives.
I highly recommend this book, whether you’re interested in writing or not. I felt suspended as I read it, as though I was given a precious gift of a peek into the lives of two brilliant, kind people navigating a friendship that was bigger than they were. Just as I feel I’ve been given a gift as I knit Swallowtail. It’s a delightful pattern, and the cheerful Sunsilk is exactly right for banishing knitting ennui.
I just started reading that book–it is really lovely.
That yellow is so beautiful!
I finished it the other day…It’s a beatiful and fascinating read…Thanks for recommending:)
I am SO going to have to read that now! Also, I love yellow. I love it so much and I can’t wear it. It’s tragic.
I may have to check that book out! Sounds like a good read.
What a lovely shade of Sunsilk. It will make a gorgeous Swallowtail.
Swallowtail seems like a truly appealing pattern, I have to check it out!!
The book looks intriguing, and the lace looks absolutely gorgeous!
Did you get my reply to your mail? Meant to ask you sooner but have been so busy! 🙂
After reading your post I had a powerful craving to get the book. Thanks for the recommendation. I wanted to find a good summer read.
thanks for the reading tip!
I have been stalking Swallowtail on Ravelry. Beautiful yarn!
Ooh… I had not heard of this book. I’ll definitely check it out. I had the pleasure of meeting Leslie during my MFA program and she’s so encouraging. Thanks for posting about it.