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Historical Fictions
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While I thank Patrick Anderson for some of his remarks on Sammy's House (Book World, Style, July 2), I must correct his mistaken assertion that any part of my new novel "can only be read as an angry, down-and-dirty roman à clef in which President Wye and Vice President Gary stand in for President Clinton and Vice President Gore." It would be difficult for this to be less true. In actuality, Sammy's House can and should be read as an entirely fictional comedy set in a fascinating political world.
Take it from me, I really love making things up, which is why I write fiction for a living. I'd rather give myself a thousand paper cuts than write a thinly veiled roman à clef. For this reason, what I've actually done -- despite Mr. Anderson's faulty characterization -- is much more creatively interesting to me: I've written a novel.
To be clear, President Clinton was never the model for my fictional President Wye. And my first lady is certainly not based on Senator Clinton. To suggest otherwise is insulting to them and disappointing to me. I have tremendous respect for both President and Senator Clinton and would never write about them in the way your review alleges.
In terms of real-life examples of scandal and corruption, there are plenty throughout history -- including contemporary history -- from which to choose, but I relish inventing my own. And on the evidence of Mr. Anderson's review, he enjoys writing a fun bit of fiction as much as I do.
Kristin Gore
Los Angeles
Evan Thomas's review of Partners in Command by Mark Perry (Book World, June 17) recalls a great quip in 1951, prompted by Douglas MacArthur's famous address to Congress. A day or two after Rep. Dewey Short proclaimed, "We heard God speak here today," a member of the Washington press corps observed that MacArthur was late to an event because they had trouble getting him unnailed from the cross.
On the issue of relative rank, which arises in Evans's review of Stanley Weintraub's 15 Stars, there were four, not three "five-star generals of World War II." Evans mentions MacArthur, Dwight D. Eisenhower and George C. Marshall, but he overlooks Henry "Hap" Arnold, although the air force at that time was still part of the army.
E. R. LEWIS
Washington, D.C.
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