About This Book
With nothing in common except their mutual destitution, JARED OTKAR, a failed antiques dealer, and NORRIS ROSENBERG, a neurotic, eccentric yet aspiring musician, together move into a shed in Central Park. It is the time of the Great Depression and the two eke out a meager living. Rosenberg begins giving violin lessons while Otkar tends to their home and prepares meals, many of which are stolen. As the weather turns cold, ELIZABETH CHENEY, also homeless and alone, joins Otkar and Rosenberg. Elizabeth's presence causes friction between the two men. Otkar slowly falls in love with her as all three remain in the crowded shack during the harsh winter months. As the season wears on, our trio becomes involved with MARY SWEENY and SHERIDAN. Mary hires Rosenberg to teach her husband the violin, and Sheridan, a failed bank president, is saved from a suicide attempt by the kindness of Elizabeth. Author Robert Nathan, tells a poignant tale of humanity and friendship and of the triumph of love and compassion even in dire circumstances.
About the Author: Author of such revered books as PORTRAIT OF JENNIE, THE BISHOP'S WIFE, MR. WHITTLE AND THE MORNING STAR, and STONECLIFF, Robert Nathan was born in New York City in 1894 and was educated at private schools in the United States and Switzerland. While attending Harvard University where he was a classmate with E.E. Cummings, Nathan was an editor of the Harvard Monthly, in which his first stories and poems appeared.
While at Cambridge, Nathan also found the time to become an accomplished cellist, a lightweight boxer, and Captain of the fencing team. After leaving college, Mr. Nathan devoted his time exclusively to writing until his passing in 1985. Early on, Nathan's work strengthened his reputation with both the public and peers. F. Scott Fitzgerald once referred to Robert Nathan as his favorite writer. During this period, the legendary Louis B. Mayer contracted him to Hollywood to become a screenwriter. Nathan ultimately didn't enjoy the experience, though the movie industry continually craved his work. Five of his novels have been made into films.
The aforementioned "Portrait of Jennie" and "The Bishop's Wife," as well as "One More Spring," "Wake Up and Dream" (from the novel "The Enchanted Voyage") and "Color of Evening." Robert Nathan was the author of over fifty volumes of novels, poetry, and plays, and from this body of distinguished work he acquired a reputation as a master of satiric fantasy unique in American Letters. In the twilight of his career he was known as "The Dean of Author's," since many prominent writers including Irving Stone and Irving Wallace sought out Nathan's guidance. A member of the National Institute of Arts and Letters for fifty years, Mr. Nathan called both Cape Cod and California home. Happily, his last fifteen years were spent in the companionship of his wife, English born actress, Anna Lee.
