Books
“I hate people.”
Michael from Bailey/Coy books just called to ask if I’d read this recounting of an interview with Maurice Sendak. It’s funny and sad and sweet and bitter, just like…well, just like Maurice Sendak.
He talks about all his many hates (including Salman Rushdie, an uncle of his, and, apparently, himself) and his sexuality.
Was there anything he had never been asked? He paused for a few moments and answered, “Well, that I’m gay.”“I just didn’t think it was anybody’s business,” Mr. Sendak added. He lived with Eugene Glynn, a psychoanalyst, for 50 years before Dr. Glynn’s death in May 2007. He never told his parents: “All I wanted was to be straight so my parents could be happy. They never, never, never knew.”
It’s a wonderful interview, and you should read it. Many thanks to Michael for letting me know about it.
Comments (10)
But does he hate pit bulls?
Posted by chicagogaydude | September 10, 2008 1:10 PMTo never tell your parents (and never know for sure what their reaction will be) is one of the saddest things you can do to yourself... sure you might avoid heartache, but you'll never know if you could have had true parental acceptance either.
Posted by UNPAID BLOGGER | September 10, 2008 1:19 PMHuh, I didn't know it was a secret.
Twenty years ago I read a coffee-table book that covered his work to date, and it seemed obvious that he was gay gay gay. On the other hand, good thing it didn't get out before that "Night Kitchen" naked little boy controversy.
Posted by Tiktok | September 10, 2008 1:27 PMIs this really his first public disclosure, at age 80? That's quite a remarkable comming-out story.
Posted by David Wright | September 10, 2008 1:36 PMNobody can love you if you don't love yourself.
Posted by Vince | September 10, 2008 1:37 PMSaw him speak in person @ Brown University in 1990 or so. What a great man.
Posted by Just Sayin' | September 10, 2008 2:05 PMCowardice is such a tragic state of mind.
Posted by Sargon Bighorn | September 10, 2008 2:23 PMWhere the Wild Things Are is all about circuit parties.
Posted by NapoleonXIV | September 10, 2008 2:24 PMFantastic. Made me cry, thanks for posting it.
Posted by wench | September 10, 2008 4:24 PMI want to go to New York and give him a hug. I grew up reading Where the Wild Things Are at least once a week until, like, last week.
Posted by Lee Gibson | September 10, 2008 6:33 PMComments Closed
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