Random Thoughts

The rediscovery of Henry Roth’s novel “Call It Sleep” in 1956 – 22 years after its publication – brought the author some renewed fame but not much instant money.

As several Jewish scholars began to speak out about the book’s literary importance, they also learned that Roth and his wife were fairly content living anonymous lives in rural Maine.

Muriel Roth, Henry’s jealous wife, was opposed to “Call It Sleep” going back into print because the young author had dedicated it to his lover and chief supporter at the time he wrote it, poet Eda Lou Walton!

Moreover, thinking that his brief literary ca...