Jack Russo’s Reviews > In the Absence of Men > Status Update

“My attachments are not to places, nor to ancestry. In fact, my only important ties are to the present, to people. Your affection for me ties me to the world. It is knowing that I am in someone's thoughts that causes me to be.”

“You say: At least you've said something, broken your usual silence. And, as always, when you break your silence it is to say something beautiful. Why don't you talk more often? There are things I need you to say, things that will reassure me, move me, keep me warm through the winters I have to endure in the midst of this summer. But you say nothing, or so little.”

Oh.

“If you should receive news of my death, this is what you should do. Firstly, you will be and will remain very calm. You will hold your nerve, you will not go about the streets howling your despair; your grief shall be calm and dignified.

RODOLPHE WURTZ

Letter from the front, September 1915”

I have a feeling this is about to be an emotional journey…