Autograph letter signed (“Leonard”) to Marianne Ihlen ("My Darling Marianne"), 6 October 1963 [but postmarked Montreal, 8 October 1963].

Two pages, 245 x 190mm, aerogram.

Frustrated with the sales of The Favorite Game and disheartened with the business of writing: “My book was on the Best Seller list in last week’s paper, but my publishers are doing such a lousy job that the book couldn’t be bought in two of the largest bookstores in the city—and no advertising.” Also at work in the realm of screenwriting at Orion Films in Montreal, he reports, “I’m not wild about the work I’m doing on the film but I’m glad to learn something about the technique of cinema.” He continues, “I really want to get to work on my book—or so it looks now. I’m prepared to live with a certain anguish—I never wanted it this way—but I embrace my fate. I allowed myself to hope for too much with my book. I won’t make that mistake again.”

He nonetheless assures her, “Somewhere behind all this is a core of strength and affirmation—don't let me frighten you. I am not in the least afraid, don't you be afraid either. I think of you all the time. Goodbye darling, Leonard.”

By descent from Marianne Ihlen.