In the late 1980s, Ed McBain got a sore throat, not unusual except his then lasted on-and-off for the next ten years... Doctor after doctor attempted to treat his condition, but it got neither better nor worse and eventually became a source of some amusement to the author. However a few years ago - during another routine check-up - the news came back that this time it was cancer. And not only that, but the only course of action would be to remove Ed's larynx in its entirety - amongst other things robbing him of his voice. This is the story of Ed's experiences during those dark days and his recovery afterwards. It's a tale told with sadness, regret and stunning good humour. And in the end it is a story of eventual success and happiness. But the journey to get there is littered with triumph and tragedy...
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"An extraordinary book, a desperately frank account." (EVENING STANDARD, 6 Feb )
About the Author
Evan Hunter was born in New York City in 1926. He is widely recognised as one of America's most popular novelists, as well as a successful writer for television and cinema whose credits include the screenplay for Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds. As Ed McBain, Evan has become one of the most illustrious names in crime fiction. He is a holder of the Mystery Writers of America's coveted Grand Master Award. He now lives in Norwalk, Connecticut.
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13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I just heard that last Wednesday, July 6, Evan lost the struggle with larynx cancer that he chronicles so magnificently-so harrowingly, so tenderly, so honestly-in this book. I've been reading his books-both the McBain and Hunter titles, as well as the others-for 35 years, and I became personally acquainted with Evan 20 years ago, although in recent years our contact had become less frequent. Based on this experience, I say without reservation that LET'S TALK is a marvel-the undisputed master of fiction does his best work ever while writing nonfiction.
The emotional core of the book, however, belongs to Dragica, Evan's wife, the love he waited nearly his whole life to find. Two scenes that I'll never forget come from her, and they're exquisite examples of showing, not telling, through writing. The first takes place at home in Evan's office after the surgery that removed his larynx. He's sitting alone, watching a tape of the wonderful special about him that the BBC did in the 1980s. He's looking at himself being interviewed, using a voice he'll never have again, sitting in silence, when Dragica comes to him, kneels at his feet, puts her head in his lap, and begins weeping quietly while he strokes her hair. The second occurs in a doctor's office where Evan and Dragica are waiting to be seen. Dragica notices another couple, there for the same reason, and she's struck by the contrast between them: Evan's illness has brought her closer-so much closer-to her husband, while the other couple is sitting turned away from each other, eyes vacant, faces hard, a wall of pain and silence between them. Powerful.
After being shopped around for so long, I'm very grateful that this book finally found a publisher. I hope that some American publisher takes a page from Orion and gives Evan's U.S.
... Read more ›3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By Kevan James
Format:Hardcover
This is NOT an easy read. If you know McBain's work (and also Hunter's work to some degree), you'll know that he is able to mix the light and dark very effectively - come on, the man writes about murder, where's the humour in that: but read the 87th Precinct novel and there's humour aplenty, despite the oftimes grisly goings-on. "Let's Talk" still has humour despite the sadness of the tale ("Darth Vader!!") - but you will weep (at some point, I'm sure you will), especially if you've experienced a loved one with a serious illness such as this.
The book works well, told from the dual perspective of McBain and his wife, and their obvious love for each other shines through on every page and makes you even more aware of how sad the situation was. At the close, McBain (or Hunter, take your choice) says he wants to live to 93: his wife says, "Why not 103". I second that, Ed/Evan - thanks for the smiles over the years, please keep it up!
By R. Cantliffe
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
A very gripping tale, from a great author. I too have had this cancer, so was very interested to read Ed McBain`s story. It is a very moving tale of the author`s battle with a horrible cancer, of his surgery and struggle without a voice. I found it very compelling, and could not put the book down, as Ed told his story. I wanted to know how Ed had coped with his cancer, and this moving story described it very well.
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