I just saw in Bookmarks magazine where Michael Chabon has another new book coming out
?! I haven’t even read about the Yiddish policeman yet. The magazine said August of this year, but Amazon has it listed for October.
I’ve been told that the new book is a collection of short stories he’s done and has not been a hit with reviewers and pre-release folks. But I reserve the right to make that call myself and am looking forward to it!
Hearing all this talk of the new Chabon release makes me a little sad…
A year ago, I would have been thrilled and no doubt attended his book signing. He’s been my favorite author since I first read his debut novel THE MYSTERIES OF PITTSBURGH back in the early 90s.
But I can no longer support the work of an author who has no regard for the story and characters that put him on the literary map.
In case you haven’t heard, there’s a film version of MOP coming out later this year… Written and directed by the guy who brought us DODGEBALL, in which he’s CHANGED 85% of Chabon’s original story.
And the sad part is… Michael Chabon himself APPROVED of the script! WHY would he do this? I can only think of one possible answer: $$
If you are a Chabon fan, esp MOP, I suggest you do NOT see this movie. You will be sadly disappointed at the COMPLETE removal of the gay character, Arthur Lecomte, and the fabrication of a romantic love triangle between Art Bechstein, Jane Bellwether, and a bi-sexual Cleveland Arning. And really, what is MOP without the presence of Phlox Lombardi? Alas, she’s barely in it.
For a copy of the script email: bechstein[at]yahoo[dot]com
That is sad… I can only imagine how complicated all the “rights” and permissions junk can get.
I would be interested to hear Chabon’s take on the new script and omissions. I hadn’t heard about any of this.
Thanks for the tip and info!