Thu, 2 Mar 2006
Hi Andrej, I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your story Gold Incense and Myrrh. It's beautiful. I should have guessed from the title. You're very clever! You've done a wonderful job of updating O Henry's "Gift of the Magi." Frankly, I like your long, full, gay version better than Henry's original. With admiration, Tim

Fri, 24 Feb 2006

Dear Andrej, I have just finished reading 'Gold Incense and Myrrh' and enjoyed it very much. Thank you for giving us so much pleasure. I was a bit shocked at the way 'Max' was treated when Diego was killed, but, hey, it happens, especially if no one had any idea they were a couple. As you said, it all turned out well in the end. I wish they could have found Roger, but there is no need for every thread to be tied off, is there? It was a good story none the less. With many hugs Alan

Sat, 3 Dec 2005

Dear Andrej I have just finished read Snot-boy (Second time) and the Fratelli triology. I had meant to write to you saying that you display a real eros for the past. The expression belongs to the theologian Edith Wyschogrod. She talks about an eros for the past and a love for the nameless others that have peopled the slaughter bench of history. Certainly your warmth and sympathy seem to be able to awaken the dead. Do you know Walter Benjamin's theses on history? Especially the motif of the angel of history. I think of that when reading your stories. In the midst of all this praise for your historical imagination, I stopped to read Gold, Incense & Myrrh. It was wonderful. Especially the encounter with Rasim. Such wisdom. I had also meant to say that in the midst of your ability to create such beautiful characters, it is easy to miss the fact that you do a good villain as well. Blade of Snot-boy is very memorable as is the father of Diego in Gold, Incense & Myrrh. Warm regards Gary