We all live with family ties. Some are brighter than others. Some we wish we could sever.
Yesterday I had opportunity to read through some letters of distant relatives — letters I had been asked to examine.
These letters were from 8 decades ago. They include daily occurrences, funny reminiscences and forthright discussions. One is a very business like letter, talking of interest, and partnership, and inventory, and disbursements, and picky details.
The characters begin to shine through as you shuffle through the correspondence. This is the stuff of novels. Or, should I say, fiction is best based on real characters. A son who needs money while at school. A mother is worn out. A father has a business that would be more profitable if all outstanding accounts were brought in. Relatives with an innocent religion are seeking to inspire their relation..
As any archivis will tell you, you are peeking in the window. As you work through history, there is a fine balance between salacious journalism and honest retelling. A detail that appears at first scandalous, when placed in context, is quite understandable.
I’m looking forward to more time with this family — although most are dead, their stories are very much alive!!
Is this about ron baker?