To the Editor:

I thoroughly enjoyed “Moe” [February], Joseph Epstein’s tender tale describing the disillusionment of an older man who suffers estrangement from his son and the death of his wife.

Moe Bernstein eventually finds renewal as he establishes a bond with his grandson while teaching him about trying harder, being tougher, and learning how to survive.

I felt a nostalgic twinge also at the mention of the Horwich Jewish Community Center, Devon Avenue, Lincolnwood, Glencoe, Highland Park, West Rogers Park, and St. Francis Hospital as well as the Chicago Cubs, Bears, and Bulls—all landmarks or institutions in my home town.

Congratulations to Mr. Epstein for his heart-warming story.

Elliot Schubert
San Diego, California

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To the Editor:

Being a septuagenarian and almost ten years older than the Moe Bernstein of Joseph Epstein’s story, I not only appreciated its tragicomic elements, . . . I found myself fully empathizing with the main character. . . . In its depiction of character and its irony, “Moe” is at least as good as some of the best of Bernard Malamud. . . .

For a number of years I have read Joseph Epstein’s nonfiction, both in COMMENTARY and the American Scholar. This is the first story of his I have read—what a pleasant surprise.

Sam Bluefarb
Diamond Bar, California