I am reading a Truman Capote book that I never knew existed. It was recommended by a friend, who is reading it in Russian ! It bought my copy, a used book, on Amazon, but from an independent dealer. The cover is very interesting. Firstly,
it is a discarded book from the Jacksonville Episcopal High School library. I thought that in its self was interesting. Then, the one side of the cover is in English, while the other side is in Russian. This fascinates me. The book is"The Muses are Heard"
, an account of Capotes's trip to Russia with the road show of Porgy and Bess. This would be a first at the time ,in diplomatic relations . An American troupe of "Negro" performers, with a few Caucasians thrown in to make arrangements, meet with
officials,prepare for the performance and in general, baby sit the theatrical troupe. . There seems to be a Russian expression that translates into, " when the cannons are quiet, the muses are heard". That is so Russian. The report that Capote
was doing made me remember when my Mother traveled to Russia in the late 60's, to visit what was left of her family. Her two sisters ,a niece, and their families survived the war. They were among the first refusnics to immigrate to Israel. They were
not happy there and went on to Belgium, where the family still is. While she was visiting them, her stay in a hotel was just as Capote wrote. A Matron on every floor. Keys returned every time you left your room.She was asked to bring blue jeans and stockings,
as gifts. My mother, was a very aristocratic looking woman. She dressed well and carried herself with unearned importance. She was stopped on the street one day by a stranger who asked "Juden". i thought that pretty scary. Our telephone was bugged
while my Mother was in Russia. That was scary , also. I will finish this with a question. I love caviar. You know what she brought me back? A set of Russian dolls. I can't let this go. Russian dolls !