At the End of a Dirt Road (lrb.co.uk)

I think it's understandable why someone would want to turn away from the public eye, though that eye is quite a different thing now than it was back then. For some, the inquiries of others, their well-wishing, demands to know how you're doing or to spend time, to attend this or that event, etc, are experienced as impositions.

Coincidentally, the other day I was reading about the life of Lou Reed, another cultural who left a legacy much smaller than could have been the case given his stature. I think we should accept that some people just live life on their own terms, and when it comes to their legacy, are fine with letting the chips fall where they may. After all, one can't enjoy one's legacy anyway.

> ‘A writer’s face,’ he said, ‘should never be known.’

I think it's a good principle.

Nor should they ever attend a book festival. Or go on a book tour.