Kurt Vonnegut’s Amazing Letter To A Widow

Even years after his death, more evidence of Kurt Vonnegut’s awesomeness continues to surface. Back in 1989, Marianne Brown lost her husband, leaving her alone with three children. A year later, she wrote a letter to Kurt Vonnegut, thanking him for his “books and compassion.” This is what he had to say.

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Kurt Vonnegut's Amazing Letter To A Widow
Josh Fjelstad

In 1989 my husband passed on; I was 36-years-old and left with 3 small children. For some reason I wrote to Kurt Vonnegut and thanked him for his books and his compassion. I did not expect a reply. He must have been a kind man, as he sent this to me within a month of writing to him. I have always wanted to share his kind words. It meant, and still means, so much to me.

Transcript:

Nov. 30 ‘90

Dearest Marianne Brown —

It can’t be said often enough, “It is the woman who pays.” The miracle is that so many can and do somehow. I was in love (still am) with a widow with four kids (two not her own). She somehow raised them all on a teeny weeny salary. I told her one time, “I worry about women.” She said, “Don’t.”

Cheers —

(Signed)

Kurt Vonnegut

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      Kurt Vonnegut is my hero.

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