Lee Israel’s career in literary crimes included forging signed letters by people like Dorothy Parker and Noel Coward for resale to dealers and collectors. Her new memoir is Can You Ever Forgive Me?
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Lee Israel
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Comments [7]
Leonard, as a journalist and interviewer I learn something from you every time I listen. And I've always vowed not to make a negative comment my first and only correspondence. But, I guys I should written my positive note sooner because this interview really left me sickened. Israel's attitude and arrogance were her fault, but the fact that you basically treated as a charming, rascal shocked me. What about the people who finally got stuck with the forgeries? And this idea of paying her rent? Really?
I found this interview to be very distasteful. I kept waiting for some sense of remorse to come from Ms. Israel or for Mr.Lopate to hold her feet to the fire for her crimes, but that never happened. The interview seemed to underplay and almost glorify the crimes Ms. Israel committed. There were victims to these crimes. Why are we celebrating this woman on the air? I wonder if a young urban youth caught for writing hot checks would get the same treatment on air.
How about having other criminals on your Show? Bernie Madoff, George Bush, Son of Sam, the Unabomber, the amazing wealth of financial crimes specialists. Sigh...
What an example/motto for kids -- "Go ahead and do it if you can get away it!" Why didn't she just go and rob some banks? What arrogance! Ptuey!
Lee Israel sounds terrific! OK, I wouldn't want to be stuck with a forged letter, but what a personality!
And after all, there was that guy who faked being an airline pilot, kited checks up the wazoo, and is now a big time FBI consultant!
I keep hearing this woman interviewed on NPR ... I believe she was on Brian Lehrer and Terry Gross. Why is NPR so interested in her, and so committed to rewarding her for her crimes?
It might be easier to forgive Ms. Israel if she showed any remorse for, rather than pride in, what she did. She instead attempts to rationalize it and indict others. It is ironic that she is now capitalizing on her crimes, aided by programs such as this one.
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