The two memoirs I WAS LOOKING FOR A STREET and SOMETHING
ABOUT A SOLDIER are two of my favorite Willefords. Like Bill,
I have always regretted that he did not leave a similar book
that covered the World War II years.
STREET was a real surprise to me as I collect hobo books
(such as Jim Tully's BEGGARS OF LIFE) and I ordered it
because of the author and without any idea that he had spent
part of his boyhood on the road and rails.
SOLDIER resonated even more with me as I spent some time in
the Army including a year in Vietnam. While there are
differences, it has always fascinated me that no matter what
era covered there are tremendous similarities in military
life. I absolutely agree that it is a good companion work to
James Jones' FROM HERE TO ETERNITY, another book that has the
true feel of life in a barracks. Living in close quarters.
pulling duty, outsmarting the officers and sergeants,
escaping off base for a bit of release---these are things
that probably have not changed since the days of the Roman
Legions. Willeford captures that life perfectly.
When I pulled down my copy of SOLDIER, I found the one letter
I had from Charles Willeford dated 15 January 1987. I had
written him after reading MIAMI BLUES to tell him how much I
enjoyed it. He full of plans and noted that after writing for
40 years he might be becoming "an overnight success." Here
was a guy clearly enjoying life and I wish he had had a few
more years.
At the end, he invited me to call him if I ever got to Miami
and we'd have a drink. I really meant to do that and regret
very much that I didn't manage the trip in time.
Richard Moore
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