Journalist Tom Leonard probably heard J D Salinger's (pictured) last words to the media, he wrote in the Telegraph last night, after news of the legendary author's death emerged
Journalist Tom Leonard probably heard J D Salinger's (pictured) last words to the media, he wrote in the Telegraph last night, after news of the legendary author's death emerged. The Catcher in the Rye author died of natural causes at his home on Wednesday. He was 91.
Leonard wrote, "Salinger was in the kitchen when I called at his remote farmhouseu00a0 almost exactly a year ago. He had just turned 90 and the question as to whether even his famous reclusiveness might finally have "mellowed with age" had proved irresistible.
"It had not, although his outburst upon seeing me out of the window -- it sounded like "Oh no!" -- was possibly his last remark to the media.
He disappeared from view to be replaced by his wife, who chatted briefly about the weather and my journey before politely informing me that the author's public silence was not about to end now. "
On the web last night, there was an outpouring of sadness, as people related their memories of Catcher in the Rye. Topics such as "Salinger" and "Holden Caufield" were among the most popular on Twitter. CNN's Larry King tweeted that Catcher was his favorite book. Humorist John Hodgman wrote, "I prefer to think J D Salinger has just decided to become extra reclusive."
