This is not just a breakup between Norman and Adele. It is a breakup between anyone who has respect for a standard of decency (you and me, for instance) and the great men and women of letters who condone Norman Mailer and his behavior. I’m resentful. Adele was bitter, too, claiming, “The poorer I get, and he prospers, it just sharpens my anger. The contrast is enormously painful.” Which is how Norman dismissed Adele later, when she told her side of the story, as though she were a completely unreasonable harridan, who just wouldn’t be happy for him. Well, she and all of us can be bitter
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