There is a song on my album called ‘Fante’s Last Stand’. It was inspired by an article I read on John Fante writing his final book. Somehow this song made its way to Malibu, California, and a couple of weeks ago I received a lovely message from Victoria Fante, daughter of John.
Victoria said she heard the song, and enjoyed it very much. She also said she would be making her first trip to Scotland soon, and would like to take me to lunch in Edinburgh to thank me personally for writing it. Of course I agreed, and at 3pm on Wednesday 25th of August we met.
I found it a little surreal, in a good way, and I didn’t know what to expect, but a warmer lady you could not wish to meet. Over a BLT and coke she told me many tales of her father. About his favourite authors, his ways, encounters with famous fans and the perils of Hollywood book optioning. I left lunch with a gift; a copy of ‘The Brotherhood of the Grape’ with a lovely message inside. My only complaint is that the lunch was all too brief.
It still surprises me how music can travel these days. If this had been the only thing that came of the album, it would have been more than enough. So, if you have just finished your last book and you’re looking for something to read - try ‘Ask the Dust’ or ‘Wait Until Spring Bandini’. You won’t regret it.
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