“It was as if when they turned their backs on other associations and occupations they disappeared through the door of this house into a world as darkly legendary as the farther shore of the Styx. Yet, once inside, the rest of the world became unreal.”
–My Brother’s Keeper

As a historical novelist and avid reader, it’s not surprising that I chose to dabble in some American literature in the (more positive) spirit of America250 in these dubious trying times. The most unexpected literary gem that caught my eye is Marcia Davenport’s 1954 historical fiction novel, My Brother’s Keeper.

Not only did it surprise me to learn of it via the new 2026 French Folio edition–pocket-sized with its eye-catching use of Hopper’s painting, House by the Railroad–but it’s been around in French since at least 1992. This was the second time in the recent past that I’ve pleasantly found a title that seems to be enjoyed by a Francophone audience while being nearly forgotten in its original American English. While Henry James’s De Grey may be more understandable (partially given his own reservations towards his own work), the case is more puzzling with Davenport’s novel. Not only did the source story get ample media coverage in 1947, but the novel had positive reviews, was a Book of the Month club selection, and was later reprinted as a 1956 Cardinal paperback (with a cover painting by Tom Dunn). Apparently it was also meant to have a film interpretation, and while that has yet to happen, it could be a great project in the right hands–and since understanding of the disorder in question has since vastly improved.

Inspired by the true tragic story of the Collyer brothers, My Brother’s Keeper follows two wealthy brothers who strangely became hoarding recluses in turn of the century NYC. Captivated by this case that I hadn’t heard about, my search soon revealed that the novel is oddly out of print, which made me even happier to find a bargain vintage copy. 

It was well worth it, as it made for a hauntingly moving historical fiction that testifies to the author’s gifted storytelling. Romanticized as some aspect of the story may be, it paints a plausible picture that makes historical fiction so viscerally compelling when done so skillfully and perceptively.  

Likewise, the fragile state of the book I acquired mirrored aspects of the story itself, as I did my best to handle it so as to limit loosening or tearing pages (though a few did anyway). It only added to the peculiar experience of reading this memorable sought-after story. Also, though it was my first read by the author, I realized that I’d seen the film based on her ‘Valley of Decision’ (starring handsome Gregory Peck), so that I’d been at least a bit familiar with some of her other work.

While my list of other America250 reads is still growing, this title is surely my top pick, if only for its uniqueness and unjustly forgotten state. And until it gets an overdue English rerelease, I’ll always love seeing titles being enjoyed in translation, too. 🙂

And on a fittingly musical note: the haunting mood of this track just fits it too perfectly!