by Russell Banks Death, Obituary – Yesterday, a man who was like a brother to me and will be greatly missed, Russell Banks, passed away. I felt the deepest levels of affection and respect for him! Right now, I want Chase and his amazing family to know that my thoughts and prayers are with them. This is my method of showing respect and admiration for him. When it comes to appropriately describing the brilliance of my loving brother, Russell Banks, I am at a loss for words! He is one of the last literary giants who brought together the huge traditions of Herman Melville and Mark Twain, the massive epic reach, and the subtle humorous freeplay of modern American successes.
He is considered to be one of the greatest American writers of all time. It is generally agreed upon that he is one of the best authors who ever lived. During our time spent living in Princeton, where he was my next-door neighbor and I was a fellow cognac drinker, we were able to openly discuss our feelings for one another, as well as for literature, politics, our cherished wives, and our families. His formative years were spent in the working class of New England; he received his education at Chapel Hill University in North Carolina; he spent time in Jamaica;
and he also spent time in literary New York City, among a great number of other experiences that have helped him become both cosmopolitan and local in ways that are singular and unique. His formative years were spent in the working class of New England; his education was received at Chapel Hill University in North Carolina; he spent time in Jamaica; and he also spent It should come as no surprise that Cloudsplitter, his massive masterpiece about the enigmatic John Brown, will endure the passage of time (as Hemingway and Baldwin would put it). I just wanted to let you know, Brother Russell, that you will be in my thoughts forever, and that I will always adore you. Cornel Eastman West was the man.
