This morning I read (again in The New York Times) that Herman Rosenblat's Holocaust story may now be published as fiction, this coming spring.

    An independent book publisher based in Westchester County, New York—York House Press—is in discussions with Rosenblat about releasing his book as fiction.

    On this publisher's website is a rather eloquent statement that shares their thoughts on the matter.

    It says, in part:

    "York House Press is in serious discussion to publish a work of fiction in early spring that is based on the screenplay, tentatively called Flower at The Fence, about Herman Rosenblat’s life and love story, that is grounded in fact and that rises to the proper levels of artistic value, ethical conduct and social responsibility."

    To read their full explanation and statement on their site, click here.  

    Smart move? To my mind, yes--published as fiction. It makes what is an apparently compelling narrative available but clearly lays out what is what.

    No one is denying that Mr. Rosenblat suffered a terrible fate and had huge injustices done to him. His concentration-camp imprisonment has been verified by historical records. One's heart goes out to him and his family. 

    But people simply want to know what is truth and what is not, and what they can believe.

    We'll stick with this story, follow its ever-winding threads, and report back.