Comments on: Interview: Andrew Vachss, Author

By: Jeffrey S. Frawley

Jeffrey S. Frawley — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 22:55:25 +0000

He’s an intimidating man because he know the truth – and knows it’s important. People who know what he does, and who do nothing about it, must seem a very sorry lot to him. It seems to me that he can’t imagine understanding the rot in society and not acting on it.

By: onebornfree

onebornfree — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 16:42:31 +0000

By far the best “interview” I’ve seen of Mr Vachss. The single-mindedness of purpose displayed by Mr Vachss, comes as no suprise to me. In this regard he reminds me of De Sade, who was likewise motivated regardless of whether or not he got published, even when jailed.

I’ve read everything the man has written, twice so far ["Flood" through "Terminal"], except fot “A Bomb Built in Hell” and the Dark Horse publications, and have to say that for me personally his best works are “none Burke”. The early “Shella” is a masterpiece, as are the “Cross” novellas of “Everybody Pays” , as is “Two Trains Running”. The apolitical “Cross” personas are my favorite Vachss creations by far, with the assassins of Wesley from the Burke series and “Shella”[I forget the name] a close second.

I’m just going to have to seek out the Dark Horse stuff and “A Bomb Built in Hell” and hope that those will tide me over until the next novel [ie post "Terminal"] appears. Thankyou for posting the ” interview”.

By: Lyn Marker

Lyn Marker — Wed, 05 Oct 2005 20:23:07 +0000

What a marvelous experience the interview must have been. As a long time fan of Mr. Vachss, I can only imagine the exhaustion one would experience after a sit-down with him. At a recent book signing in Dayton, OH, I was forced to sit in the back, off the stage, due to my confinement in a wheelchair. After Mr. Vachss had spoken and the signing commenced, my daughter took me to the back of the stage, where, after signing books for those in line, Mr. Vachss gave me about 10 minutes of his time. He signed my book, acknowledged an email I had sent to The Zero, and we discussed the passing of Honey, a faithful and loving companion of his. It was an honor I shall not soon forget. His commitment to his writing, his defense of children, and his dedication to his fans is overwhelming. Perhaps that is the reason that those who know his work are unflagging in their admiration for this man.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Tue, 04 Oct 2005 11:54:47 +0000

I am pleased that I am not alone in feeling so affected by this man. I have been a fan for a long time but meeting him at a book signing in Atlanta in July was exactly what you describe. I went away needing to be quiet and alone for awhile. I remember being irritated and feeling rushed because of the people lined up behind me with their duffle bags full of books to sign because I would have given my right arm for half an hour of his conversation. I think you cannot help but to be changed in some way when you go beyond the books and begin to understand the passion, the mission. I envy you the experience and think that you did him justice. Good work!

By: Trish Lewis

Trish Lewis — Sat, 17 Sep 2005 22:22:36 +0000

An amazing man, and an amazing interview. Anytime I can find out more about Vachss, I do. Thanks for sharing with us…

By: Micheline Hardy

Micheline Hardy — Sat, 17 Sep 2005 20:18:55 +0000

This was a good interview because the author made clear how Vachss’ written work resonated with him personally, and how that impacted the author’s interview. That honesty made *me* want to read Vachss (which I did, by finding some of his short stories at his website, http://www.vachss.com). Also, it made me read the interview very closely. An excellent piece of reporting and opinion, to my mind.

By: zak mucha

zak mucha — Fri, 16 Sep 2005 01:10:45 +0000

This is a wonderful piece of writing in which the journalist is talking to us on a couple different levels, nailing what the interviewer is going through while listening, and he perfectly describes the interview/conversation when Andrew Vachss is a participant. This is one of the best pieces to profile Andrew Vachss because it goes beyond the “noir” descriptions of him and illustratrates the impact he has while sitting across the table.

By: Maria Varecka

Maria Varecka — Thu, 15 Sep 2005 19:02:49 +0000

Andrew Vachss has been my idol for years. I don’t know of anyone else who is as smart, dedicated, honest and compassionate as he is. I smiled when I read your first paragraph – about keeping the experience of seeing and hearing Andrew to yourself. I feel the very same way. Nothing you can say to anyone who hasn’t seen him themselves would not understand.

By: Meghan T.

Meghan T. — Thu, 08 Sep 2005 02:32:00 +0000

Very well-written piece. Reading this, I kept thinking how I would feel interviewing one of my idols. I bet its sure an experience you’ll never forget!