The New York Times reports the death of the German-American memoirist Peter Viertel at the age of 86. On this occasion it is worth remembering his mother – Salka Viertel – whose contribution to German literature, film and music has never been acknowledged. Through her generosity and courage, Salka helped so many writers, composers, and film directors survive a difficult exile in America. The list of those she personally helped include the greatest names of the 20th century German and Austrian culture: Brecht, Mann (Heinrich and Thomas), Eisler, Alfred Döblin, Schoenberg and so many more. Peter grew up in Santa Monica with these luminaries at the dinner table. And that is what launched his later career.
Read my review of Salka Viertel’s autobiography, The Kindness of Strangers.
