Thanks for including my stories in this terrific piece, Helen. For me, the jury’s still out on whether it’s possible to separate the artist from the Art. A lot depends on how egregious the artist’s behavior is. And the passage of time.

I didn’t know Hemingway, so it’s possible for me to read “A Farewell to Arms” without having to think about what a jerk he could be. But Bill Cosby? When the Huxtables are on, I can’t help but think about all those women he raped while pretending to be America’s Dad.

Isaac Bashevis Singer told Dick Cavett once he didn’t want to meet any famous writers. Cavett said, “If Tolstoy was standing across the street, you wouldn’t go over and say hello?”

“If Tolstoy was across the street I would say hello,” Singer answered. “But I wouldn’t go to Flushing!”

I’m guessing he wouldn’t pay $70 shekels a month for Hulu either!