Acclaimed American author Don DeLillo, 89, renowned for his profound explorations of post-war American identity, particularly in his seminal work “Underworld” which opens with a vivid 70-page prologue describing a 1951 baseball game, has recently made a surprising move. While DeLillo is celebrated for tackling grand themes, his connection to the world of sports extends to a largely forgotten work now set for a remarkable re-release, casting a new light on a curious chapter in the life of this literary giant.
Almost five decades ago, DeLillo, then in his early career with six published novels but awaiting his commercial breakthrough, collaborated with former advertising colleague Sue Buck. Together, they co-wrote “Amazons,” the fictional memoirs of the first woman to play in the NHL professional ice hockey league. Published under the pseudonym Cleo Birdwell, the book is a satirical piece featuring numerous explicit, elaborate, and humorous sex scenes, as highlighted by New York Times literary editor Alexandra Alter. This once-obscure novel quickly became a coveted collector’s item due to its scarcity.
Despite the authorship of “Amazons” being an open secret among literary circles – with a character from the novel, sports reporter Murray Jay Siskind, even reappearing in DeLillo’s “White Noise” – the author consistently refused to acknowledge his involvement. Jonathan Lethem, a noted DeLillo admirer, recounted an instance where DeLillo declined to sign a copy, stating, “I don’t sign that.” Renewed interest in “Amazons” recently surged due to the hype surrounding the TV series “Heated Rivalry,” a gay love story set in the ice hockey milieu, prompting speculation that DeLillo was prescient in linking ice hockey with erotic themes.
In a significant turn, DeLillo has now granted permission for a new edition of “Amazons,” a decision reported by Alexandra Alter in the New York Times, aptly subtitled “You’re welcome.” This surprising change of heart reportedly followed a February lunch at the DeLillos’ home with his longtime editor Nan Graham and writer Dana Spiotta. DeLillo’s wife, Barbara Bennett, found the book so entertaining she read and laughed at it late into the night. Shortly after, Graham and DeLillo’s agent, Robin Straus, proposed the re-release. Straus, who noted DeLillo’s consistent past rejections, quoted his unexpected response: “Oh, what the hell, why not!” The new edition will still credit Cleo Birdwell as the author, but will feature a subtle nod to DeLillo on the motto page: an image of his business card bearing the enigmatic phrase, “I don’t want to talk about it – Don DeLillo.”
