Erica Heller Knihy

Growing up as the daughter of Joseph Heller, Erica Heller navigated the complexities of life with a father known for his brilliance and eccentricity, yet also for his competitive and stubborn nature. Her memoir explores the contradictions of his personality, revealing the challenges of being raised by such a formidable figure. Set against the backdrop of their long-time residence in the Upper West Side's Apthorp, the narrative delves into the impact of Heller's mischief and larger-than-life presence on Erica's upbringing and identity.

In this heartwarming collection edited by Joseph Heller's daughter, dozens of contributors imagine one last lunch with someone they cherishedA few years ago, Erica Heller realized how universal the longing is for one more moment with a lost loved one. It could be a parent, a sibling, a mentor, or a friend, but who wouldn’t love the opportunity to sit down, break bread, and just talk? Who wouldn’t jump at the chance to ask those unasked questions, or share those unvoiced feelings?In One Last Lunch, Heller, an acclaimed memoirist herself, has asked friends and family of authors, artists, musicians, comedians, actors, and others, to recount one such fantastic repast. Muffie Meyer and her documentary subject Little Edie Beale go to a deli in Montreal. Kirk Douglas asks his father what he thought of him becoming an actor. Sara Moulton dines with her friend Julia Child. The Anglican priest George Pitcher has lunch with Jesus. These richly imagined stories are endlessly revealing, about the subject, the writer, the passage of time, regret, gratitude, and the power of enduring love.