To Rebecca Weidman [Letter 427]

Rebecca Weidman was the mother of Barbara Weidman, later Nathaniel Branden’s first wife.

June 30, 1950

Dear Mrs. Weidman:

Thank you for your nice letter. I, too, was very sorry that I could not meet you in person while you were in California, but I hope that we will have a chance to meet in the future.

If, as Barbara tells me, you liked my novel, I must tell you in return that I am very much impressed with your work—namely, Barbara. She is one of the nicest and most intelligent young girls I have ever met. What impresses me particularly is her eager and serious interest in ideas, which is rare enough among people, and particularly among women. Yet, this is the only quality that I really like about people, so you will understand my interest in Barbara and Nathan. They are both remarkable children who will have a very hard time among the present-day intellectuals, because the modern trend is to penalize intelligence and ability. I will be very happy if I can help Barbara and Nathan with advice and moral support.

I feel a great sympathy for Barbara because she reminds me of myself at her age, and I know what sort of subtle injustice an intellectual girl has to suffer while she grows up. If I can help her against being hurt, I certainly will.

With best regards.

Cordially,