History vs. Hollywood: “Can You Ever Forgive Me?”

Did a stolen Ernest Hemingway letter really lead to the discovery of Lee Israel’s crimes?

Yes. A New York autograph dealer named David H. Lowenherz purchased a lengthy letter written by Ernest Hemingway to Can You Ever Forgive Me movie posterjournalist Norman Cousins. Things appeared on the level until Lowenherz discovered that the letter belonged to Columbia University’s collection. He got in touch with the university, and it was then that the forgery was discovered in their collection. They looked at the access cards to see who had recently signed to be given access to the letter. A familiar name appeared, Lee Israel. Read More