Chapter 9 Summary

Herzog catches a plane from Chicago and heads to his place in the Berkshires. He brings matches to start a fire in the fireplace and looks around. He is happy to realize the youth of the community had used his room to make love. Herzog actually feels joy being at his house in the Berkshires. It is the first time he has felt free of Madeleine. He writes letters to his son and Ramona. He sends them to Luke in Chicago to have him post the letters for him. He doesn't want Ramona to worry about him.

Herzog composes a long letter to his colleague, Professor Mermelstein. Mermelstein has written a book that includes content from Herzog's book. He writes to his colleague to congratulate him and criticize him at the same time. He asks to have input on future edits to ensure...