To modify the immortal words of the Duke of Wellington: 'Just because a man lives in a stable doesn't mean he's a horse.' I first came to live in Ireland when I was 9. I trust no one will have the effrontery to call me an Irishman. (I wonder why it seems to be assumed I was using the epithet 'American' is some kind of pejorative way? It simply struck me as a bit presumptuous to apply it to a writer whose whole style & house of references was distinctly Russian - or at least European.) Scottie B.