Louis-Ferdinand CELINE – “I owe everything to Thorwald Mikkelsen!”

Louis-Ferdinand CELINE (1894.1961)

Autographed letter signed to Mrs. Janine Daragnès.

Two quarto pages. Address at the top.

Copenhagen. April 15, 1947.

"I owe everything to Thorwald Mikkelsen, including my life!"

Céline wishes to thank her lawyer for all the services he rendered during her Danish ordeal.

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“Dear Madam, I’m about to hear all sorts of indiscretions! But this is a matter very close to my heart. I know how crowded Paris is at the moment, and yet I must find two bedrooms and a bathroom for my lawyer, Thorwald Mikkelsen, who plans to be there from April 1st ^to 15th! I owe Thorwald Mikkelsen everything , including my life ! I want to make him happy. The price is irrelevant, but where can I find these two bedrooms and this bathroom? I know how resourceful and infinitely well-off you are… so I’ve mustered up my courage. I know you won’t be offended by my boldness… I no longer know Paris or the neighborhood… In any case, I beg you, please reply. These are, of course, very respectable people, and there’s no question of food. I would then have to offer them my apartment. I imagine your husband must still be in Turkey. Did he have a good trip?” I'm afraid of Turkey, a very unhealthy country. Lucette and I often talk about you. She sends you her warmest regards.