Mabel’s Letters unveils the heartfelt words of James Hetzer—a Broadway dreamer, WWII soldier, and family storyteller. Preserved by his devoted sister Mabel and brought to life by editor Carolyn Hetzer Zuttel, this collection bridges personal ambition, war, and history.
Ms. Züttel is a professional journalist, photographer, technical editor, writer, former business owner, and now a teacher. She Was graduated from The George Washington University in 1978 and has pursued graduate studies at East Carolina University.
Ms. Züttel is the mother of three sons: Alex Samir Aniba of Denver, Colorado; Josef Duncan Züttel of Biel, of Raleigh, North Carolina; and Paul Alfred Hetzer Züttel of Raleigh, North Carolina.
Her educational journey began in Huntington, West Virginia, where she attended Jefferson Elementary in West End. During her sixth-grade year, her class was invited to a fellow student’s home to witness the first atomic bomb explosion broadcasted on a black-and-white television — a moment that left a lasting impression. By her senior year at Huntington East High School, she had become an editor of the Highlander school newspaper and a thespian, actively participating in theater productions.
Mabel Hetzer saved Depression- and World War II-era letters from her brother, James, and others. He was first trying to “make it big on Broadway” but enlisted and then wrote from boot camp and the European Theater where he entertained troops with Mickey Rooney and lesser stars. These letters, which are a great cultural reflection of the times, were written mostly by James who both entertained his family with his tales and sustained their hopes for his success and return. West Virginia University Press wrote "There is much that is admirable and accomplished about this collection of letters written largely by James Hetzer to his family in Huntington, WV, between 1938 and 1946. An entertainer and a soldier, James Hetzer records in letters home his experiences on the road in the late '30s attempting to make it in show business and later his time in the US Military, including training at Camp Sibert and service in Europe during WWII where he provided entertainment for troops. Much of the vitality of the letters comes from the familiarity between the correspondents and the juncture between personal lives and public events. To help situate these lettters in history, the editor has inlcuded relevant newspaper clippings, mailing information, reproductions of envelopes, photographs, programs, and editoral commentary.
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"Mabel's Letters is a heartfelt and captivating read. The personal stories and historical context bring warmth and humor, making it a truly engaging experience for any reader."
May 24, 2024
"An unexpectedly gripping read! Mabel's Letters combines personal stories and history in a way that makes it feel like a novel—yet rich with historical insights and human connection."
September 14, 2024Join the newsletter and get the first chapter of any of my books for FREE!
