You respond to the article (and to her) as if she's in need of absolution. If the article is true to Highsmith's character, I'd doubt she'd want that, or that s

You respond to the article (and to her) as if she's in need of absolution. If the article is true to Highsmith's character, I'd doubt she'd want that, or that she'd really care. Writing (and reviews of that writing) aren't generally meant to absolve the writer of whatever sins they've committed. Writers are entertainers trying to make a living, and they are successful to the extent they are entertaining (and lucky.) If you find a writer entertaining, then the writer's done their job, nothing more. If you don't want to read an author because you despise them, that's on you. No absolution required.