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The Devil Fights Back

Viewing comments for Chapter 9 "The Devil Fights Back - Ch. 9"
Challenges in the pharmaceutical field

20 total reviews 
Comment from royowen
Excellent
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Preconceived judgements and cold shoulders are developed because of what happens in one's childhood and what I've outlined, without going in to details, my wife's mum never liked me, she thought her daughter was marrying beneath her station, secretly, I agreed with her, but two beautiful granddaughters, thawed her out to a large degree, Elaine's dad adored his daughter, and I think even more his granddaughters, I think the Beauty of a child, works very well indeed. Great episode through Marie's eyes Jim, blessings Roy

 Comment Written 29-Nov-2024


reply by the author on 30-Nov-2024
    Let's see if there are some parallels to your situation in this story too, Roy. Preconceived notions and faulty assumptions can lead to a lot of unnecessary I'll feelings and drive people apart.
reply by royowen on 30-Nov-2024
    Well done
Comment from barbara.wilkey
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I do hope Maria comes around. It would be great if she does. Of course, if she doesn't that would take the story in a different direction, but it is part of reality. I can't wait to see where you take this. Oh wait!!! I just had a thought. I'm betting Maria is an alcoholic. If so, then Brian's drugs could help her with this addiction.

 Comment Written 29-Nov-2024


reply by the author on 30-Nov-2024
    Oo, that's an interesting thought. Isn't it interesting also how she keeps calling him a drug addict when she doesn't seem to realize she may be addicted to alcohol herself?
reply by barbara.wilkey on 30-Nov-2024
    Sure is.
Comment from Karen Cherry Threadgill
Excellent
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I still love the Dr, Suess/ F.B.I. naming of two agents. Thing one and thing two. Marie is still going to be a tough nut to crack. Good writing. I hope you had a good turkey day. Karen

 Comment Written 29-Nov-2024


reply by the author on 30-Nov-2024
    There will be a few more Dr. Seuss references before long as well. Thanks, Karen. We did. Hope you enjoyed yours too.
reply by Karen Cherry Threadgill on 30-Nov-2024
    Me and my sisters played some old games, racko and Yahoo.
    I won 3 out of 5 That perked me right up. Karen
Comment from Ric Myworld
Excellent
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The writing is outstanding as always, and I enjoy how you've kept Marie tied to the whipping post. There's nothing more pleasing than a few kicks in the head to those who blame all their shortcomings on something or someone else, even an infant child. This chapter takes us back to when we were children and the first time we saw the example ass/u/me.
Wish I had a six.
Thanks for sharing.

 Comment Written 29-Nov-2024


reply by the author on 30-Nov-2024
    Thanks so much, Ric. Yes, you nailed it. Marie is just beginning to realize that many of her assumptions may have been wrong and that she has some rethinking to do. Let's see if she's capable of for once admitting she has been wrong and if she's capable of changing her ways.
Comment from Debbie D'Arcy
Excellent
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I could just imagine Marie standing there with her mouth open as Brian gave her the low-down, not allowing any interruption. She's going to get down off her high horse now, I think. Great background, by the way to her and the detached cool she's exhibited. And, of course, Brian's spiel brings everything nicely up-to-date. Well done, Jim. Debbie

 Comment Written 29-Nov-2024


reply by the author on 30-Nov-2024
    Thanks so much Debbie for another perceptive review. Perhaps this conversation with Brian will help her realize she may have been operating under a lot of false assumptions all along. Let's see if your prediction is correct and if this will hold any sway in the upcoming talk with Julia
Comment from Cecilia A Heiskary
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Jim,

This is another great chapter of your book. Marie sounds like she is a piece of work.

I can relate to a mother that wasn't overly affectionate and it does affect how you relate to other. It took me a long time to be able to let anyone hug me. I get Marie on other levels too.

Great job my friend. Keep writing.

Cecilia

 Comment Written 29-Nov-2024


reply by the author on 30-Nov-2024
    Thanks so much, Cecelia. I'm sorry to hear that you relate to this situation. My wife also has a mother who lacked affection and it has served to make her hyper aware of this and not be that way with her own kids and grandkids.
reply by Cecilia A Heiskary on 30-Nov-2024
    Jim,

    You're welcome. I learned to break the cycle. I've done a lot of that over the years with my messed up childhood.

    Cecilia
reply by the author on 30-Nov-2024
    That's great. I'm happy for you, Cecilia, that you could see it and reject it for yourself.
Comment from Pam Lonsdale
Excellent
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"but once I had her, I had to grin and bear it as best I could." I would think Marie would have no problem getting an abortion; a child would get in the way of her career, but she chose not to. Perhaps a part of her wanted to be a mother. She's such a nasty, brittle person though.

So, Marie's life was like a playbook for Julia's -- she treated her daughter just as she was treated by her own mother. And the father being a pushover, same with Julia's father.

I enjoy people like "the paunchy old hugger" who shake the tension up with hugs and words that maybe aren't always appropriate or wanted.

Hooray for Brian for "setting things straight". Now Marie can choose to become a part of the family, or go off and live her sad, lonely, bitter life again.

I like the brief return to Brian and Julia's story; they are like old friends.

xo

 Comment Written 29-Nov-2024


reply by the author on 30-Nov-2024
    Yes, it does seem as though Marie would be the type to have an abortion, but that wouldn't have worked very well in this story :-)

    I can see her cringing as Willy hugged her. She's certainly not used to people like him.

    Let's see how much of an impact Brian's little talk has on her and if she can possibly admit she may have misjudged him.Thank
Comment from Rick Gardner
Excellent
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An interesting story, It draws you into waiting to read more.Marie will drink too much, see what happens next. The baby will become a favorite. When will the continuation be ready?

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 Comment Written 29-Nov-2024


reply by the author on 29-Nov-2024
    Hi Rick. So glad you're enjoying it, and thanks for the nice review. I will be posting the next chapter on Monday. I post pretty regularly every 3 days. If you'd like to be notified each time I post, just Fan me. (You can always stop notifications at a later date.)
reply by the author on 01-Dec-2024
    Rick, it will actually post on Tuesday instead of Monday. I'll be arriving home late Monday night and won't have a chance to post it until Tuesday morning.
Comment from Wendy G
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Good for Brian! He is very intuitive, and would have known exactly what Marie was thinking, and had the courage to make the first move to set things right. A fine chapter. Interesting to read Marie's perspective on her own life, and see that she recognises where some of her bitterness has come from. A very enjoyable read, and I always appreciate the realistic development of your plot and characters, and the excellent quality of your writing.
Wendy

 Comment Written 29-Nov-2024


reply by the author on 30-Nov-2024
    Thanks so much for this wonderful review, Wendy. That and the 6 stars are very much appreciated.

    Brian really wants Marie and Julia to reconcile and is doing what he can to help pave the way for them. I hope you will enjoy the eventual result of his labors.
Comment from Sarah Probe S.
Excellent
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abundant details within very captivating paragraphs, and a very interesting characters list,
many thanks for your great entertaining work, " The Devil Fights Back "
Best wishes
Sarah

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 Comment Written 29-Nov-2024


reply by the author on 30-Nov-2024
    Thanks very much, Sarah. I'm so glad you enjoyed this chapter and appreciate your fine review.