The French Letter
Viewing comments for Chapter 67 "The Potting Shed"A Novel
22 total reviews
Comment from juliaSjames
I'm starting to wonder if Helen is frightened of the Peri. Perhaps all the characters are.
Effective scene in the church with the stained glass images looking down on the mourners.
The characters are coming to life for me.
Looking forward to the next chapter.
Blessings Julia
reply by the author on 16-Jun-2019
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I'm starting to wonder if Helen is frightened of the Peri. Perhaps all the characters are.
Effective scene in the church with the stained glass images looking down on the mourners.
The characters are coming to life for me.
Looking forward to the next chapter.
Blessings Julia
Comment Written 16-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 16-Jun-2019
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Thanks, Julia. I appreciate your review and comments. This element of the supernatural is introducing a new layer to the story. I'm not sure yet how its symbolism will work out in relation to the characters involved. We shall see! Glad you're finding they are becoming three-dimensional and that you are still enjoying the story. Best wishes, Tony
Comment from barbara.wilkey
I am wondering why Helen wants to keep the journal. I am sure you will tell us all in good time. I do really enjoy reading this novel. I look forward to it, acutually. Thank you.
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2019
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I am wondering why Helen wants to keep the journal. I am sure you will tell us all in good time. I do really enjoy reading this novel. I look forward to it, acutually. Thank you.
Comment Written 16-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2019
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It does seem off that she should want to hold on to the journal. Perhaps it's just that she hasn't yet finished reading it - or there may be a deeper reason. I also wonder why Charles has held onto Helen's journal, which is still locked up in a safe deposit box in Paris.
Thanks very much for the sixth star. Always appreciated! Best wishes, Tony
Comment from Sandra du Plessis
A very well-written chapter. The funeral is over and the emotions can settle down. Every cultural has their beliefs and something that means not much to us may be holy for another.
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2019
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A very well-written chapter. The funeral is over and the emotions can settle down. Every cultural has their beliefs and something that means not much to us may be holy for another.
Comment Written 16-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2019
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Thanks, Sandra. I agree. We all have our own beliefs. There's no need to share them, but it does no harm to understand them.
Comment from Ulla
Hahahaha, Tony, the first part of this chapter made me laugh out loud. I'ts hilarious. I love it. As for the rest, it's wonderful writing and yet again you've manage to make me doubt what Helen is all about. I just can't figure it out. Great writing and story telling. All best. Ulla:)) ps. I liked the passage about fairy tales and faerie tales. Great distinction.
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2019
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Hahahaha, Tony, the first part of this chapter made me laugh out loud. I'ts hilarious. I love it. As for the rest, it's wonderful writing and yet again you've manage to make me doubt what Helen is all about. I just can't figure it out. Great writing and story telling. All best. Ulla:)) ps. I liked the passage about fairy tales and faerie tales. Great distinction.
Comment Written 16-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2019
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Very many thanks for this review, Ulla, and for the sixth star. Always very much appreciated. I'm about halfway through one of Robert Goddard's novels at the moment - 'Into the Blue'. Fascinating writing and, apart from being engrossed in the story, I'm learning a lot from it. Thanks for putting me on to his work.
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I'm so glad you like Robert Goddard. I learn a lot from him as well. I read 'into the Blue' a few month's back. It's a great story and fascinating writing as you say. I haven't yet read one of his books I didn't like.
Comment from Stephanie Burster
Wow! This is such a fine piece of writing. I need to go back to your site to start reading it from the beginning to catch up. The characters are seamless. It all flows so well. I really enjoyed reading it.
reply by the author on 18-Jun-2019
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Wow! This is such a fine piece of writing. I need to go back to your site to start reading it from the beginning to catch up. The characters are seamless. It all flows so well. I really enjoyed reading it.
Comment Written 16-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 18-Jun-2019
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Very many thanks for your most supportive review, Stephanie. Much appreciated. I hope you find other parts of the story to enjoy, too. Best wishes, Tony
Comment from Mystic Angel 7777
This is beautifully written and a thoroughly enjoyable read from start to finish. I saw absolutely no SPAG other than that which was fully intended to enhance the story. The dialog is wonderful and so true to culture and time period. Your insertion of little touches like Helen intentionally facing her fear as she read the journal are wonderful and provide tiny little clues for the reader to follow as to what might come next. Well done and thank you very much for sharing it.
reply by the author on 18-Jun-2019
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This is beautifully written and a thoroughly enjoyable read from start to finish. I saw absolutely no SPAG other than that which was fully intended to enhance the story. The dialog is wonderful and so true to culture and time period. Your insertion of little touches like Helen intentionally facing her fear as she read the journal are wonderful and provide tiny little clues for the reader to follow as to what might come next. Well done and thank you very much for sharing it.
Comment Written 16-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 18-Jun-2019
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Loved your detailed response to this chapter and your comments, which were both supportive and encouraging. Much appreciated. All the best, Tony
Comment from Sankey
Stupid browser dropped out on me so here I go again. Another good read. Weird chapter in some ways. Funny how Helen got comfy with the goat's head after her initial shock.
reply by the author on 18-Jun-2019
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Stupid browser dropped out on me so here I go again. Another good read. Weird chapter in some ways. Funny how Helen got comfy with the goat's head after her initial shock.
Comment Written 16-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 18-Jun-2019
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Thanks, Geoffrey. I've had similar problems from time to time with the internet dropping out - generally after I've written a particularly long and detailed review! Much appreciate your return when all was fixed, and your award of six stars. All the best, Tony
Comment from djsaxon
You know I love the write, but this chapter lacks the potency of the earlier offerings. The endearments are overused (m'dear, darling et al) and I believe the dialogue could do with a judicious "prune" eg:
"Some animal?" She clutched my arm. "Are you blind? It's a mountain goat."
There was a discreet cough behind us. "Not quite accurate. It's actually the head of a mountain goat."
Nor do we need the reference to Innes and Haggard. Sorta Grandstanding. This chapter is bogged down with too much clever.
With the utmost respect - DJ
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2019
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You know I love the write, but this chapter lacks the potency of the earlier offerings. The endearments are overused (m'dear, darling et al) and I believe the dialogue could do with a judicious "prune" eg:
"Some animal?" She clutched my arm. "Are you blind? It's a mountain goat."
There was a discreet cough behind us. "Not quite accurate. It's actually the head of a mountain goat."
Nor do we need the reference to Innes and Haggard. Sorta Grandstanding. This chapter is bogged down with too much clever.
With the utmost respect - DJ
Comment Written 16-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2019
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Thanks, DJ. I always appreciate the honesty of your reviews and, looking back over this chapter, I can't help but agree that it needs further work. I've removed some of the grosser over-characterisation and smart alec stuff.
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
This is getting more and more interesting, Tony. I leave tomorrow for Spain, so will catch up when I come home. I'm left wondering why Charles would think he would have abandoned their forthcoming trip. More mystery coming up. That envelope certainly has changed his life! Another really well written chapter. :) Sandra. xxx
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2019
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This is getting more and more interesting, Tony. I leave tomorrow for Spain, so will catch up when I come home. I'm left wondering why Charles would think he would have abandoned their forthcoming trip. More mystery coming up. That envelope certainly has changed his life! Another really well written chapter. :) Sandra. xxx
Comment Written 16-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2019
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Very many thanks for your review and the sixth star. Appreciated, as always. I wonder what part of Spain you'll be in. My wife lived in Alicante for a while in the 1970s and I've a niece who's spent most of her life in Barcelona.
Comment from Tootsie55
Yay! Look what's back! What a queer chapter this was but still an excellent read. Just one tiny spag for you this time around."Very well, my dear. I(f) that's what you think."
reply by the author on 16-Jun-2019
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Yay! Look what's back! What a queer chapter this was but still an excellent read. Just one tiny spag for you this time around."Very well, my dear. I(f) that's what you think."
Comment Written 16-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 16-Jun-2019
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Very many thanks, Louise, for your review, spag pick-up and sixth star. All very much appreciated. Best wishes, Tony