The Wash Woman
A Story of Courage28 total reviews
Comment from Mary Kay Bonfante
This is a beautiful story, Sal. I know this is a flashback fiction contest, but you have me wondering whether it could be true! You've painted a very realistic picture, with your words -- one of true nobility, grace and courage.
I never remember learning that the Archduke of Ferdinand's wife was assassinated, alongside him. That seems especially brutal. I wonder whether it was deliberate, or whether she was simply in the way -- as we would say today, "collateral damage." Those were very loving and noble dying words that he uttered.
I didn't realize that "Ashley" was a man's name; you often hear it as a female name, these days.
Just one small error:
Victoria took on Mrs. Mead's laundry as a kindness,
-->
Victoria took on Mrs. Meade's laundry as a kindness,
***
I remember how popular the Laura Ashley line of clothing was, years ago -- and having looked it up, apparently, it's still going strong.
I hope you do very well in the contest, with this lovely and very well constructed story.
reply by the author on 15-Aug-2021
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This is a beautiful story, Sal. I know this is a flashback fiction contest, but you have me wondering whether it could be true! You've painted a very realistic picture, with your words -- one of true nobility, grace and courage.
I never remember learning that the Archduke of Ferdinand's wife was assassinated, alongside him. That seems especially brutal. I wonder whether it was deliberate, or whether she was simply in the way -- as we would say today, "collateral damage." Those were very loving and noble dying words that he uttered.
I didn't realize that "Ashley" was a man's name; you often hear it as a female name, these days.
Just one small error:
Victoria took on Mrs. Mead's laundry as a kindness,
-->
Victoria took on Mrs. Meade's laundry as a kindness,
***
I remember how popular the Laura Ashley line of clothing was, years ago -- and having looked it up, apparently, it's still going strong.
I hope you do very well in the contest, with this lovely and very well constructed story.
Comment Written 14-Aug-2021
reply by the author on 15-Aug-2021
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Thank you so much for the wonderful review and helpful critiques. I didn?t even notice the misspelled name. Thank you for those eagle eyes! Love and blessings always,
Sal xoxo
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You're very welcome, Sal. Thank you for the compliment! When I worked as an editorial assistant for several years, I was sometimes called "Eagle Eyes Gunning" -- this was before I was married, and Gunning was my maiden name. Unfortunately I didn't stay in the field that long, as it was very competitive in other respects -- deadlines and so forth. But it was fun, for awhile. It's great on FanStory, where no one is timing me!
I thank God for blessing me with that, as one of His gifts. I would like to work on the gift of writing, which is more challenging, but I have other challenges that are more pressing at the moment. So I need all those blessings, as I'm going through a lot, these days. May God bless you and help you through yours, as well.
Love, Mary Kay xoxo
Comment from Liz O'Neill
You have a nice way of doing biographies in an interesting way You immediately draw the reader in. Many accounts of a person's life ends up being tedious. You however, help the reader transcend time and to be right with the character being described.
reply by the author on 15-Aug-2021
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You have a nice way of doing biographies in an interesting way You immediately draw the reader in. Many accounts of a person's life ends up being tedious. You however, help the reader transcend time and to be right with the character being described.
Comment Written 14-Aug-2021
reply by the author on 15-Aug-2021
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Thank you for the lovely review and generous comments, dear Liz. Both are so appreciated. Sending you my best today as always,
Sal xoxo
Comment from Ric Myworld
Sounds like a fine person to have around when things are needed during a hard time. And, I guess, it didn't take people long to figure out that money wasn't her main motivator for anything. Thanks for sharing.
reply by the author on 15-Aug-2021
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Sounds like a fine person to have around when things are needed during a hard time. And, I guess, it didn't take people long to figure out that money wasn't her main motivator for anything. Thanks for sharing.
Comment Written 14-Aug-2021
reply by the author on 15-Aug-2021
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Thank you for the lovely review and comments, dear Ric. Blessings always,
Sal xoxo
Comment from MAMONIA
This is an absolutely wonderful tale you have spun here, my dear. You are so darn talented and amazing!
I enjoyed every single detail and wish there was more now. But, I realize it is flash fiction, so it could not go on any longer.
Thanks for this enjoyable read, and let me wish you tons of luck in the contest.
My best,
Marie
reply by the author on 15-Aug-2021
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This is an absolutely wonderful tale you have spun here, my dear. You are so darn talented and amazing!
I enjoyed every single detail and wish there was more now. But, I realize it is flash fiction, so it could not go on any longer.
Thanks for this enjoyable read, and let me wish you tons of luck in the contest.
My best,
Marie
Comment Written 14-Aug-2021
reply by the author on 15-Aug-2021
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Thank you so much for the outstanding review and generous stars, once again. I?m so deeply honored by this, Marie. I?ve not written a short story of this magnitude in awhile. I?m so glad you were able to appreciate it. Sending you my best and love and blessings always,
Sally xoxo
Comment from robyn corum
Sally,
I enjoyed this story, even though it was tragic. It was real. It took the path of real life and included the naked, horrible turns that life tends to take - and tragically so. I like that the opinions of folks changed so much. Nice touch. This was a delight!
reply by the author on 15-Aug-2021
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Sally,
I enjoyed this story, even though it was tragic. It was real. It took the path of real life and included the naked, horrible turns that life tends to take - and tragically so. I like that the opinions of folks changed so much. Nice touch. This was a delight!
Comment Written 14-Aug-2021
reply by the author on 15-Aug-2021
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Thank you so much for the lovely review, dear Robyn. It is so appreciated. Sending you my best today as always,
Sal xoxo
Comment from Sanku
Is this a true story? I am very impressed by it .Victoria is brave and the words' stay alive' has kept her spirits up.
I am also amazed that washing machine was in existence then..1914-1919 is what I remember from my history lessons....
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
reply by the author on 16-Aug-2021
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Is this a true story? I am very impressed by it .Victoria is brave and the words' stay alive' has kept her spirits up.
I am also amazed that washing machine was in existence then..1914-1919 is what I remember from my history lessons....
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 14-Aug-2021
reply by the author on 16-Aug-2021
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No, this is a fictional story in a true historical setting. I'm delighted you enjoyed it though. I really appreciate the wonderful review and kindness. Sending you my best today as always,
Sally XOs
Comment from barbara.wilkey
Thank you for sharing this wonderful woman with us. I enjoyed learning about her as I read this contest entry. Good luck with the contest.
not caring that she hadn't moved for hours with Ashley asleep in her arms. (You can omit 'that'. It's an extra word and not needed.)
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
reply by the author on 16-Aug-2021
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Thank you for sharing this wonderful woman with us. I enjoyed learning about her as I read this contest entry. Good luck with the contest.
not caring that she hadn't moved for hours with Ashley asleep in her arms. (You can omit 'that'. It's an extra word and not needed.)
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 14-Aug-2021
reply by the author on 16-Aug-2021
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Aw, thanks so much for stopping by and for the super kind review and well wishes. It is most appreciated. Sending you my best today as always,
Sal XOs...
Comment from Dorothy Farrell
Hello Sally, such a well written piece of writing. If this does not win I will eat my hat. A superbly written Flashback Fiction. Always good to read your work. Can't write much at all at the present - not A1 healthwise - in and out of hospital. Will say more when I feel better - Love Dorothy x
reply by the author on 15-Aug-2021
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Hello Sally, such a well written piece of writing. If this does not win I will eat my hat. A superbly written Flashback Fiction. Always good to read your work. Can't write much at all at the present - not A1 healthwise - in and out of hospital. Will say more when I feel better - Love Dorothy x
Comment Written 14-Aug-2021
reply by the author on 15-Aug-2021
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Thank you for the lovely review and generous stars, dear Dorothy. I?m so pleased you liked it. You take care and get well soon. I miss seeing you, and please know this review made my week! :))
Love and blessings always,
Sally xoxo