Reviews from

Rube

An army buddy teaches me a lesson in dramatic fashion

41 total reviews 
Comment from Tsukuyomi969
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

That is indeed the perfect response. Unfortunately we've all had to come up with something to say to idiots like those in recent years, and while I'm not Jewish, I'm going to be saying Mazel Tov motherfuckers for a long time haha.

 Comment Written 03-Dec-2021


reply by the author on 04-Dec-2021
    Lol. Thanks for that review, Tsuk. You made my day.

    ~ Jack
Comment from Jannypan (Jan)
Excellent
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I enjoyed reading your contest entry. You told it well. I believe your friend, Rube, acted as he did because you were there to support him. He was brave, but the other bar goer understood.
Thanks for sharing and best wishes in the contest.
Respectfully, Jan

 Comment Written 03-Dec-2021


reply by the author on 04-Dec-2021
    Thank you so much for those sentiments, Jan. I do appreciate it.

    ~ Jack
Comment from nomi338
Excellent
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Most fascists are cowards who base much of their courage on the the support they receive from others or the fear they are able to cause in targets of their fascism. The very same tactic you would use on a bully probably works on fascist bullies as well, smash them in the mouth and dare them to bleed.

 Comment Written 03-Dec-2021


reply by the author on 04-Dec-2021
    Totally agree, Nomi. Thanks so much for reading and reviewing this.

    ~ Jack
Comment from prettybluebirds
Excellent
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I can see why you won that other competition with this story. It is interesting and held my attention from start to finish. I guess your friend let those Germans have it in no uncertain terms. Your writing is smooth and flawless. Best of luck in the contest.

 Comment Written 03-Dec-2021


reply by the author on 04-Dec-2021
    Thank you Bluebirds. I appreciate your comments.

    ~ Jack
Comment from lyenochka
Excellent
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What a fabulous story, Erik! I'm so glad you shared this with us and you told the story well with asking us about what we'd say to those idiots. Then Rube gave you the answer in a time and place where it could have gone terribly wrong. Best wishes in the contest!!

You say that Germans have come to terms with the Nazi background but there is a young generation which is riled into racist thinking again. And it goes back centuries. Even in the famous Wittenberg Church where Martin Luther is said to have tacked on the 95 theses, the church still has offensive anti-Semitic artwork. I wrote about it at the beginning of this year. Here's the Smithsonian article that inspired it:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/germany-nazism-medieval-anti-semitism-plain-sight-180975780/

 Comment Written 03-Dec-2021


reply by the author on 04-Dec-2021
    Privet Elena,

    Yes, i think it's something we should always be vigilant about. Thanks for reading and reviewing this story. Always good to hear from you.

    ~ Jack
Comment from juliaSjames
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Brilliant writing. Character is a strange animal. When danger threatens it can recoil into its shell like a snail or come roaring out of its cave like a disturbed bear. Rube is a great example of the old saw that "still waters run deep".

Your writing style is relaxed and engaging..You allow the story to flow.

By the way it's clear that it wasn't only the racist bullies who learned a lesson in that bar.. I applaud your honest self appraisal.

Good luck in the contest, Cap'n

Stay safe and blessed

Julia

 Comment Written 03-Dec-2021


reply by the author on 03-Dec-2021
    Hey there Julia, thanks so much for reading and for your in depth review on this. Such words really make my day.

    And thanks for the 6-str rating. That's always cool too!

    ~ Jack
Comment from Judy Lawless
Excellent
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This is a wonderfully written story, Captain Jack. It's interesting to get first hand memories like these from soldiers who have experienced this life. Your buddy Rube sounds like an amazing man, used to standing up for himself. Good luck in the contest.

 Comment Written 03-Dec-2021


reply by the author on 03-Dec-2021
    Hi there, Judy,

    Thanks so much for taking the time to read and review this story. I do appreciate it.

    ~ Jack
Comment from Janice Canerdy
Excellent
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This is a skillfully-written narrative with a logical, smooth flow, excellent descriptions, and a powerful message about letting--or not letting--the past go. It is also entertaining and very expressive.

 Comment Written 03-Dec-2021


reply by the author on 03-Dec-2021
    Hi Janice, thanks for reading and reviewing this story and for your feedback on it. I do appreciate it.

    ~ Jack
Comment from Jay Squires
Excellent
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Courage is a wonderful thing when the outcome is as it was with Rube. On the other hand, if it hadn't turned out so well, you might wonder at his foolhardiness. But for the development of your story, I have nothing but praise to offer. You constructed the psychology of your outspoken character as being quiet and unassuming (and needful of protection), and it worked so well at the climax when we were dished a full-blown contrast from his earlier self. as well as your opening dilemma about what your response would be if you met a non-progressive German.

Good luck in the contest, Jack. By the way ... good to have you back. You've either been gone a good spell or have been awfully quiet.

Jay

 Comment Written 03-Dec-2021


reply by the author on 03-Dec-2021
    Hey there, Jay,

    I remember you from when I used to be on this site more. Thanks for your insightful review on this story. You seem to have gotten the exact message I was trying to convey.

    Take care!

    ~ Jack
Comment from Spitfire
Excellent
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I love it and regret that I have no sixers left. I remember you as one of FS's top authors. You prepare the reader to expect trouble and then big surprise! Rube combines a grandiose toast in Hebrew and tops it off with the worse name you can call anyone in my opinion. Exceptional writing.

 Comment Written 03-Dec-2021


reply by the author on 03-Dec-2021
    Hey Spitfire. Good to hear from you again. I actually don't like using profanity, but that was a quote and seemed essential to the story.

    Thanks for reading and reviewing this. Always good to hear from you.

    ~ Jack