The Wash Woman
A Story of Courage28 total reviews
Comment from Wendy G
An excellent story, based on fact and recounted with accuracy and realism. Several phrases were particularly apt eg "the stench of war" and clothes "awaiting for days for sunshine", and the reader is very present in the scene. Best wishes for the contest.
reply by the author on 15-Aug-2021
An excellent story, based on fact and recounted with accuracy and realism. Several phrases were particularly apt eg "the stench of war" and clothes "awaiting for days for sunshine", and the reader is very present in the scene. Best wishes for the contest.
Comment Written 14-Aug-2021
reply by the author on 15-Aug-2021
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Thank you for the lovely review and specific comments, dear Wendy. It helps me as a writer. Sending you my best today as always,
Sally xoxo
Comment from Sankey
This was a great story. Is it true or fiction? You did well either way. Thanks for sharing. I wish you well in the contest. No spags anywhere. Well done. See if I said enough.
reply by the author on 15-Aug-2021
This was a great story. Is it true or fiction? You did well either way. Thanks for sharing. I wish you well in the contest. No spags anywhere. Well done. See if I said enough.
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 and generous compliments, dear Geoff. I?m so glad you enjoyed my short story. Sending you my best today and blessings always,
Sal xoxo
Comment from zanya
A tale of historical fiction inviting the reader to turn back the page momentarily and get a sense of the smell of war 'a kind of stench that hangs in the air'- how the arrival of war changes forever the way we live
reply by the author on 15-Aug-2021
A tale of historical fiction inviting the reader to turn back the page momentarily and get a sense of the smell of war 'a kind of stench that hangs in the air'- how the arrival of war changes forever the way we live
Comment Written 14-Aug-2021
reply by the author on 15-Aug-2021
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Thank you for the wonderful review and kind compliments, dear Zanya. Blessings always,
Sally Xos
Comment from Robert Zimmerman
Hello Sal.
You did an excellent job of conveying not only the chronology of the story but also the emotion. Your narration of Victoria's life is detailed and easily understood in the writing style. Every generation has hard times. Wars make the worst of times. As you stated in the story, she did what she needed to do to stay alive and prosper.
Good luck in the contest.
PAL Z
reply by the author on 15-Aug-2021
Hello Sal.
You did an excellent job of conveying not only the chronology of the story but also the emotion. Your narration of Victoria's life is detailed and easily understood in the writing style. Every generation has hard times. Wars make the worst of times. As you stated in the story, she did what she needed to do to stay alive and prosper.
Good luck in the contest.
PAL Z
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 Z. I haven?t written one of these in awhile. I?m so glad you enjoyed it. Sending you my best today as always,
Your pal :))
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You're welcome Sal.
Comment from ESOSTINE
From the feathered tips of a master story teller creatively flows the words of history exposing the sacrifices of men in time of war . The story kept me spellbound till the last line. Well done, dear Sally.
reply by the author on 15-Aug-2021
From the feathered tips of a master story teller creatively flows the words of history exposing the sacrifices of men in time of war . The story kept me spellbound till the last line. Well done, dear Sally.
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 beautiful stars, dear Esostine. I?m so very honored by this and your generous spirit. Sending you my best today and blessings always,
Sally :)) xo
Comment from Elizabeth Emerald
Gripping! Stunning piece, masterfully narrated!
Sugg:
She'd lost her wash woman to influenza who'd faithfully picked up the laundry twice a week and brought it back to the house neatly folded.
sugg rework: She'd lost her wash woman to influenza; [NAME] had faithfully picked up the laundry twice a week and brought it back to the house neatly folded.
[Letting=>AS SHE LET] go of the chute's cord, the clothes rained down in globs.
When IT WAS finished, she stood and admired her work, marveling at the advancements in washing machines.
Soon it became the neighbor's=>NEIGHBORS across the street, down the street, and around the corner.
reply by the author on 15-Aug-2021
Gripping! Stunning piece, masterfully narrated!
Sugg:
She'd lost her wash woman to influenza who'd faithfully picked up the laundry twice a week and brought it back to the house neatly folded.
sugg rework: She'd lost her wash woman to influenza; [NAME] had faithfully picked up the laundry twice a week and brought it back to the house neatly folded.
[Letting=>AS SHE LET] go of the chute's cord, the clothes rained down in globs.
When IT WAS finished, she stood and admired her work, marveling at the advancements in washing machines.
Soon it became the neighbor's=>NEIGHBORS across the street, down the street, and around the corner.
Comment Written 14-Aug-2021
reply by the author on 15-Aug-2021
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Dear Liz,
Thank you so much for the wonderful review and helpful critiques. I have made all the necessary changes. Thank you, again! Sending you my best, dear Liz,
Sal xoxo
Comment from Rdfrdmom2
My friend, Sally:
I dare say you are an "eclectic" self-taught lady if I've ever had the pleasure and privilege to meet one. People are often quick to make assumptions, aren't they? My husband and I moved our wedding date from December 16th back to August 5th (1973) - you can imagine how quickly the rumors of my being pregnant started. Imagine their surprise when my daughter was not born until September 5, 1981. Even elephants don't gestate for that long. Good luck in the contest.
jan
reply by the author on 15-Aug-2021
My friend, Sally:
I dare say you are an "eclectic" self-taught lady if I've ever had the pleasure and privilege to meet one. People are often quick to make assumptions, aren't they? My husband and I moved our wedding date from December 16th back to August 5th (1973) - you can imagine how quickly the rumors of my being pregnant started. Imagine their surprise when my daughter was not born until September 5, 1981. Even elephants don't gestate for that long. Good luck in the contest.
jan
Comment Written 14-Aug-2021
reply by the author on 15-Aug-2021
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You are just so sweet and generous to me! Your daily kindness reminds me how great it is to be a writer. I appreciate you, dearest Jan. Sending you my best today and love and blessings always,
Sal xoxo
I had my middle son in October of 1981! We could?ve eaten hot fudge sundaes together!! :) ;)
Comment from Gert sherwood
A Story of Courage
The Wash Woman
My what a amazing flash back of a woman with her love for others when she put up ropes so her neighbors could hang their laundry then with love for her neighbor did their laundry with out any cost
Gert
sal
reply by the author on 15-Aug-2021
A Story of Courage
The Wash Woman
My what a amazing flash back of a woman with her love for others when she put up ropes so her neighbors could hang their laundry then with love for her neighbor did their laundry with out any cost
Gert
sal
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, dearest Gert. I?m so pleased you enjoyed this one. I haven?t done a historical work in awhile. Sending you my best today as always,
Sally xoxo
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Sally
You are most welcome
Gert
Comment from lyenochka
Enjoyed your wonderful story about this strong and brave woman who was able to endure such a loss and still bring joy to those around her, by her act of gracious act of washing clothes. I loved all the historical details you added to this story. I wasn't sure where the flashback was.
I paused at this sentence " Soon it became the neighbor's across the street," It might help to actually spell out "the laundry of the neighbor across the street..."
reply by the author on 15-Aug-2021
Enjoyed your wonderful story about this strong and brave woman who was able to endure such a loss and still bring joy to those around her, by her act of gracious act of washing clothes. I loved all the historical details you added to this story. I wasn't sure where the flashback was.
I paused at this sentence " Soon it became the neighbor's across the street," It might help to actually spell out "the laundry of the neighbor across the street..."
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 and kind suggestions. I?m so glad you enjoyed it. Sending you my best today as always,
Sal xoxo
Comment from royowen
I didn't know that a Victoria Prescott actually existed, but there were bound to be someone like here, and bless your heart, of course she is a saint, who doesn't care if she's judged, nor does she accept she loved for love, and dedication, and despite losing husband, she did her godly duty, beautifully written Sally, great story, good luck, blessings Roy.
reply by the author on 15-Aug-2021
I didn't know that a Victoria Prescott actually existed, but there were bound to be someone like here, and bless your heart, of course she is a saint, who doesn't care if she's judged, nor does she accept she loved for love, and dedication, and despite losing husband, she did her godly duty, beautifully written Sally, great story, good luck, blessings Roy.
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 Roy. No, this is fiction in an historical setting. I?m sure her spirit?s out there in every corner of the globe though. Sending you my best today as always,
Sal xoxo