More Grist to the Mill
Viewing comments for Chapter 6 "Monumental Masonry"Book 2 of the Cleeborough Mill Trilogy
33 total reviews
Comment from Raffaelina Lowcock
This chapter provides a lively history of all the prominent characters in this story along with a trace of their various personalities that are touched on in the epitaphs. The groundwork has been laid for the pursuant story.
Ralf
reply by the author on 16-Mar-2021
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This chapter provides a lively history of all the prominent characters in this story along with a trace of their various personalities that are touched on in the epitaphs. The groundwork has been laid for the pursuant story.
Ralf
Comment Written 15-Mar-2021
reply by the author on 16-Mar-2021
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Thank you so much for delving into the past and reviewing this chapter.1
Comment from padumachitta
hell again
Ah, tombstone poetry. I liked how this worked, there is something about epitaths, that bring in a different layer of mystery. I actually laughed at them...okay perhaps not what you might expect forma reader...but I have rather a grave humor...
and I loved reading the grave stones when I lived in Bettisfield...
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2021
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hell again
Ah, tombstone poetry. I liked how this worked, there is something about epitaths, that bring in a different layer of mystery. I actually laughed at them...okay perhaps not what you might expect forma reader...but I have rather a grave humor...
and I loved reading the grave stones when I lived in Bettisfield...
Comment Written 14-Jan-2021
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2021
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I spent a couple of hours researching graves of the period in a large municipal cemetery and I laughed quite a lot.
Many thanks for your grave sense of humour. I am glad I am not the only person with one of those.
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I always laugh...since I believe in rebirth(not reincarnation)..my grave will read...
Crap, she was here
a minute ago....
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;))
Comment from Mary Kay Bonfante
A fascinating read -- and my last six of the week! I have come to greatly enjoy these discourses between the lawyer and the rector (and they don't even have a punchline ;-)
I know I am somewhat at a loss, particularly in this chapter, for not having read the previous volume, but as I'm having an especially busy month, this isn't the best time for me to catch up. So I don't fully understand everything about the folks buried in the very interesting cemetery described in this chapter. Perhaps it's your own photograph, since it's not attributed to anyone; it's a beautiful one -- it looks like you've got some Celtic crosses in there.
I did, however, read the previous chapter, without reviewing it -- also very well written.
These old Scots didn't mince words on their tombstones, did they? You would think that someone would be reviewing their graves and awarding stars!
I think we're on our way to solving the mystery of Tom Warburton's death, but we're getting there deliciously slowly, and will undoubtedly uncover a few other interesting tidbits along the way -- maybe we'll even find out why the second line of the quotation is omitted from William Mansfield's tombstone.
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2021
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A fascinating read -- and my last six of the week! I have come to greatly enjoy these discourses between the lawyer and the rector (and they don't even have a punchline ;-)
I know I am somewhat at a loss, particularly in this chapter, for not having read the previous volume, but as I'm having an especially busy month, this isn't the best time for me to catch up. So I don't fully understand everything about the folks buried in the very interesting cemetery described in this chapter. Perhaps it's your own photograph, since it's not attributed to anyone; it's a beautiful one -- it looks like you've got some Celtic crosses in there.
I did, however, read the previous chapter, without reviewing it -- also very well written.
These old Scots didn't mince words on their tombstones, did they? You would think that someone would be reviewing their graves and awarding stars!
I think we're on our way to solving the mystery of Tom Warburton's death, but we're getting there deliciously slowly, and will undoubtedly uncover a few other interesting tidbits along the way -- maybe we'll even find out why the second line of the quotation is omitted from William Mansfield's tombstone.
Comment Written 14-Jan-2021
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2021
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The punch line has yet to come. This is a story in its own right. Those who have not read the first volume proceed at Allen's pace. Those who have are already screaming at Allen that he has got it wrong. I designed it like that because i am a nasty, devious character. Lol. Yes Celtic crosses here but there is little Scottish about this story. Remember the Celts were in Wales too and the county of Shropshire, where this story is set, lies just on the English side of the Welsh border which has been disputed many times in History.
Many thanks for this six-star review, and your last of the week - I am honoured.
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Oh, it's good to know that we who haven't read the first volume are going at Allen's pace! That's not so bad. But I just reviewed your subsequent chapter, before fully reading this! So maybe some of my assumptions there were wrong... as you said, those who've read the first book, would be screaming at Allen by now. So you're devious and nasty, are you? You have a sense of humor.
Didn't know the Celts were in Wales, but then, only my father's parents came from that part of the world (Ireland); I didn't. And my Irish grandfather's parentage is somewhat of a mystery, anyway. I should take one of those DNA tests, maybe. You write a great story!
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The Celts are found on the western side of Britain where they were driven by the Anglo-Saxons, so, the Lake District, Wales and Cornwall are the Celtic areas and on the European continent the area of France known as Brittany
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The Celts are found on the western side of Britain where they were driven by the Anglo-Saxons, so, the Lake District, Wales and Cornwall are the Celtic areas and on the European continent the area of France known as Brittany
Comment from Pam (respa)
-This is quite a chapter with a lot
of information, mysterious limericks,
and even a lesson on poetry for the rector.
-It was written well.
-I am assuming the limericks were your idea,
and not something that was done back then.
-They said a lot in a few words, and seemed to
give hints, like Felicity's-"your evidence to say."
-If only that had been true that she could have said
what she had observed.
-As far as Josh's, I would say his line about
the "broken heart" was for Felicity because
I think he loved her more than anything.
-It was interesting to learn about Heather and Tom
and their twins.
-Was it every proven that Hettie was a suicide?
She was working at the mill during that
horrible storm and snow and so far, we don't
know anything about her father, except he was
going somewhere and very angry at the time, it seemed.
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2021
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-This is quite a chapter with a lot
of information, mysterious limericks,
and even a lesson on poetry for the rector.
-It was written well.
-I am assuming the limericks were your idea,
and not something that was done back then.
-They said a lot in a few words, and seemed to
give hints, like Felicity's-"your evidence to say."
-If only that had been true that she could have said
what she had observed.
-As far as Josh's, I would say his line about
the "broken heart" was for Felicity because
I think he loved her more than anything.
-It was interesting to learn about Heather and Tom
and their twins.
-Was it every proven that Hettie was a suicide?
She was working at the mill during that
horrible storm and snow and so far, we don't
know anything about her father, except he was
going somewhere and very angry at the time, it seemed.
Comment Written 13-Jan-2021
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2021
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Thank you so much for this review. Your assumption is correct. I spent a couple of hours in a large municipal cemetery researching epitaphs on grave stones of the period. I have not quoted from any knowingly but I did borrow some of the style.
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You are very welcome, and I appreciate your reply.
Comment from Sugarray77
I always enjoy reading your stories, Jim. Each time, as you build on the previous chapter, the meaning unfolds line by line... it is like .. the mills of God grind slowly. You are building this story little by little. It is very well done and enjoyable to read.
I also like the fact that I have another chapter waiting for me right away... yeah!
Melissa
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2021
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I always enjoy reading your stories, Jim. Each time, as you build on the previous chapter, the meaning unfolds line by line... it is like .. the mills of God grind slowly. You are building this story little by little. It is very well done and enjoyable to read.
I also like the fact that I have another chapter waiting for me right away... yeah!
Melissa
Comment Written 13-Jan-2021
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2021
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I am doing my best to post twice a week with this book, on Sundays and Wednesdays, as long as I have sufficient member dollars to offer $1.10 each time to reviewers. Thank you for your kind words.
Comment from Lucy de Welles
The mysterious plot thickens! Love the way you detail the mystery of who wrote who's epitaph by the style of writings. And why that would be important. We writers know these things. We know who wrote what, even on blind contest entries :). No one can "hide" behind his/her writings!
Very fine and fine, line of inquiry going on here.
I wonder if there is any person left alive who really knows what needs to be known, or if the secrets "died with them." Probably not, seeing as the book continues. Although, after the shocking ending of the last book, anything could be possible :). Maybe a silver lining is just as "good" as a happy ending.
Great read!
Lucy
reply by the author on 13-Jan-2021
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The mysterious plot thickens! Love the way you detail the mystery of who wrote who's epitaph by the style of writings. And why that would be important. We writers know these things. We know who wrote what, even on blind contest entries :). No one can "hide" behind his/her writings!
Very fine and fine, line of inquiry going on here.
I wonder if there is any person left alive who really knows what needs to be known, or if the secrets "died with them." Probably not, seeing as the book continues. Although, after the shocking ending of the last book, anything could be possible :). Maybe a silver lining is just as "good" as a happy ending.
Great read!
Lucy
Comment Written 12-Jan-2021
reply by the author on 13-Jan-2021
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Thanks for yet another fine review in a lovely group of four that I have had the pleasure of reading this morning.
You are right. In this trilogy as in life, the traditional happy ending will not be possible and a silver lining is the best that can be hoped for.
Thank you for making my day so early in the morning with these four reviews.
Comment from roof35
You are certainly spinning a web of thoughts with these epitaphs and the conversation of Allen and Thorpe. Your writing keeps me looking forward to the next chapter again and again.
reply by the author on 12-Jan-2021
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You are certainly spinning a web of thoughts with these epitaphs and the conversation of Allen and Thorpe. Your writing keeps me looking forward to the next chapter again and again.
Comment Written 12-Jan-2021
reply by the author on 12-Jan-2021
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Six stars again! Thank you so much, and if I can keep you looking forward I am fulfilling my aim.
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
That gave us loads of information, some of which I hope will answer some of my questions when the first book was finished. I immediately thought Our Tom died having fun with the ladies, or in the pub, from his inscription on the headstone. I'm also wondering what he knew about Hettie's death. That was really interesting about why she was buried by the crossroads. Now Felicity, I would have thought there would be some record of her stroke. But I suppose back then they didn't keep medical records and would have put her down as mad after her stroke left her unable to speak the English language. I did feel so sorry for her. I enjoyed reading this part, Jim, and look foreward to tomorrow's part. Well done. :)) Sandra xx
reply by the author on 12-Jan-2021
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That gave us loads of information, some of which I hope will answer some of my questions when the first book was finished. I immediately thought Our Tom died having fun with the ladies, or in the pub, from his inscription on the headstone. I'm also wondering what he knew about Hettie's death. That was really interesting about why she was buried by the crossroads. Now Felicity, I would have thought there would be some record of her stroke. But I suppose back then they didn't keep medical records and would have put her down as mad after her stroke left her unable to speak the English language. I did feel so sorry for her. I enjoyed reading this part, Jim, and look foreward to tomorrow's part. Well done. :)) Sandra xx
Comment Written 12-Jan-2021
reply by the author on 12-Jan-2021
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It is amazing how far we have come medically in the last one hundred years and with record keeping too. many thanks for another lovely review.
Comment from Goodadvicechan
Good story teller! It is easier to follow what is going on and the conversations reveal what they were searching for...
Like the brandy and the port in the story. It helps to break long boring conversation.
Happy writing.
reply by the author on 12-Jan-2021
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Good story teller! It is easier to follow what is going on and the conversations reveal what they were searching for...
Like the brandy and the port in the story. It helps to break long boring conversation.
Happy writing.
Comment Written 12-Jan-2021
reply by the author on 12-Jan-2021
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Thank you so much for this complimentary review.
Comment from JudyE
It is interesting, knowing most of the back-story, to hear the men's interpretations of the epitaphs.
A few points for consideration:
'I think it might be - er - more appropriate if we withheld the - ah - principal business until after we have eaten, Peter,' he said once the waiter had departed with their orders. - comma after 'said'
'Your news first,' said Allen, crossing to the sideboard where the waiter had left sufficient port and brandy to satisfy both men's needs, 'I fancy it will be briefer than mine, unless I'm going to be very, very lucky.' - I might have put a period after 'needs'
'Ah! Yes thank you very much. - comma/period after 'yes'
but you'll have a date of birth for him from the service records, won't you? - speech marks needed at end.
Allen nodded, taking the brandy and port decanters from the dressing table, doubling as a sideboard for that evening, and placing them on the dining table while the rector continued. - maybe comma after 'dining table'
'No, I'd agree with that.' Allen said, - replace period with a comma
'His marriage as a bachelor of this parish, to Heather Joliffe, spinster of this parish, is recorded as January 15th, 1915. Two children are recorded as being born to them, twins, Jack and Julia, July 1st 1917. I know they're still alive; a lively pair,' the rector added with a smile. - to be consistent, comma after '1st'. Also comma after 'added'
'Warburton was thirty-seven when he was killed in 'sixteen, so yes, they'd be about the right age for each other, just a couple of years between them,' said Allen. - Maybe period after 'other'
Josh Joliffe was something of a pillar of the church, churchwarden from 1890 until his death. - maybe semi-colon after 'church'?
There was - is I should say - a family vault, established by Josh. Currently there are just the three occupants, Josh, Felicity and their son, Tom. - maybe semi-colon after 'occupants'?
'Again, I would suggest caution there. By 1913 the worst excesses of the Victorian epitaphs were no longer fashionable - comma after '1913'
'It's very difficult to say,' put in the Rector. You see, lots of people could get in on the act, undertakers, monumental masons, even the local incumbent is often consulted where biblical references are concerned. - does there need to be something other than a comma after 'act'? And should 'Rector' be lower-case?
But in the end the surviving members of the family would have the final say - commas after 'But' and 'end'
'There are two schools of thought on that,' replied the rector. 'One says that as it was usual to erect a cross at a cross roads, such places became, - comma after 'that'
But discourse along those lines, I think would only add to our difficulties at the present.' - comma after 'think'
Cheers
Judy
reply by the author on 12-Jan-2021
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It is interesting, knowing most of the back-story, to hear the men's interpretations of the epitaphs.
A few points for consideration:
'I think it might be - er - more appropriate if we withheld the - ah - principal business until after we have eaten, Peter,' he said once the waiter had departed with their orders. - comma after 'said'
'Your news first,' said Allen, crossing to the sideboard where the waiter had left sufficient port and brandy to satisfy both men's needs, 'I fancy it will be briefer than mine, unless I'm going to be very, very lucky.' - I might have put a period after 'needs'
'Ah! Yes thank you very much. - comma/period after 'yes'
but you'll have a date of birth for him from the service records, won't you? - speech marks needed at end.
Allen nodded, taking the brandy and port decanters from the dressing table, doubling as a sideboard for that evening, and placing them on the dining table while the rector continued. - maybe comma after 'dining table'
'No, I'd agree with that.' Allen said, - replace period with a comma
'His marriage as a bachelor of this parish, to Heather Joliffe, spinster of this parish, is recorded as January 15th, 1915. Two children are recorded as being born to them, twins, Jack and Julia, July 1st 1917. I know they're still alive; a lively pair,' the rector added with a smile. - to be consistent, comma after '1st'. Also comma after 'added'
'Warburton was thirty-seven when he was killed in 'sixteen, so yes, they'd be about the right age for each other, just a couple of years between them,' said Allen. - Maybe period after 'other'
Josh Joliffe was something of a pillar of the church, churchwarden from 1890 until his death. - maybe semi-colon after 'church'?
There was - is I should say - a family vault, established by Josh. Currently there are just the three occupants, Josh, Felicity and their son, Tom. - maybe semi-colon after 'occupants'?
'Again, I would suggest caution there. By 1913 the worst excesses of the Victorian epitaphs were no longer fashionable - comma after '1913'
'It's very difficult to say,' put in the Rector. You see, lots of people could get in on the act, undertakers, monumental masons, even the local incumbent is often consulted where biblical references are concerned. - does there need to be something other than a comma after 'act'? And should 'Rector' be lower-case?
But in the end the surviving members of the family would have the final say - commas after 'But' and 'end'
'There are two schools of thought on that,' replied the rector. 'One says that as it was usual to erect a cross at a cross roads, such places became, - comma after 'that'
But discourse along those lines, I think would only add to our difficulties at the present.' - comma after 'think'
Cheers
Judy
Comment Written 12-Jan-2021
reply by the author on 12-Jan-2021
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Many thanks once again for an expert nit-picking exercise. There were a couple I didn't agree with but, as usual, the majority of your observations were necessary and one hundred percent accurate.
I can only apologise for giving you so much work.