The French Letter
Viewing comments for Chapter 100 "A Nightcap"A Novel
30 total reviews
Comment from dragonpoet
This is a well written chapter. It gives enough of the story and strong enough character developement for those who haven't read from the
beginning to catch the plot. I think I would have been mad too at these men if they trusted me enough to ask my help and not enough to do it alone. Although if she had drug problems in the past, I probably wouldn't let her go alone either, if she had only been recently clean of drugs.
Congrats for placing in the contest.
I think that maybe you should just list the characters in the chapter
Keep writing
Joan
reply by the author on 03-Feb-2020
This is a well written chapter. It gives enough of the story and strong enough character developement for those who haven't read from the
beginning to catch the plot. I think I would have been mad too at these men if they trusted me enough to ask my help and not enough to do it alone. Although if she had drug problems in the past, I probably wouldn't let her go alone either, if she had only been recently clean of drugs.
Congrats for placing in the contest.
I think that maybe you should just list the characters in the chapter
Keep writing
Joan
Comment Written 01-Feb-2020
reply by the author on 03-Feb-2020
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Good to hear from you, Joan. Thank you very much for your review. Yes, it might be better to list the characters in the current chapter separately. Thanks for the suggestion. All good wishes, Tony
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Hello Tony,
You are most kindly welcome.
Glad I could help.
Enjoy your week
Joan
Comment from w.j.debi
Excellent dialogue. I especially liked the descriptions in the second paragraph--so poetic. It made the landscape come to life with the sensory imagery of sight and sound.
reply by the author on 16-Dec-2019
Excellent dialogue. I especially liked the descriptions in the second paragraph--so poetic. It made the landscape come to life with the sensory imagery of sight and sound.
Comment Written 11-Dec-2019
reply by the author on 16-Dec-2019
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Thanks, WJ. I appreciate your supportive comments about the imagery in this chapter. All good wishes, Tony
Comment from rspoet
Hello Tony,
Another excellent chapter in the twisting tale of interruptions
that seem to deprive the reader of key information:
So Jeanne may have already loaded the cannon or the tactical airstrike.
Doesn't sound like such a bad idea; it gets rid of The Lion and the consignment, though not very French, old chap.
I wouldn't be surprised if Kayla slipped away and left Charles and Bisto
to their own devices to get around that Mulberry Bush.
Hopefully, they don't all fall down.
Well done
Robert
reply by the author on 16-Dec-2019
Hello Tony,
Another excellent chapter in the twisting tale of interruptions
that seem to deprive the reader of key information:
So Jeanne may have already loaded the cannon or the tactical airstrike.
Doesn't sound like such a bad idea; it gets rid of The Lion and the consignment, though not very French, old chap.
I wouldn't be surprised if Kayla slipped away and left Charles and Bisto
to their own devices to get around that Mulberry Bush.
Hopefully, they don't all fall down.
Well done
Robert
Comment Written 11-Dec-2019
reply by the author on 16-Dec-2019
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Thanks, Robert. Some good plot ideas here! I appreciate the sixth star, too. We have a heatwave coming up for the next four days, so I'm hoping to spend the time getting a bit ahead with the story. At over 100F, it'll be too hot to be outside.
All the best, Tony
Comment from Alex Rosel
Have you read Goodbye to Berlin by Christopher Isherwood? Your characterization of Kayla is akin to Isherwood's portrayal techniques of Sally Bowles {thumbs up}.
Here are a couple of points you might like to consider:
The valley fell away like sequined velvet spread between broad shoulders of rock. -- Oh, I do like this simile. It's original, and very visual {thumbs up}.
Simple, really. God alone knows how, but David Bamforth got wind of the sale of the painting and our intention to buy your release. -- Not an error, and really down to style and personal preferences, but I think this is sending mixed messages to the reader. If it's "simple" then "God alone knows how" seems a bit contradictory. Just a thought...
reply by the author on 16-Dec-2019
Have you read Goodbye to Berlin by Christopher Isherwood? Your characterization of Kayla is akin to Isherwood's portrayal techniques of Sally Bowles {thumbs up}.
Here are a couple of points you might like to consider:
The valley fell away like sequined velvet spread between broad shoulders of rock. -- Oh, I do like this simile. It's original, and very visual {thumbs up}.
Simple, really. God alone knows how, but David Bamforth got wind of the sale of the painting and our intention to buy your release. -- Not an error, and really down to style and personal preferences, but I think this is sending mixed messages to the reader. If it's "simple" then "God alone knows how" seems a bit contradictory. Just a thought...
Comment Written 11-Dec-2019
reply by the author on 16-Dec-2019
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Thanks for the mention of Goodbye to Berlin by Christopher Isherwood. I've looked it up on Google. Sounds interesting, so I've splashed out and bought a copy. A bit of entertainment over the Christmas holiday season.
I appreciate your comments about this chapter and your award of a sixth star. Most affirming.
All good wishes, Tony
Comment from lauralumummu
Another amazing chapter, I just love your descriptive words I feel like I am there. The valley fell away like sequined velvet, wow. This would be a great film. All the best, Laura.
reply by the author on 16-Dec-2019
Another amazing chapter, I just love your descriptive words I feel like I am there. The valley fell away like sequined velvet, wow. This would be a great film. All the best, Laura.
Comment Written 10-Dec-2019
reply by the author on 16-Dec-2019
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Sorry to be so late in responding to this review, Laura. Life's been a bit busy recently. I very much appreciate your kind words and the award of a sixth star. Most affirming.
Best wishes, Tony
Comment from Pam (respa)
-Another excellent chapter, Tony, as well
as making it to #100!
-The beginning follows very well from
the previous chapter, and the imagery is vivid
as Charles looks out from the balcony.
-I like how he reflects on the couple he sees and
thinks about Jenny saying Bisto reserved
his affection for Biggles!
-Of course, Jeanne now has to figure in the story
again, and from Bisto's reports, all she cares about
is her drug bust, and it could thwart the whole operative.
-The rest of the chapter is very good, as Bisto seems
to foreshadow Jeanne's major involvement.
-Kayla changes the mood, salutes Captain Bamforth
and the mission, and finding Helen.
-The ending is effective with Bisto's comment
about everything going well, even though Kayla went
up to bed and slammed the door!
reply by the author on 16-Dec-2019
-Another excellent chapter, Tony, as well
as making it to #100!
-The beginning follows very well from
the previous chapter, and the imagery is vivid
as Charles looks out from the balcony.
-I like how he reflects on the couple he sees and
thinks about Jenny saying Bisto reserved
his affection for Biggles!
-Of course, Jeanne now has to figure in the story
again, and from Bisto's reports, all she cares about
is her drug bust, and it could thwart the whole operative.
-The rest of the chapter is very good, as Bisto seems
to foreshadow Jeanne's major involvement.
-Kayla changes the mood, salutes Captain Bamforth
and the mission, and finding Helen.
-The ending is effective with Bisto's comment
about everything going well, even though Kayla went
up to bed and slammed the door!
Comment Written 10-Dec-2019
reply by the author on 16-Dec-2019
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I'm a bit late in responding to this review, Pam. We've been busy mulching the garden and checking the automatic watering system in preparation for forecasts of record-breaking temperatures over the next four days.
As always, thanks for your comments and support - and for the affirmation of the sixth star.
Best wishes, Tony
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You are very welcome and deserving, Tony. No problem about the response. It's always interesting the activities that are different in opposite seasons. You are mulching; we have temps in the 30's and 40's.
Comment from sunnilicious
Congratulations on reaching the 100th Chapter... Another great installment to your novel. Well thought out. Clearly and creatively written. Good narration. Nice dialogue. Excellent work. Keep up the great work. God bless you :)
reply by the author on 16-Dec-2019
Congratulations on reaching the 100th Chapter... Another great installment to your novel. Well thought out. Clearly and creatively written. Good narration. Nice dialogue. Excellent work. Keep up the great work. God bless you :)
Comment Written 10-Dec-2019
reply by the author on 16-Dec-2019
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Thanks, Alicia. I appreciate the kind words. Sorry to be so late in responding to your review of this chapter. Life's been a bit hectic recently.
All good wishes, Tony
Comment from Therese Caron
I'm fairly sure this is the first chapter I have read of this fascinating story. The characters are very real with separate and distinct personalities. Whatever they are planning to do, it sounds both dangerous and exciting. I must read the beginning part of the story so that I can catch up and know what's going on. Great writing!
reply by the author on 10-Dec-2019
I'm fairly sure this is the first chapter I have read of this fascinating story. The characters are very real with separate and distinct personalities. Whatever they are planning to do, it sounds both dangerous and exciting. I must read the beginning part of the story so that I can catch up and know what's going on. Great writing!
Comment Written 09-Dec-2019
reply by the author on 10-Dec-2019
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Thank you very much, Therese, for dropping by to read this chapter. It's most affirming to hear that you liked it so well, even coming to it cold. All good wishes, Tony
Comment from Pam Norris
I thoroughly enjoy reading this story. You create the scene and atmosphere so well. At the same time you still manage to move the story along at a good pace.
reply by the author on 09-Dec-2019
I thoroughly enjoy reading this story. You create the scene and atmosphere so well. At the same time you still manage to move the story along at a good pace.
Comment Written 09-Dec-2019
reply by the author on 09-Dec-2019
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Thanks very much for your review, Pam. I see you come from Perth. We were over last year visiting and old friend living in Scone. Spent a memorable day and night in Perth on the way through.
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Yes I live in Perth its a beautiful city.
Comment from estory
I liked this chapter. The dialogue was well executed here, there was some nice snippets of information about the involvement of Durand and the plan for the drug bust, which might scuttle the mission of Charles. So they need Kayla to sideline Helen. It was nice that you brought that out through the dialogue, it made it all much more immediate and we felt more in the middle of the action. Lots of personality in the dialogue made it upper level too. Tensions came out between Kayla and Charles too as she slams the door, feeling their distrust. The plan is on shaky ground here, and as we move forward with them, there is a feeling almost anything might happen. estory
reply by the author on 09-Dec-2019
I liked this chapter. The dialogue was well executed here, there was some nice snippets of information about the involvement of Durand and the plan for the drug bust, which might scuttle the mission of Charles. So they need Kayla to sideline Helen. It was nice that you brought that out through the dialogue, it made it all much more immediate and we felt more in the middle of the action. Lots of personality in the dialogue made it upper level too. Tensions came out between Kayla and Charles too as she slams the door, feeling their distrust. The plan is on shaky ground here, and as we move forward with them, there is a feeling almost anything might happen. estory
Comment Written 09-Dec-2019
reply by the author on 09-Dec-2019
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Thanks for your comments on this chapter, estory. I appreciate the extra star. I?m edging slowly towards a conclusion at last. All good wishes, Tony.