Kim
a strong Asian woman84 total reviews
Comment from Bute
Hi Alvin
I did not read the header about violence so when the baby was killed it took my completely by surprise.
The story was skillfully executed. The manner in which you used hallucinatory reverie to show us this woman's previous life was truly accomplished. At the end, with rescue in sight, I was impressed with how you showed us the characters strength came from her deep religious commitment to a path of right actio
reply by the author on 11-Sep-2010
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Hi Alvin
I did not read the header about violence so when the baby was killed it took my completely by surprise.
The story was skillfully executed. The manner in which you used hallucinatory reverie to show us this woman's previous life was truly accomplished. At the end, with rescue in sight, I was impressed with how you showed us the characters strength came from her deep religious commitment to a path of right actio
Comment Written 11-Sep-2010
reply by the author on 11-Sep-2010
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Thank you for understanding the heavy Buddhist influence in the story. I didn't think many Western readers would understand that, though I knew they would understand the story. I am glad you did and thanks for the great review.
Comment from kovarou
this was brilliant and sad especially when she loses her child, you had great discription and a really good plot going from present to past and back thought that was a great technique
reply by the author on 11-Sep-2010
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this was brilliant and sad especially when she loses her child, you had great discription and a really good plot going from present to past and back thought that was a great technique
Comment Written 11-Sep-2010
reply by the author on 11-Sep-2010
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Thanks for a good review.
Comment from bowls
This is a very impressive work. The see-saw effect of the action and flashbacks reminds me of the rocking of the boat in which Kim is standing as the story progresses. The utter solitude and desperation of her situation at the outset establishes a very strong atmosphere. The gradual unfolding of the background details allows the reader to understand the reason for her predicament and adds to the strong feeing of pity for the main character which has been established at the outset. Your prose style is highly polished and shows to advantage the strength of character of your heroine.
reply by the author on 11-Sep-2010
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This is a very impressive work. The see-saw effect of the action and flashbacks reminds me of the rocking of the boat in which Kim is standing as the story progresses. The utter solitude and desperation of her situation at the outset establishes a very strong atmosphere. The gradual unfolding of the background details allows the reader to understand the reason for her predicament and adds to the strong feeing of pity for the main character which has been established at the outset. Your prose style is highly polished and shows to advantage the strength of character of your heroine.
Comment Written 11-Sep-2010
reply by the author on 11-Sep-2010
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Thanks for understanding the careful construction of the flow of this story. Not everyone discerned that. Thanks for the exceptional review, the highly complimentary last sentence of said review, and the six stars. I am honored.
Comment from Belinda
Hi, Alvin, this is a pathetic story of a 'half breed' who has experienced disappointment after disappointment. The open ending makes me wish she will make it in the end. Interestingly written, with background information related through Kim's hallucinations. (Good for you to look upon Western men and their 'machination' through the POV of an Eastern woman...)
reply by the author on 11-Sep-2010
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Hi, Alvin, this is a pathetic story of a 'half breed' who has experienced disappointment after disappointment. The open ending makes me wish she will make it in the end. Interestingly written, with background information related through Kim's hallucinations. (Good for you to look upon Western men and their 'machination' through the POV of an Eastern woman...)
Comment Written 11-Sep-2010
reply by the author on 11-Sep-2010
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Thanks. I felt the Asian women on this site would understand that POV quite well. It wasn't easy for me to write, but very rewarding to look at my own cultural presuppositions. I was definitely out of my comfort zone, which was a maturing and learning, as well as spriritual, experience for me. Thanks for an exceptional review and the six stars.
Comment from Bellringer
This harrowing story of one woman's struggle to survive brutal experiences comes through forcefully in the narrative, flashbacks, and dialogue. Her character and strength remain intact--which will help her to survive. Best wishes, Hector
reply by the author on 11-Sep-2010
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This harrowing story of one woman's struggle to survive brutal experiences comes through forcefully in the narrative, flashbacks, and dialogue. Her character and strength remain intact--which will help her to survive. Best wishes, Hector
Comment Written 10-Sep-2010
reply by the author on 11-Sep-2010
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Thanks for a great review; I truly appreciate it.
Comment from jmdg1954
A story with such detailed, defined descriptions and charectors that was actually a smooth easy read for me. Exceptional. Kim's charector to me seems to be one of many Vietnamese women at that time, taken advantage of and being mis-led with anticipation of coming to the States. If I had a 6 star left to give, I would use it now with your story.
Thank you for the enjoyable story, John
reply by the author on 11-Sep-2010
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A story with such detailed, defined descriptions and charectors that was actually a smooth easy read for me. Exceptional. Kim's charector to me seems to be one of many Vietnamese women at that time, taken advantage of and being mis-led with anticipation of coming to the States. If I had a 6 star left to give, I would use it now with your story.
Thank you for the enjoyable story, John
Comment Written 10-Sep-2010
reply by the author on 11-Sep-2010
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Thanks for a very good review; I truly appreciate it. I know in sentiment the six stars are there, and that means a lot to me.
Comment from Meshe Nair
An excellently written story. She is indeed a strong woman and you have depicted a great character in Kim. I was engrossed in the story from start to finish.
Good luck on your contest entry.
Meshe Nair
reply by the author on 11-Sep-2010
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An excellently written story. She is indeed a strong woman and you have depicted a great character in Kim. I was engrossed in the story from start to finish.
Good luck on your contest entry.
Meshe Nair
Comment Written 10-Sep-2010
reply by the author on 11-Sep-2010
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Thanks for a great review.
Comment from CameoRenae
Wonderfully written story! Vivid descriptions and details, nice flow. I really enjoyed reading this.
I felt Kim's pain, especially when they killed her baby, and then finding out she was used like the others. She is definitely a very strong character. Good luck in the contest!
reply by the author on 11-Sep-2010
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Wonderfully written story! Vivid descriptions and details, nice flow. I really enjoyed reading this.
I felt Kim's pain, especially when they killed her baby, and then finding out she was used like the others. She is definitely a very strong character. Good luck in the contest!
Comment Written 10-Sep-2010
reply by the author on 11-Sep-2010
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Thanks for an exceptional review; I am truly grateful.
Comment from Rama Rao
An excellent story well written, which held my attention right until the last word. You have rightly depicted the scene in Vietnam of those days. However, a minor detail about the words Om Om., These words are chanted by the Hindus and not Buddhists as far as I know. Kindly check with the Buddhists.
reply by the author on 11-Sep-2010
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An excellent story well written, which held my attention right until the last word. You have rightly depicted the scene in Vietnam of those days. However, a minor detail about the words Om Om., These words are chanted by the Hindus and not Buddhists as far as I know. Kindly check with the Buddhists.
Comment Written 10-Sep-2010
reply by the author on 11-Sep-2010
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Thank you for your review. For clarification, Om is used in both Buddhist and Hindu chanting.
Comment from juliaSjames
You know how to spin a tale. I was almost disappointed when it ended. And what a conclusion. Poor Kim. Her strength is due to be tested yet again.
One query. That sentence about eating fish caught with dead worms. Necessary? It could just be that I'm squeamish, but it doesn't seem to add anything to the story.
Great writing. Good luck in the contest.
reply by the author on 10-Sep-2010
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You know how to spin a tale. I was almost disappointed when it ended. And what a conclusion. Poor Kim. Her strength is due to be tested yet again.
One query. That sentence about eating fish caught with dead worms. Necessary? It could just be that I'm squeamish, but it doesn't seem to add anything to the story.
Great writing. Good luck in the contest.
Comment Written 10-Sep-2010
reply by the author on 10-Sep-2010
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Yes, I know. One other reviewer questioned whether ocean fishing was performed with worms; I am thinking of taking that part out. I wanted to show desperation and devastation. Thanks for a great review.
Oh, but you showed d and d in spades. I kept worrying every time she slipped into a hallucination that she would topple over and fall into the ocean. blessings, jj
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You might want to read the revised version. The worms are totally gone.
Read it. Fantastic. blessings, jj
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Thanks. You are very kind.
