Reviews from

Matriarch of the Heart

Not all choices are pleasant or easy.

35 total reviews 
Comment from Dilettante junior
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

An unconventional take on the writing prompt. Going down memory lane was unique for this one. Most would be tempted to use horror.
A sentimental piece written in gripping graphics!
Well done!
Cheers, DJ

 Comment Written 12-May-2021


reply by the author on 12-May-2021
    Thank you for your insightful review, DJ. I guess horror would have worked, lol. I must have been in a nostalgic mood.
Comment from tfawcus
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

One last look around before the sale, and what fond memories it invokes for Edward. You have created a great atmosphere of nostalgia in this posting. Congratulations. A fine piece.

 Comment Written 12-May-2021


reply by the author on 12-May-2021
    Thank you you the review, my friend. I?m glad the nostalgia came through. I think it?s a trip many of us take,
Comment from Elizabeth Emerald
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Poignant reminiscence--stunning imagery and skillful narration--powerful ending--wasn't expecting that! This is a fine entry for the contest--hope to be back with congrats!

 Comment Written 12-May-2021


reply by the author on 12-May-2021
    Elizabeth, thank you so much for your wonderful review. You were specific and supportive, and you made my morning shine.
Comment from Jay Squires
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is a lovely, delightful story to read. You've taken the reader empathically along with Edward in his quest to drink in the last of the memories of his Grandmother, her love of Christmas joy; it culminates, as he meanders through her home, in the discovery of the Christmas globe he would be able to take back with him before he sold the house the next day.

 Comment Written 12-May-2021


reply by the author on 12-May-2021
    Thank you for the excellent review, Jay. You are a careful reviewer,Critter, and I deeply appreciate your kind words.
Comment from Wendy G
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

A very moving story, particularly as you have lost both your parents recently, and have had to go through a similar process. What grief for you.
Very well written. I wish you success in the contest.

 Comment Written 11-May-2021


reply by the author on 12-May-2021
    Thank you for taking the time and effort to review, my friend. Both are deeply appreciated. I think one of the hardest parts of losing someone you love is knowing what to keep, and what to part with. When you look at the things they valued, it?s difficult to let them pass to strangers.
    Take care
Comment from LisaMay
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

A perfectly told story of simple emotional impact. "Matriarch of the heart" is such a great phrase. The importance of grandma in Edward's life is depicted beautifully. Your descriptions of him walking, of the old farmhouse, and of the power of memory are very evocative.
(With my sincere condolences on the loss of your parents.)

 Comment Written 11-May-2021


reply by the author on 11-May-2021
    Lisa, thank you so much for the brilliant six stars!! I am touched and amazed by your generosity. I love the care you took in your well chosen words. Thank you, thank you.
reply by LisaMay on 11-May-2021
    Your story was well deserving of a 6-star rating. I think it should score well in the voting. Good luck!
Comment from Judy Lawless
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

You've created a wonderful story of stepping back in time, with this entry into this contest. Your imagery is magnificent and I love that he found the Christmas globe to take home as a reminder of his grandmother.

One tiny spag: Gone were the vibrant doormats Grandma had insisted on, gone was her lovely presence in the doorway. the comma should be a semi-colon

 Comment Written 11-May-2021


reply by the author on 11-May-2021
    Thank you for the wonderful review, and the comma suggestion. I will fix it at once!
Comment from Anne Johnston
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

What a beautiful story you have written, it brings tears to my eyes. So hard to enter that old house that once rang with laughter and joy. But finding something to remember Grandma by, brought peace and closure.

 Comment Written 11-May-2021


reply by the author on 11-May-2021
    Anne, you have hit on a part I missed, the laughter and joy!! Implied, but not stated.

    Thank you, especially for the beautiful six stars. How very generous on a blind entry, and so very much appreciated.
reply by Anne Johnston on 11-May-2021
    You are welcome, you may not have used those words but the thought was implied.
reply by the author on 11-May-2021
    Thank you for the feedback!
Comment from Jannypan (Jan)
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

You did a good job with the setting on your story, Mystery Author. I like the way you described everything leading up to the door. Once at the door, Edward was a bit hesitant to open and go through it--understandable considering the reason he was there. You described the old farmhouse on the inside well. I know what you mean about making those decisions about what to keep or not. Best wishes.
Thanks for sharing.
Respectfully, Jan

 Comment Written 11-May-2021


reply by the author on 11-May-2021
    Thank you for the lovely review, Jan! You really hit the whole theme on the head, all the way through. You sound as though you've had some personal experience as well. It's hard to let go!
Comment from T B Botts
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This was a well written story. It was nice to get a glimpse of his grandmother's priorities, with the red door as a reminder of Christmas. So many memories at the old house. I felt like I was there with Edward. Well done. Good luck in the contest.

Tom

 Comment Written 11-May-2021


reply by the author on 11-May-2021
    Thank you so much TB. I'm glad you liked the story, and I appreciate the well wishes on the contest. Take care, my friend.