Reviews from

Concertina

Viewing comments for Chapter 9 "Moonlight Sonata"
Vietnam veteran comes to the end of his denial.

10 total reviews 
Comment from Susan Newell
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Wow, Yard. This chapter just screams authenticity from start to finish. Lee's movement through geography and time, and attendant confusion from both is shown through his actions, reactions, memories and questions. I marvel at the perfection of your work. It is all worthy of note, but I've pulled out a few shown below that really hit me hard.

Elevator mirrors are fantastic -- so many Lees, all distorted

The lacquered piano scene is a great element

He watched through eyes scarred with combat cataracts and sadly realized, he did not know. - brilliant

The image alarmed him with the pressing thought the river current possessed fingers that could reach through the open patio doors and pull on a frayed thread he hid within his heart; A thread connected to a soulful spool deep within the shadows of buried memories. -- This is real upper echelon writing.

And, in that tomb of emptiness, he worried the once buried and scattered bones of guilt would begin to vibrate and rattle into the formation of the man he had become. -- Ditto

 Comment Written 31-Dec-2021


reply by the author on 03-Jan-2022
    Thank you so much for your review. I always appreciate your contribution to my work. Yard.
reply by Susan Newell on 03-Jan-2022
    Thank you for the opportunity to read your writing!
Comment from royowen
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

It seems Lee has journeyed back to Vietnam, sometime after leaving the conflict. Impacted by the conflict of being a young soldier, he finds himself in a hotel with some people belonging to a French flight crew, and a an expert pianist and assistant manager in Lee, who shuttles him off to an meeting place for Americans, an excellent post my friend, blessings Roy

 Comment Written 31-Dec-2021


reply by the author on 03-Jan-2022
    Thank you, Roy.
reply by royowen on 03-Jan-2022
    Always a pleasure
Comment from Ric Myworld
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Instructional suggestions always tell us to write what we know. But in most cases, sharing our most intimate moments are wasted on readers who can't possibly grasp the power, depth, and generosity of our sharing. Then, once in a great while, a writer offers seepage closeups of their soul's bruised seams. Such intense feelings, overwhelming us with a haunting stench and trembling fibers on the verge of collapse, the only thing containing the innermost senses of mind and matter together, against all odds. I wish they gave us enough sixes to reward your work properly. Wishing you the Healthiest and Happiest New Year ever!

 Comment Written 31-Dec-2021


reply by the author on 03-Jan-2022
    Ric, I am giving you a virtual six ****** for your in-depth review. I suspect your review could very well apply to your own writing. I look forward to reading more of your work. Yard.
Comment from barbara.wilkey
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I wish I had a six left, but I do not. Thank you for sharing this with us. I have become so absorbed in Lee's life that I am really worried about him. That's a sign of a good writer.

The man next to him introduced himself as a medical advisor with an investigative group searching for MIAs. (The man beside him)

 Comment Written 31-Dec-2021


reply by the author on 03-Jan-2022
    Thank you, Barbara!
Comment from Judy Lawless
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This is an exceptionally well written chapter, Yard. You get right to the core of the soul and the emotions, keeping the reader in your grasp. We can see the whole scenario with your great imagery. For sure worthy of the six stars.

 Comment Written 31-Dec-2021


reply by the author on 03-Jan-2022
    Thank you, Judy!
reply by Judy Lawless on 03-Jan-2022
    You're welcome, Yard.
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Trying to make sense of another time in the same place is hard when the memories are raw and damning. We cannot change the past and coming to terms with traumatic memories is difficult for those who suffered like this. As you say there is much guilt and resentment and bewilderment as they remember their buddies who were lost in this futile and unnecessary war. We heard the sounds and felt the emotions here in this in-depth and sensitive write, much enjoyed, love Dolly x

 Comment Written 31-Dec-2021


reply by the author on 03-Jan-2022
    Thank you, Dolly!
Comment from Carol Hillebrenner
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

What a beautiful and poignant return to Vietnam. Well-chosen chapter title for his reacquaintance with the Saigon River as Mr. Tran plays that melody. The war is gone and Lee is in need of what Mr. Tran offers him, the place where other old soldiers go to drink.

 Comment Written 30-Dec-2021


reply by the author on 03-Jan-2022
    Thank you, Carol!
Comment from Katherine M. (k-11)
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Even before I reached the end of this chapter of your novel, with the explanation of the title Concertina, I had decided that the overwhelming emotion evoked by your writing was confusion, confusion between times past and times present, and confusion generated by jet-lag. So allowing for my faulty expression, it seems that you are portraying closely what you intended. Well-done.

 Comment Written 30-Dec-2021


reply by the author on 30-Dec-2021
    Thank you, Katherine, you are correct. I am composing sharps and flats to invoke the readers impatience for solution.
Comment from Melodie Michelle
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This well written piece was very captivating and held my attention throughout the piece! Excellent story my friend;-)

Thank you for sharing and may God bless you and your family this New Years ahead!

 Comment Written 30-Dec-2021


reply by the author on 30-Dec-2021
    Thank you, Melodie. Thank you for the review and God's Blessing. Same to you and yours. Yard
reply by Melodie Michelle on 30-Dec-2021
    ;-)
Comment from Elizabeth Emerald
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

SSSSSStupendous. Haunting piece--sssssstunning depiction of Lee's torment--masterful interweaving of memories with present. Cheerssssss. LIZ



Title: Moon Light=>Moonlight
MISSING WORD: rock-solid information an MIA is alive [IN] Saigon."

... saw a beautiful black lacquered baby grand piano nestled in the corner [SUGGEST COMMA] surrounded by lush green palm fronds.


 Comment Written 30-Dec-2021


reply by the author on 30-Dec-2021
    Cheers back at cha, Liz. Have a happy and safe New Year!