Reviews from

The French Letter

Viewing comments for Chapter 42 "A Rude Awakening"
A Novel

29 total reviews 
Comment from rspoet
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Hello Tony,
This was a very pleasant interlude before the gathering clouds
begin their outburst back in France.
The chapter lets us see Charles in a different light as the squire
with his cane and straw hat striding up Primrose Lane.
Why would he ever leave such a place?
Ah, yes, one must earn a living and then there is Helen.
Almost forgot about Helen.
I suspect she will reappear very soon.
Well done
Robert

 Comment Written 28-Feb-2019


reply by the author on 03-Mar-2019
    Thanks, Robert, for the review and extra star. Charles will be on his way shortly. I think you are right about Helen. I can't see her fading out of the story completely at this stage.
Comment from Pam (respa)
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

-Very good artwork and story, Tony.
-You masterfully use poetic imagery
in describing the bee and the
crimson roses in the beginning.
-This vivid description continues
in the middle of the chapter as
Charles goes to the farm, and
helps himself to some blackberries.
-You give us more nature imagery with the
bird being nearby and its distinctive call.
-His friend Jack directs him to the
mushrooms, but no morels, but all seems
right in Charles's world, or is it?
-You leave us wondering what Brockenhurst
has up his sleeve, and how it will impact on Charles.




























 Comment Written 28-Feb-2019


reply by the author on 03-Mar-2019
    Thanks, Pam I appreciate the extra star and your summary of the action in this chapter. I think you may find Brockenhurst is quite a surprise. All the best, Tony
reply by Pam (respa) on 03-Mar-2019
    You are very welcome and deserving of the stars and review, Tony. I will await the next episode of Charles and Brockenhurst!
Comment from Treischel
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

The morning bee visit adds a delightful touch of reality to start this chapter. The scorpion dream analogy also a good start.
A wonderful description of the morning walk. An interesting interchange with Jack.
Good information about morel mushrooms. A delightful transitional interlude.

 Comment Written 28-Feb-2019


reply by the author on 09-Mar-2019
    Very many thanks for this review, Tom. Sorry I'm a bit slow getting back to you. I seem to have had rather a lot on recently. I appreciate your comments and affirmation. Best wishes, Tony
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

That was such a lovely interlude, Tony, I have always loved walking in the early morning when I've stayed in that part of the world. (Which I will be doing in a month or so's time.) Your descriptions of the mushrooms and berries made my mouth water, there is nothing to compare with fresh wild farm mushrooms. Now, his moment of joy has come to an end, Brockenhurst is on the line! Superb, my friend. :) Sandra xx

 Comment Written 27-Feb-2019


reply by the author on 28-Feb-2019
    Thanks, Helen. Spring in the West Country. I envy you! I have many happy memories of that part of the world, as you have probably gathered! Best wishes, Tony
Comment from lyenochka
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

What an interesting breakfast - mushrooms and blackberries. Does the cottage always have butter and other pantry supplies? Fun and peaceful chapter with your artistic eye and gardening and bird expertise.

 Comment Written 26-Feb-2019


reply by the author on 28-Feb-2019
    Thanks, Helen. I appreciate the review. I suspect that Mrs Wilkins may have put a few basics there for Charles. She's a kindly soul! All the best, Tony
Comment from 24chas
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This was a very interesting read, Tfawcus. I'm late to the game, but I can appreciate good writing. This was very smooth and I like the characters and the dialogue was real. I'll try to catch up. Nice job.

 Comment Written 26-Feb-2019


reply by the author on 28-Feb-2019
    Many thanks for your review, Chas. Appreciated. Best wishes, Tony
Comment from krys123
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Cheers, Tony;
> And thank you for such a delightful and enjoyable entertaining piece of reading.
> I was so delighted I wish I could give you something more, In terms of stars, Chuckle!
> I've been fascinating by this book, "The Letter". And this chapter shines. Almost as removable as them getting out of Bangkok. Or the time on the train. Or the final departure in Paris and finding out that Helen and Kayla were partners for a while longer than he thought anymore just friends.
> Now you talk of A comical part of the chapter we speak of James Bond and In incident compared to what would've happened if Charles would be in that situationBut he was reminded that he didn't have a electric toothbrush In Paris. Chuckle!
>I enjoyed the bee scene And how delightfully careful your work, or more so gentle At describing the honeybees fate and letting them free to go to a rose that you named that reminded you of Paris and Helen. Quite deducing.
>I love that cliché or if you made it up it's a good one but you wrote having a "tune in my heart." I particularly like that one being a musician.
>And then you go and you make me hungry by talking about morels. I remember my dear nice to go mushroom hunting right after the first range of fall. He knew which to pick on I couldn't. He said it was passed down from his grandfather through his grandfather and his father....I just couldn't keep up and never learn myself except for knowing to that are North American types.
> Thanks so much, Tony, for a super enjoyable time reading and having an enjoyable evening think about it.
> Take care and have a good one my friend especially with Lall those, who love you dearly.
Alx

 Comment Written 26-Feb-2019


reply by the author on 28-Feb-2019
    Thanks very much for the sixth star and your detailed and interesting comments, Alx. Much appreciated, as always. I'm honoured by your interest and support. Best wishes, Tony
reply by the author on 28-Feb-2019
    Thanks very much for the sixth star and your detailed and interesting comments, Alx. Much appreciated, as always. I'm honoured by your interest and support. Best wishes, Tony
reply by krys123 on 02-Mar-2019
    Very welcome, Tony. You got me hooked now, pal, And I'm with it all the way!
    Alx
Comment from giraffmang
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

There's a very nice juxtaposition in this chapter with the adventures in France. A much different pace which give a pleasant interlude to the proceedings.

the attention to detail is spot on, great use of descriptors without going over the top.

great work.
G

 Comment Written 26-Feb-2019


reply by the author on 28-Feb-2019
    Thanks, Gareth. Appreciated. A sixth star from you is great validation. Best wishes, Tony.
Comment from Artasylum
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I love your language used... It really sets a scene for the reader and makes your scenes palpable... Yours, Diana

"Breakfast? It'll be more like lunch by the time you get home. You townsfolk are all the same. Miss the best part of the day, you do, then complain you haven't enough time to get things done. Anyway," he looked at me conspiratorially, "I might be able to help you. I do know a place, but you mus' promise not to breathe a word."

 Comment Written 26-Feb-2019


reply by the author on 28-Feb-2019
    I appreciate your encouraging comments, Diana, and pointing out an example of what you were saying. Best wishes, Tony
Comment from Ulla
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Ah, so Brockenhurst found Charles before he did. I liked the interaction with the old farmer. It so reminds me of my relationship with the local farmers here where I live in Spain. I've actually been accepted as one of theirs. I still work land although I'm now on my own. Seems to be the same all over the world. You are describing a wonderful seasonal picture. All best. Ulla:))

 Comment Written 26-Feb-2019


reply by the author on 28-Feb-2019
    Many thanks for your review, Ulla, and your supportive comments. What part of Spain are you in? I have a niece who has lived most of her life in Barcelona. Best wishes, Tony
reply by Ulla on 28-Feb-2019
    I'm 500 kms south of Barcelona halfway between Valencia and Alicante. I'm twenty kms inland from Denia in the mountains. It's a beautiful valley surrounded by the mountain peaks and with a view down to the Med. We're famous for our cherries, almonds and olive trees. Your niece will know where I am. All best. Ulla:))