Beautiful Liz, The characters had me hooked within two paragraphs. I had tears in my eyes over Henry losing his radio. The phrase concerning Henry’s ritualist coffee making of almost Eucharistic, was a sharp reminder of how beautifully you write. I feel every word is weighed yet you have such a light touch. I have such respect for you asa writer.
There is a great tenderness in this story, and now I understand its origin. I was also struck by the fact that Henry was very much a symbol. Many who start with their own grand dreams which are gradually lost to life, and sometimes life remorselessly strips everything away until there is nothing left. And that is no where near as insightful or profound as I intended. On a brighter note I am thoroughly enjoying your stories. For what it is worth I think you are a major talent – and believe me Liz I am one picky bugger – I cannot abide laziness in writing. Poor old Russ, my other half is sick of hearing me complain about the latest Hollywood movie- Jesus Christ they spent a couple of million dollars on this movie and they could not find another couple of hundred to fix the script. -See it’s not only life that’s remorseless!
Interesting! I never thought of Henry as being a symbol, but you’re right. Age and dementia stripped away everything he was had. I’m heartened to hear that you’re enjoying the stories. The prevailing wisdom seems to be that short story collections don’t sell. My rant machine gets triggered by missing apostrophes. Would it KILL you to use an apostrophe to show possession?!?!?
Excellent story. I was glued!
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Thank you so much, Jennie! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
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You are welcome, Liz!
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Beautiful Liz, The characters had me hooked within two paragraphs. I had tears in my eyes over Henry losing his radio. The phrase concerning Henry’s ritualist coffee making of almost Eucharistic, was a sharp reminder of how beautifully you write. I feel every word is weighed yet you have such a light touch. I have such respect for you asa writer.
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Thank you, Paul. This story was based on the suicide of a dear friend of my dad’s. It broke his heart.
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There is a great tenderness in this story, and now I understand its origin. I was also struck by the fact that Henry was very much a symbol. Many who start with their own grand dreams which are gradually lost to life, and sometimes life remorselessly strips everything away until there is nothing left. And that is no where near as insightful or profound as I intended. On a brighter note I am thoroughly enjoying your stories. For what it is worth I think you are a major talent – and believe me Liz I am one picky bugger – I cannot abide laziness in writing. Poor old Russ, my other half is sick of hearing me complain about the latest Hollywood movie- Jesus Christ they spent a couple of million dollars on this movie and they could not find another couple of hundred to fix the script. -See it’s not only life that’s remorseless!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting! I never thought of Henry as being a symbol, but you’re right. Age and dementia stripped away everything he was had. I’m heartened to hear that you’re enjoying the stories. The prevailing wisdom seems to be that short story collections don’t sell. My rant machine gets triggered by missing apostrophes. Would it KILL you to use an apostrophe to show possession?!?!?
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Beautiful Story. You are such a talented writer.
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Thank you so much, Bonnie! I’m glad you enjoyed the story. It’s one that’s very near and dear to my heart.
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