Reviews from

Rubber Duckie

Toys hold so many memories

30 total reviews 
Comment from Liz O'Neill
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This makes me think of the song Rubber Ducky that's very fun to sing. Oh, you thought of it too. It makes us return to our childhood. . But it looks like you returned to your child's childhood. This was very poignant.

 Comment Written 23-Jan-2024


reply by the author on 23-Jan-2024
    Wow. Thanks Liz for your review on a flash fiction entry I did some time ago. This is an entry that made me cry. Yes, you are right it was very poignant. Thanks again and all the best to you.
    Cheers
    Barry Penfold.
reply by Liz O'Neill on 23-Jan-2024
    ***Sigh***
Comment from lyenochka
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

You captured a lot of emotion in this flash fiction! You started by setting the scene both visually and audially with the Rubber Duckie song and then like a strong flash fiction, you give us a completely different picture at the end with the grief of loss. Well deserved win!!


 Comment Written 05-Mar-2022


reply by the author on 05-Mar-2022
    Thanks for your kind review. Yes, Rubber Duckie was one of those stories that just came along and evolved quickly. Everything was there. Pity it does not work that way all the time. Take care.
    Cheers
    Barry Penfold.
Comment from jessizero
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I definitely didn't see the end coming. I liked your story very much. I can see why it won the contest. Thanks for sharing your gift with the world.

 Comment Written 16-Feb-2022


reply by the author on 17-Feb-2022
    Thanks for taking the time to review my story. Glad you enjoyed it. Have a good day and take care.
    Regards
    Barry Penfold
Comment from tfawcus
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

You've managed to communicate a deal of emotion in this short piece. It's funny what fond memories can be held in the most unlikely of objects and how important they become as reminders in times of loss. This was a worthy winner of the contest. Congratulations.

 Comment Written 16-Feb-2022


reply by the author on 17-Feb-2022
    Thanks for taking time to review my story. It worked out well despite the sad ending. Have a good day and take care.
    Cheers
    Barry Penfold
Comment from lindafisher
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Your first place award is well deserved. I'm so glad it's fiction it's just so sad. You have written this with such feeling and realism that it's easy to believe. Well done Barry.

 Comment Written 16-Feb-2022


reply by the author on 17-Feb-2022
    Wow, Six Stars. Thanks very much and I am so glad you liked the story. Yes it is fiction but I just thought a sad ending was the way to go. Have a great day
    Cheers
    Barry Penfold
Comment from Artasylum
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This took such a turn and was so touching. All of the bathtub toys still live in their blue plastic box still waiting to be the one... I love that the cool rubber duckie was the one even though it brought pain it is also brought memories flowing back through the tears... Sweet, Sad, and Sorry for the duckie's loss.

 Comment Written 10-Feb-2022


reply by the author on 13-Feb-2022
    Thanks for taking time to review my story. I did have another story to put in the contest but this one popped in my head. Funny how the brain works at times. Take care.
    Regards Barry Penfold
Comment from dragonpoet
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Barry,
This is such a concise short story about grief. The grief on losing a child is he hardest I could imagine. It shows his love for his daughter and how much bath toys add to the joy of childhood. This starts out sounding like remembering his his childhood but then the end shows the sad truth.
Congratulations on winning the contest.
Keep writing and stay healthy
Joan

 Comment Written 10-Feb-2022


reply by the author on 13-Feb-2022
    Joan, Thanks for taking the time to review my story. Wow, a six star rating. I must admit to be over the moon with the win. Whilst a sad story,it just fitted the requirements of a flash fiction story so well.
    Please take care and have a good day.
reply by dragonpoet on 14-Feb-2022
    Don't mention i, Barry. It was well deserved.
    Joan
Comment from Contests

Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

A contest winning entry! A seven star rating from the Contest Committee for posting the winning contest entry.

 Comment Written 10-Feb-2022


reply by the author on 13-Feb-2022
    Thanks Contest Committee. I am over the moon with the win.
Comment from jwsteele
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I did not expect the denouement. It came as a surprise. The story is sad. You expressed it well regardless of the pain. I liked the story, and it was worth the read. Thank you for sharing it.
jw.

 Comment Written 04-Feb-2022


reply by the author on 04-Feb-2022
    Thanks so much for taking the time to review my entry. Wow six stars. Glad you enjoyed it and despite it being sad I think it works well as far as the contest goes. Take care and have a good day.
Comment from royowen
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

How terrible to lose a much treasured child. I know how much a love and adore my children and grandchildren and even just one went away, I would be devastated, this is beautifully written Barry, good luck, blessings Roy

 Comment Written 03-Feb-2022


reply by the author on 03-Feb-2022
    Roy, yes it would be a terrible tragedy for sure. Thanks for taking the time to review my entry. Hope you and your family are well. Take Care and have a good day.
    Cheers
    Barry
reply by royowen on 03-Feb-2022
    Well done Barry