Reviews from

A Baby Soldier Memoir/

The Lev Karavich Story

23 total reviews 
Comment from kahpot
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

"Blotted the wetness" I loved, yet was saddened at the introduction by "Mother" of "baby soldier" and the life that Lev looks like being forced to live, sorry I am so far behind, I have been recuperating, Happy New year to you and yours****kahpot

 Comment Written 01-Jan-2023


reply by the author on 01-Jan-2023
    Thank you, kahpot for the great review. I wish you health and happiness in 2023. Thanks again, my friend
Comment from karenina
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Sorry I'm arriving late.

I have read through the three posted chapters and wish to deposit my six stars here...because I have no sense of "budget" and do not want to squander them before reaching chapter three, should I be called away between reviews!

Your writing is...

Always intelligent! Each line is reflective of what's come before and what is yet to be revealed.

What a stunning opening! Knowing you, I am certain this opening salvo will circle back and become painfully clear!

Vadim.

The personification of authoritarianism.
He is the center of his universe.

Bravo.

Karenina

 Comment Written 13-Dec-2022


reply by the author on 13-Dec-2022
    Karenina! I hope I am finding you well and you're going to tell me Ed is home and on the mend. I've been thinking and praying for you both. Thank you so much for taking the time to review. Your words always mean so much. I will hang the sixth star on my tree. Happy Holidays to you and Ed!
reply by karenina on 13-Dec-2022
    Not home yet.... Thanks, though, for the prayers! Yes! six stars for your tree! Garland too!
Comment from Ulla
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Wow, John, this is the first I've read of this story, and I'm fascinated. How I have missed it I'm not certain, but then again so much has happened in my life the last few months.I can't wait reading along. Ulla:)))

 Comment Written 19-Nov-2022


reply by the author on 19-Nov-2022
    Thank you, Ulla, for the great review. It's the first chapter, so you haven't missed anything much. I'm happy you enjoyed it.
reply by Ulla on 19-Nov-2022
    Oh, I'm glad. As I said I'm looking forward to reading along.
reply by the author on 19-Nov-2022
    I'm happy to have you read it, Ulla. Thanks so much, my friend.
Comment from Gloria ....
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This is an interesting introduction into a longer story. The setting is well defined, the characters and dialogue varied enough to provide a gripping story.

Well done, and I'm looking forward to where you go from here.

Gloria

 Comment Written 18-Nov-2022


reply by the author on 19-Nov-2022
    Thank you, Gloria, for the great review. It will be an honor to have you follow. The six stars are much appreciated. Thank you again.
Comment from joann r romei
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This was intense, a lot of drama and tense interactions between the characters, there are many ways this story can go, cant wait to see what you create.

 Comment Written 18-Nov-2022


reply by the author on 18-Nov-2022
    Thank you for your review, Joann. I'm happy to have you read it.
Comment from Annmuma
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I am on the edge of my seat waiting for the next chapter! Well written; character definition is right on. The scene is vivid. The dialogue is an inlet to the characters' personalities. Everything in this story makes it a six -- except the number of sixes I have left! Great post. ann

 Comment Written 18-Nov-2022


reply by the author on 18-Nov-2022
    Thank you, Ann, for the great review and honorable mention of the six stars! It means much. Yes, I hope you stay with me. Thanks again.
Comment from Terry Broxson
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

John, A very interesting start. You write great dialogue. You have an interesting setting and characters who might provide a great story. So far, they have.

One thing I will mention is that I had to read the opening three times (its early, maybe still asleep). I was not sure who was the author of the memoir. Normally, I think a memoir and the author are the same. But clearly, you indicate the author is a woman. So it must be Masha or Zora.

So, here is a thought for you to consider. Maybe leave the word "Memoir" out of the title. I don't think it would change any meaning, but might be a little cleaner.

It's just my opinion, something to think about. Overall, you certainly have a good start to a compelling tale. Terry.

 Comment Written 18-Nov-2022


reply by the author on 18-Nov-2022
    Hi, Terry, Yes, the Author is writing Lev's Memoir. There is a reason for not revealing her in the intro chapter. I hope you continue to follow this one. Thank you for a great review, Terry.
reply by Terry Broxson on 18-Nov-2022
    I get that you didn't want us to know just yet who the writer is. And yes, I will be interested to find out who and why.

    I guess my point, and it's not major, is that it is a biography written by someone other than Lev, not his memoir. If that makes sense. Terry.
reply by the author on 18-Nov-2022
    Terry, thank you.
    It's a written account of memories of events in her's and Lev's lives. A mixture of her autobiography and certain parts of Lev's life. My approach may be confusing, but it fits my intent for the story. That being said, your point on clarity is well taken.
reply by Terry Broxson on 18-Nov-2022
    That makes more sense, thanks, I think you may have a winner here. Terry.
reply by the author on 18-Nov-2022
    Thanks, Terry!
Comment from Ric Myworld
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

As always, another great chapter of characterizations and the makings of those who have true character. Most don't realize the difference between the two, many thinking they are the same, but as you've shown many times, you know and show distinct examples in your stories. Thanks for sharing. I truly wish I had a six.

 Comment Written 18-Nov-2022


reply by the author on 18-Nov-2022
    Thank you, Ric, for the kind words. You always come through for me when I'm feeling a bit uncertain about my sometimes unorthodox approach to my openings. You da best!! :)
Comment from Carol Hillebrenner
Good
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is an interesting beginning to a story or book. There is a lot of drama, personalities, and heartache. The one thing I am not sure about is if "she" was alive when he read the book or died immediately after he received it? You might want to change these: I slid (open) the drawer . . . and . . . that (cowardly) smirk. . .

This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.

 Comment Written 17-Nov-2022


reply by the author on 17-Nov-2022
    Thank you for your review.
Comment from GWHARGIS
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I found myself holding my breath while the prison scene was taking place. You certainly got my Maternal instincts with that scene. The death bed moment set the scene up. I liked how the different POVs worked together. Well written. Waiting for the next part.
Gretchen

 Comment Written 17-Nov-2022


reply by the author on 17-Nov-2022
    Thank you, Gretchen, for the great review. I'm happy you're following.