The French Letter
Viewing comments for Chapter 97 "Solitary Confinement"A Novel
25 total reviews
Comment from estory
The scene in the solitary confinement reminded me of Poe's The Pit and the Pendulum. You had that uncertain space in the dark, with only that little light to offer any kind of hope. Then Bisto and Kayla seem to sweep in out of nowhere to rescue him and take Charles off to a hotel. It is all a bit disorientating and I think you need some explanation to how they knew what happened to him and got in there in the nick of time to get him out of trouble. And Helen's disappearance needs some attention too. The tension level was a bit of a step down from the preceeding chapters. estory
reply by the author on 19-Nov-2019
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The scene in the solitary confinement reminded me of Poe's The Pit and the Pendulum. You had that uncertain space in the dark, with only that little light to offer any kind of hope. Then Bisto and Kayla seem to sweep in out of nowhere to rescue him and take Charles off to a hotel. It is all a bit disorientating and I think you need some explanation to how they knew what happened to him and got in there in the nick of time to get him out of trouble. And Helen's disappearance needs some attention too. The tension level was a bit of a step down from the preceeding chapters. estory
Comment Written 18-Nov-2019
reply by the author on 19-Nov-2019
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Thanks for your review and comments. Appreciated. I'm hoping that this chapter will stand up all right in the context of the ones to follow.
Comment from juliaSjames
This chapter is most deserving of the sixth star. The description of the holding cell, its effect on Charles and the rescue is expertly handled. Now readers have to await the back story which is probably linked to the way forward.
N.B.
IMO Helen committed a jejeune act of revenge by desecrating the symbol of the pink ribbon. I hope that she's taken to task for this.
Blessings Julia
reply by the author on 19-Nov-2019
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This chapter is most deserving of the sixth star. The description of the holding cell, its effect on Charles and the rescue is expertly handled. Now readers have to await the back story which is probably linked to the way forward.
N.B.
IMO Helen committed a jejeune act of revenge by desecrating the symbol of the pink ribbon. I hope that she's taken to task for this.
Blessings Julia
Comment Written 18-Nov-2019
reply by the author on 19-Nov-2019
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Thanks, Julia. I appreciate your comments and the sixth star. Yes, there's a bit of backstory needed to put this chapter in context.
Helen's actions were naive and ill-considered. They probably led to Charles's solitary confinement.
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I hope backstory will also explain how she managed to lay hands on that pink ribbon :-))
JJ
Comment from Ulla
Wow, Tony, this is a great chapter and I'm so glad that I still have a six to give it. The description and the showing of the ordeal he's been trough is superb. But now indeed begs the question. Where is Helen? Im also surpised at Kayla being there. All best. Ulla:)))
reply by the author on 18-Nov-2019
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Wow, Tony, this is a great chapter and I'm so glad that I still have a six to give it. The description and the showing of the ordeal he's been trough is superb. But now indeed begs the question. Where is Helen? Im also surpised at Kayla being there. All best. Ulla:)))
Comment Written 18-Nov-2019
reply by the author on 18-Nov-2019
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Thanks, Ulla. I appreciate your comments and the sixth star. There's a bit of backstory coming up in the next chapter, explaining what has been going on during Charles's weeks in solitary confinement.
Comment from royowen
It seems that Charles has been rescued, by Bisto and Kayla coincidently, like any man that has "enjoyed" solitary confinement, it is a shock to the system, and it will take awhile to recover, you've obviously researched the results of this demeaning confinement. Apparently Helen is safe, but Charles has suffered consequences of her actions, well done, blessings, Roy
reply by the author on 19-Nov-2019
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It seems that Charles has been rescued, by Bisto and Kayla coincidently, like any man that has "enjoyed" solitary confinement, it is a shock to the system, and it will take awhile to recover, you've obviously researched the results of this demeaning confinement. Apparently Helen is safe, but Charles has suffered consequences of her actions, well done, blessings, Roy
Comment Written 18-Nov-2019
reply by the author on 19-Nov-2019
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Thanks, Roy. This kind of incarceration affects different people in different ways. It has been interesting doing a bit of research. I've also spoken with someone who was isolated in this way in the Far East. All good wishes, Tony
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It must be tough
Comment from rspoet
Hello Tony,
After those emails Helen sent, I'm surprised Charles is still alive and in one piece.
From the abysmal condition of solitary confinement in a Pakistani prison to a
magnificent old building that rose up out of the side of the mountain with Bisto and Kayla. Things sure do change fast in this novel.
This reminds me of some places in India, where the British built opulent hotels.
It will be interesting to learn how such things were accomplished in Pakistan, of all places.
Well done
Robert
reply by the author on 19-Nov-2019
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Hello Tony,
After those emails Helen sent, I'm surprised Charles is still alive and in one piece.
From the abysmal condition of solitary confinement in a Pakistani prison to a
magnificent old building that rose up out of the side of the mountain with Bisto and Kayla. Things sure do change fast in this novel.
This reminds me of some places in India, where the British built opulent hotels.
It will be interesting to learn how such things were accomplished in Pakistan, of all places.
Well done
Robert
Comment Written 18-Nov-2019
reply by the author on 19-Nov-2019
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Yes, Helen's actions were ill-considered and could have had more disastrous consequences. The Hindu-kush Heights hotel has an interesting history, some of which may emerge in the following chapters. Many thanks for the sixth star. Appreciated. All good wishes, Tony
Comment from Sandra du Plessis
A very well-written chapter, saved from the prison of hell and finally get a chance to visit a luxury hotel that seems to have everything a man can dreaming of in a foreign country holiday destination.
reply by the author on 19-Nov-2019
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A very well-written chapter, saved from the prison of hell and finally get a chance to visit a luxury hotel that seems to have everything a man can dreaming of in a foreign country holiday destination.
Comment Written 18-Nov-2019
reply by the author on 19-Nov-2019
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Thanks, Sandra. There are certainly some marked contrasts in this part of the world. All good wishes, Tony
Comment from Sylvia Page
Charles' release on bail is indeed a surprise. I was expecting Habeeb taking out his revenge on him and was dreading the transfer from the "holding pen" to a cell of is own. You built up enough suspense there. Charles definitely would have been giving out a nasty stench and would be grateful for a bath and change of clothes.
Best wishes
Sylvia
reply by the author on 19-Nov-2019
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Charles' release on bail is indeed a surprise. I was expecting Habeeb taking out his revenge on him and was dreading the transfer from the "holding pen" to a cell of is own. You built up enough suspense there. Charles definitely would have been giving out a nasty stench and would be grateful for a bath and change of clothes.
Best wishes
Sylvia
Comment Written 18-Nov-2019
reply by the author on 19-Nov-2019
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Thanks, Sylvia. Yes, Helen's ill-advised revenge could have had far more disastrous consequences for Charles.
I suspect that a bath and a change of clothes will be high on his list of priorities now that he's gained his freedom.
All the best, Tony
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
To think, that actually happens to people! How awful. You wrote this part so well, Tony, I could almost believe you'd been incarcerated in one of the jails for it to have been so vivid and real. I'm glad Charles is out, though, and I'm wondering where Helen has wandered off to. Excellent chapter, my friend, and I can't wait for the next part. Well done! :)) Sandra xx
reply by the author on 18-Nov-2019
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To think, that actually happens to people! How awful. You wrote this part so well, Tony, I could almost believe you'd been incarcerated in one of the jails for it to have been so vivid and real. I'm glad Charles is out, though, and I'm wondering where Helen has wandered off to. Excellent chapter, my friend, and I can't wait for the next part. Well done! :)) Sandra xx
Comment Written 18-Nov-2019
reply by the author on 18-Nov-2019
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Thanks, Sandra. I appreciate your comments and the sixth star. There's a bit of backstory coming up in the next chapter, explaining what has been going on during Charles's weeks in solitary confinement. Looking forward to reviewing Eric's new adventures.
Comment from damommy
What a relief to have him freed on bail. I'm surprised the was possible.
It was a very realistic description of his time in solitary confinement. Just being in a small enough space that one could touch the walls would be enough to send someone over the edge.
reply by the author on 18-Nov-2019
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What a relief to have him freed on bail. I'm surprised the was possible.
It was a very realistic description of his time in solitary confinement. Just being in a small enough space that one could touch the walls would be enough to send someone over the edge.
Comment Written 18-Nov-2019
reply by the author on 18-Nov-2019
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Thanks, Yvonne. There's a bit of backstory coming up in the next chapter, explaining what has been going on during Charles's weeks in solitary confinement.
Comment from Mistydawn
I'm so glad the poor guy is alright, that he was finally freed. I just hope Helen is somewhere safe. The chapter is very well-written, interesting, descriptive. Especially the part about his grave situation and his emotional breakdown when he was released.
reply by the author on 19-Nov-2019
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I'm so glad the poor guy is alright, that he was finally freed. I just hope Helen is somewhere safe. The chapter is very well-written, interesting, descriptive. Especially the part about his grave situation and his emotional breakdown when he was released.
Comment Written 18-Nov-2019
reply by the author on 19-Nov-2019
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Thanks for these affirming comments. Much appreciated. This was a difficult chapter to write. All good wishes, Tony