The French Letter
Viewing comments for Chapter 35 "Revelations in Montmartre"A Novel
34 total reviews
Comment from Pantygynt
I have to admit I had sussed out the lesbian tendences there and was waiting for Charles to realise the score. But now I have absolutely no I idea where this is going. That is not a criticism by the way it is most intriguing.
'... like a lovesick orange.' What a strange simile! Where did that come from?
I have never travelled on the Eurostar from Paris, only from Brussels but I have driven from Paris to the channel ports. Are you sure that is the Normandy countryside? Are you not too far north east for Normandy? Just a thought.
reply by the author on 19-Jan-2019
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I have to admit I had sussed out the lesbian tendences there and was waiting for Charles to realise the score. But now I have absolutely no I idea where this is going. That is not a criticism by the way it is most intriguing.
'... like a lovesick orange.' What a strange simile! Where did that come from?
I have never travelled on the Eurostar from Paris, only from Brussels but I have driven from Paris to the channel ports. Are you sure that is the Normandy countryside? Are you not too far north east for Normandy? Just a thought.
Comment Written 17-Jan-2019
reply by the author on 19-Jan-2019
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Thanks, Jim. I really out to look at a map before I write things down. Me a navigator and all. I've now moved the railway line a bit further north-east into Picardy, where it belongs.
I notice in the blurb for your upcoming course on rhyme that you mention The Seven Pillars of Poetry. I wouldn't mind reading that, but it doesn't seem to be available any more - or it it?
Comment from Treischel
His instincts seem correct in the relationship with Helen., but he addressed it head-on as much as possible.
Excellent aside and colorful comparison to the Minotaur sacrifices.
I smiled again at your description of Paris being a model for the amusement of the gods. You always turn a good phrase.
A delightful scene with the beggar artist.
Love your description of Kayla flouncing down the street in tight-fitting white frock festooned with scarlet poppies ...dinner plates. Such alliteration!
A touching revelation with the choking on the champagne, as it were.
"my thoughts, like the wheels of the train, turning along the preordained lines of my prejudices." an exquisite metaphor.
Very well written. I enjoyed every word
reply by the author on 19-Jan-2019
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His instincts seem correct in the relationship with Helen., but he addressed it head-on as much as possible.
Excellent aside and colorful comparison to the Minotaur sacrifices.
I smiled again at your description of Paris being a model for the amusement of the gods. You always turn a good phrase.
A delightful scene with the beggar artist.
Love your description of Kayla flouncing down the street in tight-fitting white frock festooned with scarlet poppies ...dinner plates. Such alliteration!
A touching revelation with the choking on the champagne, as it were.
"my thoughts, like the wheels of the train, turning along the preordained lines of my prejudices." an exquisite metaphor.
Very well written. I enjoyed every word
Comment Written 17-Jan-2019
reply by the author on 19-Jan-2019
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Thanks so much, Tom, for your detailed and affirming words and for the six stars. Very much appreciated! Tony
Comment from Sandra du Plessis
A very well-written chapter and a very shocking revelation that anyone would take very badly. Sometimes we cannot control who we fell in love with, but we have to keep our minds open for the things that are hidden from our eyes.
reply by the author on 19-Jan-2019
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A very well-written chapter and a very shocking revelation that anyone would take very badly. Sometimes we cannot control who we fell in love with, but we have to keep our minds open for the things that are hidden from our eyes.
Comment Written 17-Jan-2019
reply by the author on 19-Jan-2019
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Thanks, Sandra. I appreciate your review and comments. Best wishes, Tony
Comment from Spitfire
Sexual references, especially 'outtings' attract readers as well as the characters in the dark. Love the section about the artist. For triple the money in America, the tourist can buy a good copy or work by a famous artist.
reply by the author on 17-Jan-2019
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Sexual references, especially 'outtings' attract readers as well as the characters in the dark. Love the section about the artist. For triple the money in America, the tourist can buy a good copy or work by a famous artist.
Comment Written 17-Jan-2019
reply by the author on 17-Jan-2019
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Thanks very much for your review and continued interest in this story, Shari. I really appreciate it. Best wishes, Tony
Comment from krys123
Cheers, Tony;
> I am saturated with enjoyed entertainment. Finally it pieces together, I think? Chuckle!
> I was wondering about Jeanne and why Helen was so curious and close to her in the hospital and the other incident around that time.
> For while here I thought you going to leave us with Charles going to England befuddled why Helen dropped him like a leaded feather. Gently hard.
> The question I could find this word in dictionary.com =>"...CHURLESS...? The line where Andre' apologizes
> That part where you write that Jeanne gives Harry that sarcastic look of rejection while putting her hand around Helen And I was thinking maybe her saying something in terms of saying it like she's mine. Like something in French that would read, "Helen and I are tight or like sisters."
> Really enjoyed this, Tony, and I'm learning a lot are yyou throwing little things explaining the character with little things like his yellow teeth.
> Thanks for sharing and especially caring for posting this which I truly appreciate wholeheartedly and take care and have a good one Tony.
Alx
PS: I just noticed and liked the new picture.
reply by the author on 17-Jan-2019
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Cheers, Tony;
> I am saturated with enjoyed entertainment. Finally it pieces together, I think? Chuckle!
> I was wondering about Jeanne and why Helen was so curious and close to her in the hospital and the other incident around that time.
> For while here I thought you going to leave us with Charles going to England befuddled why Helen dropped him like a leaded feather. Gently hard.
> The question I could find this word in dictionary.com =>"...CHURLESS...? The line where Andre' apologizes
> That part where you write that Jeanne gives Harry that sarcastic look of rejection while putting her hand around Helen And I was thinking maybe her saying something in terms of saying it like she's mine. Like something in French that would read, "Helen and I are tight or like sisters."
> Really enjoyed this, Tony, and I'm learning a lot are yyou throwing little things explaining the character with little things like his yellow teeth.
> Thanks for sharing and especially caring for posting this which I truly appreciate wholeheartedly and take care and have a good one Tony.
Alx
PS: I just noticed and liked the new picture.
Comment Written 17-Jan-2019
reply by the author on 17-Jan-2019
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As you know, I really appreciate your reviews and comments, Alx. Thanks very much!
'Churlish' means rude in a mean-spirited and surly way.
All the best, Tony
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Thanks a lot Tony had a feeling it was a dissing or negative thing, but I didn't know what.
>This story is so twisting one dozen key but on it I could see were one wouldn't get involved because of its entangled plot of each characters understanding of what happens. I could see would be difficult just to jump right in the middle of it.
Take care and have a good one Tony.
Alx
Comment from barbara.wilkey
I am worried about Charles. I can't believe that Helen would just dump Charles. I can't believe that she won't be calling him and needing his help. I liked those two together. I will have to wait and see what happens. I don't trust Jeanne. This is another good post.
reply by the author on 17-Jan-2019
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I am worried about Charles. I can't believe that Helen would just dump Charles. I can't believe that she won't be calling him and needing his help. I liked those two together. I will have to wait and see what happens. I don't trust Jeanne. This is another good post.
Comment Written 16-Jan-2019
reply by the author on 17-Jan-2019
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Thanks for your review, Barbara. I'm sorry to see them splitting up, too. Who knows? They may resolve the issues at some time in the future. All the best, Tony
Comment from lyenochka
Really enjoyed the depth of your characters, Tony! Certainly, a woman with all those different kinds of relationships in order to survive could have some confused ideas about sexuality. But it's such a touchy subject these days, I wonder how the general public would respond.
Some comments:
"like a lovesick orange." (lol--!! Hilarious but I'd still change it. )
Loved your mention of the "honey locust tree" (I think I have a couple of these in my yard. ) and the gentian root. You always have such good knowledge about plant life!
" "Where is Kayla," I asked. (maybe a question mark here not a comma?)
reply by the author on 17-Jan-2019
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Really enjoyed the depth of your characters, Tony! Certainly, a woman with all those different kinds of relationships in order to survive could have some confused ideas about sexuality. But it's such a touchy subject these days, I wonder how the general public would respond.
Some comments:
"like a lovesick orange." (lol--!! Hilarious but I'd still change it. )
Loved your mention of the "honey locust tree" (I think I have a couple of these in my yard. ) and the gentian root. You always have such good knowledge about plant life!
" "Where is Kayla," I asked. (maybe a question mark here not a comma?)
Comment Written 16-Jan-2019
reply by the author on 17-Jan-2019
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Thanks, Helen. I've added the question mark. I appreciate your sharp eyes.
We, too, have a honey locust, which casts shade on our kitchen window. I noticed several of them when I was in Montmartre last year. Lovely trees.
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They are interesting (flowers, leaves) except for the sharp thorns in the bark!
Comment from kiwijenny
Knock, knock. Who's there? Orange. Orange who? Orange juice sorry you made me cry.
Ha ha ha ha ....this is well, it's grape. I was going to ask it seemed so incongruous. But you know I had wondered about Helen..
well penned
God bless
reply by the author on 17-Jan-2019
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Knock, knock. Who's there? Orange. Orange who? Orange juice sorry you made me cry.
Ha ha ha ha ....this is well, it's grape. I was going to ask it seemed so incongruous. But you know I had wondered about Helen..
well penned
God bless
Comment Written 16-Jan-2019
reply by the author on 17-Jan-2019
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Thanks, Helen. I have been advised to ditch the orange, but I think I'll keep it anyway. It must have given someone the pip, but I think it adds juice to the story. All the best, Tony
Comment from Mrs. KT
Hello Tony,
I so enjoyed this chapter, albeit a bit selfishly. I, too, have traveled to Sacre Couer, Montmarte, and beyond. I also had my portrait sketched by a starving Parisian artiste. The only thing that bears the faintest resemblance of me is a mole on my face that I summarily removed when I returned to the states - mortified by its prominence...
But back to your exceptionally well-crafted chapter, I had the feeling that Helen and Jeanne were going to become lovers. Quite an interesting reaction on the part of Charles when Kayla explains the situation to him. When it doubt, laugh.
I found the following paragraph especially well-written in terms of content, structure, and flow:
There was something here beyond my understanding. I felt a surge of anger, but there was nothing I could do. How easy, I thought, to become angry about things one doesn't understand. I knew, deep within, that it would only be through understanding that I could save Helen. Save her from what, I wondered? From herself? From Jeanne? I didn't know. I wasn't even entirely sure she needed saving. Perhaps I was just a victim of my own vanity.
Thank you for sharing! I thoroughly enjoyed this chapter.
diane
reply by the author on 17-Jan-2019
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Hello Tony,
I so enjoyed this chapter, albeit a bit selfishly. I, too, have traveled to Sacre Couer, Montmarte, and beyond. I also had my portrait sketched by a starving Parisian artiste. The only thing that bears the faintest resemblance of me is a mole on my face that I summarily removed when I returned to the states - mortified by its prominence...
But back to your exceptionally well-crafted chapter, I had the feeling that Helen and Jeanne were going to become lovers. Quite an interesting reaction on the part of Charles when Kayla explains the situation to him. When it doubt, laugh.
I found the following paragraph especially well-written in terms of content, structure, and flow:
There was something here beyond my understanding. I felt a surge of anger, but there was nothing I could do. How easy, I thought, to become angry about things one doesn't understand. I knew, deep within, that it would only be through understanding that I could save Helen. Save her from what, I wondered? From herself? From Jeanne? I didn't know. I wasn't even entirely sure she needed saving. Perhaps I was just a victim of my own vanity.
Thank you for sharing! I thoroughly enjoyed this chapter.
diane
Comment Written 16-Jan-2019
reply by the author on 17-Jan-2019
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Thanks very much for your review and continued interest in this story, Diane. I really appreciate your engagement and comments. Best wishes, Tony
Comment from estory
This chapter was, I thought, one of your best. It was colorful and intriguing, and the plot is thickening and the romantic tangents are going off in all kinds of directions. And you did it all with colorful scene setting and descriptions, true to character, and excellent dialogue. I think it's great how Charles keeps lapsing into these moments of pure enjoyment of food and wine, like the traveler he is. And the relationship between Helen and Jeanne comes off as believable, at the same time as surprising. You didn't really give any hints of this. And the relationships are all complicated, and now how does Kayla increase in the picture, and Helen still has that tenuous hold on Charles. And how does the mafia play this? You have suddenly opened this up to all kinds of possibilities. Superb chapter. estory
reply by the author on 19-Jan-2019
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This chapter was, I thought, one of your best. It was colorful and intriguing, and the plot is thickening and the romantic tangents are going off in all kinds of directions. And you did it all with colorful scene setting and descriptions, true to character, and excellent dialogue. I think it's great how Charles keeps lapsing into these moments of pure enjoyment of food and wine, like the traveler he is. And the relationship between Helen and Jeanne comes off as believable, at the same time as surprising. You didn't really give any hints of this. And the relationships are all complicated, and now how does Kayla increase in the picture, and Helen still has that tenuous hold on Charles. And how does the mafia play this? You have suddenly opened this up to all kinds of possibilities. Superb chapter. estory
Comment Written 16-Jan-2019
reply by the author on 19-Jan-2019
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Very many thanks, estory, for your review, analysis and stars - all much appreciated. This was an important chapter in terms of my overall plan, so I'm relieved that you thought it came off all right. All the best, Tony