The French Letter
Viewing comments for Chapter 27 "A Meeting with Madame Durand"A Novel
35 total reviews
Comment from Shirley E Kennedy
Hi Tony,
your novel is progressing well and I am amazed at your in depth knowledge of France and French culture.
Your ability to maintain interest chapter after chapter is commendable.
Blessings
Shirley
reply by the author on 10-Jan-2019
Hi Tony,
your novel is progressing well and I am amazed at your in depth knowledge of France and French culture.
Your ability to maintain interest chapter after chapter is commendable.
Blessings
Shirley
Comment Written 10-Jan-2019
reply by the author on 10-Jan-2019
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Thanks, Shirley. I've been to France often enough to have an idea of the ambience of the country. Google is a great friend when it comes to filling in some of the details! Best wishes, Tony
Comment from Debbie Pope
As I have said before, the best thing about your story is the relationship between Charles and Helen. You continue to develop that in this chapter. Charles seems to be developing doubts about Helen, but, at the same time he continues to treat her as though he loves her deeply. Deep down he seems to trust her. Their relationship, with all of its teasing, seems to be getting stronger.
I thoroughly enjoyed this chapter.
reply by the author on 24-Nov-2018
As I have said before, the best thing about your story is the relationship between Charles and Helen. You continue to develop that in this chapter. Charles seems to be developing doubts about Helen, but, at the same time he continues to treat her as though he loves her deeply. Deep down he seems to trust her. Their relationship, with all of its teasing, seems to be getting stronger.
I thoroughly enjoyed this chapter.
Comment Written 24-Nov-2018
reply by the author on 24-Nov-2018
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Thanks, Debbie. I appreciate your comments about the relationship between Charles and Helen. Best wishes, Tony
Comment from Pearl Edwards
Love Charles initial thoughts - why would she forgo a dinner with him - that brought a smile.Very intriguing question - what was in it for Jeanne - also at what cost to Helen.Loved the comparison between the now, enjoying the cheese platter and wine, and the drama in the diary entries. Great chapter Tony, dramatic moments interspersed with light hearted banter made for a great read.
cheers.
valda
reply by the author on 21-Nov-2018
Love Charles initial thoughts - why would she forgo a dinner with him - that brought a smile.Very intriguing question - what was in it for Jeanne - also at what cost to Helen.Loved the comparison between the now, enjoying the cheese platter and wine, and the drama in the diary entries. Great chapter Tony, dramatic moments interspersed with light hearted banter made for a great read.
cheers.
valda
Comment Written 21-Nov-2018
reply by the author on 21-Nov-2018
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Once again, I very much appreciate your six stars for this chapter, Valda. Most affirming to know that you found the balance about right between drama and banter. All the best, Tony
Comment from Pam (respa)
-This chapter moves the chapter and
the reading of the journal along well, Tony.
-Charles has a lot to think about based on
his reading, Helen's relationship to Jeanne,
and the nature of Helen's past.
-You include a bit of humor, with Helen being
referred to as Charles's daughter to the doctor.
-Of course, Charles wastes no time
in making one of his remarks about the latter.
-The doctor doesn't seem too concerned about
Jeanne and leaves her in the care of Helen and Charles.
-What happens next with Jeanne, Helen,
and Charles is a mystery, as is the exact
relationship among these three, and how they
will deal with upcoming situations.
reply by the author on 22-Nov-2018
-This chapter moves the chapter and
the reading of the journal along well, Tony.
-Charles has a lot to think about based on
his reading, Helen's relationship to Jeanne,
and the nature of Helen's past.
-You include a bit of humor, with Helen being
referred to as Charles's daughter to the doctor.
-Of course, Charles wastes no time
in making one of his remarks about the latter.
-The doctor doesn't seem too concerned about
Jeanne and leaves her in the care of Helen and Charles.
-What happens next with Jeanne, Helen,
and Charles is a mystery, as is the exact
relationship among these three, and how they
will deal with upcoming situations.
Comment Written 20-Nov-2018
reply by the author on 22-Nov-2018
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Very many thanks for your review and the six stars, Pam. The backstory is coming out in dribs and drabs - first the nightmares, now the journal - whatever next? LOL All the best, Tony.
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You are very welcome and deserving, Tony. I do not know what will be next, but we will find out!
Comment from rspoet
Hello Tony
Excellent chapter. So, it appears to be drug running,
likely, unwittingly on Helen's part.
Maybe, there's some missing drugs or money or incriminating information or future jobs.
That would explain the mafia being involved.
Madame Durand is still a bit of a mystery,
it seems someone did not want her to go to England.
Perhaps she herself or the Mafia involving the Doctor.
The mystery is solid and unraveling well.
Some excellent foreshadowing of danger.
Good grounding of the story in everyday activities.
Well done
Robert
reply by the author on 22-Nov-2018
Hello Tony
Excellent chapter. So, it appears to be drug running,
likely, unwittingly on Helen's part.
Maybe, there's some missing drugs or money or incriminating information or future jobs.
That would explain the mafia being involved.
Madame Durand is still a bit of a mystery,
it seems someone did not want her to go to England.
Perhaps she herself or the Mafia involving the Doctor.
The mystery is solid and unraveling well.
Some excellent foreshadowing of danger.
Good grounding of the story in everyday activities.
Well done
Robert
Comment Written 20-Nov-2018
reply by the author on 22-Nov-2018
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Not only a splendid review and six twinkling stars, but a few plot ideas thrown in for good measure! Thank you! All the best, Tony.
Comment from Paws4FX
As the sunshine burst upon my palate - LOVE this line.
Polished dialogue and believable characters. Helen is very likeable in this snippet. I'd have to take in more of Charles before I made a decision with him. Seems rather arrogant though. Hopefully he's got redeeming characteristics in other chapters because he seems like a character that COULD be likeable when not consumed with his own interests. Thank you!
reply by the author on 22-Nov-2018
As the sunshine burst upon my palate - LOVE this line.
Polished dialogue and believable characters. Helen is very likeable in this snippet. I'd have to take in more of Charles before I made a decision with him. Seems rather arrogant though. Hopefully he's got redeeming characteristics in other chapters because he seems like a character that COULD be likeable when not consumed with his own interests. Thank you!
Comment Written 20-Nov-2018
reply by the author on 22-Nov-2018
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Very many thanks for your review and kind comments, Paws4FX. I appreciate the six star award, too. Most kind! Charles does have his moments, but he's a bit up himself at times. Helen usually manages to put him in his place though. All the best, Tony.
Comment from royowen
You've woven this tale so well that the answers to many questions are tied up with the continued reading that will be uncovering them, I find myself doubting Helen, the doctor's diagnosis of Madame Durand etc.. Intriguing plot Tony. Well done, good scribing, blessings, Roy
Obviously the term "diapers" was used for our American readers.
reply by the author on 22-Nov-2018
You've woven this tale so well that the answers to many questions are tied up with the continued reading that will be uncovering them, I find myself doubting Helen, the doctor's diagnosis of Madame Durand etc.. Intriguing plot Tony. Well done, good scribing, blessings, Roy
Obviously the term "diapers" was used for our American readers.
Comment Written 20-Nov-2018
reply by the author on 22-Nov-2018
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Very many thanks for your review and kind comments, Roy. Glad you are still enjoying it. You are right about diapers. I'll probably change that to nappies in the final edit, although I notice that 'diapers' is creeping in among the young - probably because of the influence of TV. All the best, Tony.
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Probably
Comment from Sally Law
So well done and a long installment. I am one that doesn't mind a long read, but most FanStory readers are impatient. I am working on a novella and one normal page is about 2-3 pages of a novel. My shorter chapters get the better ratings. Oh well. Sorry I am late with this review. I hope you are well . Keep em coming and enjoy the sixer!
Sally
reply by the author on 22-Nov-2018
So well done and a long installment. I am one that doesn't mind a long read, but most FanStory readers are impatient. I am working on a novella and one normal page is about 2-3 pages of a novel. My shorter chapters get the better ratings. Oh well. Sorry I am late with this review. I hope you are well . Keep em coming and enjoy the sixer!
Sally
Comment Written 20-Nov-2018
reply by the author on 22-Nov-2018
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Very many thanks for your review and kind comments, Sally. Thanks, too, for the six stars. Very much appreciated. This chapter is a bit longer than the previous ones. Up until now, I've generally been posting around 1000 words. Glad you are still enjoying it. All the best, Tony.
Comment from heart of Lou
It seems like we're getting deeper and deeper into this mystery. I like the little touches of humor, it keeps the piece from being too dark. Danger seems to be lurking all around, and we don't know who to trust. Great writing!
reply by the author on 22-Nov-2018
It seems like we're getting deeper and deeper into this mystery. I like the little touches of humor, it keeps the piece from being too dark. Danger seems to be lurking all around, and we don't know who to trust. Great writing!
Comment Written 20-Nov-2018
reply by the author on 22-Nov-2018
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Very many thanks for your review and kind comments, Lou. Glad you are still enjoying it. All the best, Tony.
Comment from robyn corum
Tony,
Wow. There's a lot going on here. Nice job weaving everything together so seamlessly and in making it seem so simple, when the background is actually quite complex. Kudos!
Lines like this made me happee:
There was a stillness in the air, as one sometimes experiences before a storm. A temporary lull in the traffic noise was filled by a clock chiming the hour,
I'm enjoying!
reply by the author on 22-Nov-2018
Tony,
Wow. There's a lot going on here. Nice job weaving everything together so seamlessly and in making it seem so simple, when the background is actually quite complex. Kudos!
Lines like this made me happee:
There was a stillness in the air, as one sometimes experiences before a storm. A temporary lull in the traffic noise was filled by a clock chiming the hour,
I'm enjoying!
Comment Written 20-Nov-2018
reply by the author on 22-Nov-2018
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Very many thanks for your review and kind comments, Robyn. Glad you are still enjoying it. All the best, Tony.