Reviews from

The French Letter

Viewing comments for Chapter 39 "Moonraker Cottage"
A Novel

36 total reviews 
Comment from Shirley E Kennedy
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Hi Tony,
I enjoyed the descriptiveness of this chapter as I felt drawn into the the scene Charles set so well.
What a fine place to hunker down and pause for well needed reflection.
The sinister overtones of the darkness of night and the revelations in Helen's diary fuel the intrigue and curiosity once more.
Blessings
Shirley

 Comment Written 26-May-2019


reply by the author on 01-Jun-2019
    I appreciate both the review and the sixth star for this chapter. The cottage was built as a composite of several that I knew well in years gone by. All the best, Tony
Comment from rspoet
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Hello Tony.
Another fine chapter for the book.
Having recently watched the movie Paddington, I smiled at the reference to it.

A nice little encounter with "Save the Hedgehogs,"
perhaps Charles will get a "Save Helen" T-shirt, play her music, know what I mean?

Helen's journal has appeared to light a fire. Helen must have left it for a reason, other than safe keeping.

I love for description of the cottage and Druid Woods.

Great chapter
Robert

 Comment Written 05-Feb-2019


reply by the author on 06-Feb-2019
    I wondered if anyone would get the reference to Paddington Bear. My children were rather fond of the old fellow!
    As you will see in the next chapter, Charles is already missing Helen a bit.
    Thanks for the six-star review - always appreciated.
    Best wishes, Tony
Comment from Pam (respa)
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

-This is a good chapter, Tony, with some
diversion provided by the West Indian lad.
-You did a good job with his lingo and
interaction with Charles.
-It added a lighthearted break from
the more serious nature of the journal.
-Charles has a lot to think about
as far as Helen and Jeanne are concerned,
according to the journal.
-His thoughts wander, and he speculates on their
relationship, if Jeanne is using Helen for her own
purposes, and the Bellini element of
"deliver me a courier, or else!"
-I like the description of the scenery
at the end; it is quite peaceful, and allows
Charles a chance to appreciate it for a change.

 Comment Written 05-Feb-2019


reply by the author on 06-Feb-2019
    Thanks, Pam. A flattering review and six stars. What more could a chap want? Much appreciated, as always. Tony
reply by Pam (respa) on 06-Feb-2019
    You are very welcome and deserving of the stars and review, Tony. No flattery, just my ideas after re-reading your chapter. Well done!
Comment from Lady Jane
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I love reading your installments. I learn so much about the language and have to use my imagination some, which means the writer has done an excellent job in conjuring the sense of creativity within the reader...

Clean, succinct chapter with excellent flow and though I've missed a few installments for obvious reasons, I was able to step back in and get a feel for the mission at hand.

This paragraph seemed to set the tone for the next installment. I'm hoping the truth will evolve and the contents of the diary finally revealed? Hehe, hint :) ---

As I continued to read, I became increasingly repulsed by the intimate details Helen revealed in her writing. A new question began to form in my mind. At first, it was a small thought bubble but, by the time I reached the final page, it had become a hot air balloon sustained in its flight by the fires of my righteous indignation. Knowing what the journal contained, and knowing that I would read it, why had Helen left it in my possession? One thing was crystal clear. Her music was definitely not being played in my groove. - excellent writing, dear. This is so crisp and poignantly written. Your skill with setting tone is hands down a gift!

Keep em coming.
Janelle

 Comment Written 04-Feb-2019


reply by the author on 04-Feb-2019
    Thanks, Janelle, for your very kind remarks. Much appreciated. Best wishes, Tony.
Comment from Pearl Edwards
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

it had become a hot air balloon sustained in its flight by the fires of my righteous indignation. great description of the idea forming as Charles reads Helen's diary. Druid's Wood sounds like a spooky place to be in winter though it sounds quite tranquil now for him, but will it be I wonder. Great chapter Tony, enjoyed the read
cheers,
valda

 Comment Written 04-Feb-2019


reply by the author on 04-Feb-2019
    Kind words, Valda. I appreciate the extra star. Glad you're still enjoying it. Al the best, Tony
Comment from Jannypan (Jan)
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I enjoyed this chapter, Tony. You did a great job with the descriptive words of the train ride and its passengers. What I liked most was the great descriptive words of the cottage that Charles where Charles would spend a few days. The journal entries seemed less than what I anticipated--like the info wasn't that important. Good job and thanks for sharing. Jan

 Comment Written 03-Feb-2019


reply by the author on 05-Feb-2019
    Thanks for your kind words about this chapter, Jan. I agree - the journal seems to have been a bit of an anticlimax. Perhaps there's something in it that Charles has missed.
Comment from LIJ Red
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Rather like riding across England myself...a but yet chapter, but yet being "gaoler to bring forth some monstrous malefactor" according to Willie Whatshisname...bit of suspense building...excellent

 Comment Written 03-Feb-2019


reply by the author on 05-Feb-2019
    Thanks, Red. I appreciate the review. All the best, Tony
Comment from Treischel
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I can imagine the setting at the station with those souvenir hawkers.

Love that poignant description - bubbles of cyberspace.

I smiled at you description of the West Indian and the ensuing dialog.

Startling conclusions from the jounal about Helen and Jeanne.

Loved the metaphor -it had become a hot air balloon sustained in its flight by the fires of my righteous indignation.

Another gem - safe cocoon of the cab.

wonderful description of the cottage.

A Poet's true imagery in: Their cheerful orison would greet the dawn as they flitted down from among the golden autumn leaves, swooping hungrily for wayside berries and insects on iridescent wings.

Excellent writing.

 Comment Written 03-Feb-2019


reply by the author on 05-Feb-2019
    Thanks, Tom, for your support and for picking out the parts that had the greatest impact for you. Always interesting to hear. I appreciate the sixth star - most kind. All the best, Tony
Comment from apky
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted


Well, this adventure continues to engage and intrigue the reader. You have an amazing knack for some solid story-telling. The mix of introspective narrative and in-your-face dialogue underlines the unique style you have.

Now Charles is safe for the moment. But I'm sure this might be the calm before a storm. Excellent work, Tony.

 Comment Written 03-Feb-2019


reply by the author on 05-Feb-2019
    Thanks, Aki. I appreciate your comment about the balance between introspection and dialogue.
    You could be right about a storm brewing.
    All the best, Tony
Comment from Ulla
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Hi Tony, another fine chapter. It really shows Charles wary mood. I liked the scene in the train with the rookie. And now he's at his cottage (great name) but careful that no one sees him arriving. At peace at the moment, but for how long? I Love the story. All the best. Ulla:))

 Comment Written 03-Feb-2019


reply by the author on 05-Feb-2019
    Thanks, Ulla. I'm really appreciating your support. Best wishes, Tony.