The French Letter
Viewing comments for Chapter 71 "A Cloak-and-Dagger Assignment"A Novel
21 total reviews
Comment from giraffmang
Hi Tony,
This is coming along very nicely indeed. A lot of Charles' previous anchors have now gone, freeing him up for this next part of his life. The trappings are gone.
The preparations are in place for the adventure to continue.
Excellent writing once again
G
reply by the author on 05-Jul-2019
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Hi Tony,
This is coming along very nicely indeed. A lot of Charles' previous anchors have now gone, freeing him up for this next part of his life. The trappings are gone.
The preparations are in place for the adventure to continue.
Excellent writing once again
G
Comment Written 04-Jul-2019
reply by the author on 05-Jul-2019
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Thanks, G. Appreciated.
Comment from Pam (respa)
-A good chapter, Tony, that focuses on Ian,
the funeral, and Charles's request of him.
-The opening chapters are effectively
written with good imagery.
-I liked the comments about Helen driving!
-I am glad you didn't dwell on the funeral itself,
and just gave a few particulars; it was important for
Bisto to be able to be himself at his home.
-Bisto was sorry to hear about Moonrakers
and kindly offered his place for them to stay.
-But Charles had the plans to explain.
-It was a little complicated for Bisto to put
all together, and figured Charles could just take
care of the painting; I think I
would have felt the same way, too.
-But Charles had to cover all the bases
since they were going to Pakistan.
-It all seemed to get explained,
and hopefully Charles can take
care of the painting himself.
-Bisto is a bit worried at the end, but
Charles diverts his attention to Helen.
reply by the author on 06-Jul-2019
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-A good chapter, Tony, that focuses on Ian,
the funeral, and Charles's request of him.
-The opening chapters are effectively
written with good imagery.
-I liked the comments about Helen driving!
-I am glad you didn't dwell on the funeral itself,
and just gave a few particulars; it was important for
Bisto to be able to be himself at his home.
-Bisto was sorry to hear about Moonrakers
and kindly offered his place for them to stay.
-But Charles had the plans to explain.
-It was a little complicated for Bisto to put
all together, and figured Charles could just take
care of the painting; I think I
would have felt the same way, too.
-But Charles had to cover all the bases
since they were going to Pakistan.
-It all seemed to get explained,
and hopefully Charles can take
care of the painting himself.
-Bisto is a bit worried at the end, but
Charles diverts his attention to Helen.
Comment Written 03-Jul-2019
reply by the author on 06-Jul-2019
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I'm always delighted when you think one of these chapters worth a sixth star. Thanks, too, for your detailed summary of this chapter, Pam.
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You are very welcome and deserving, Tony. You did a great job on it and deserved it. I appreciate your reply, too.
Comment from rspoet
Hello Tony,
Another excellent chapter! I love the character of Bisto, Ian. He seems like one of those timeless individuals.
After writing my Tales of a Scottish Wood, I was pleased to see the Scottish toast, "Slange Var!" For those not familiar with it, I think context will supply an apt meaning.
It's good to see the painting and Alain Gaudin reappear, particularly since that started as the theme of the story.
"I say, old man. What's this all about?" Perfect line for Bisto.
Good choice to have Charles write down the details. I doubt I would remember it all myself.
"I felt sure of this when I 'phoned Mrs. Wilkins"
Note: phoned is a common expression here. Don't know if you really need the apostrophe.
Well done
Robert
reply by the author on 06-Jul-2019
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Hello Tony,
Another excellent chapter! I love the character of Bisto, Ian. He seems like one of those timeless individuals.
After writing my Tales of a Scottish Wood, I was pleased to see the Scottish toast, "Slange Var!" For those not familiar with it, I think context will supply an apt meaning.
It's good to see the painting and Alain Gaudin reappear, particularly since that started as the theme of the story.
"I say, old man. What's this all about?" Perfect line for Bisto.
Good choice to have Charles write down the details. I doubt I would remember it all myself.
"I felt sure of this when I 'phoned Mrs. Wilkins"
Note: phoned is a common expression here. Don't know if you really need the apostrophe.
Well done
Robert
Comment Written 03-Jul-2019
reply by the author on 06-Jul-2019
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Many thanks for your positive comments and the sixth star, Robert.
I was taught at school that telephones were 'phones, a brassiere was a bra' and 'shall not' deserved two apostrophes - sha'n't.
However, Google now informs me that I am an old fuddy-duddy clinging to grammar that went out of fashion before the Great War!
I stand corrected! LOL
Comment from robyn corum
Tony,
I think I told you (or was it someone else?) that I've been victim to several house fires, so I get this chapter all too well. It's a horrible, tragic situation that follows you for YEARS. Always asking yourself oh, whatever happened to that... oh... I guess we lost it in the fire.. It happens over and over and over... never ending.
Anyway. This chapter was well-written, as always. I did find the following line to be in rather bad taste - and I think one of them would have pull up short:
--> "Go ahead. Fire away. Of course I'd be delighted to do anything I can.
--> 'Fire' away. --cough-cough-- Oops. sorry about that.
Thanks -
reply by the author on 06-Jul-2019
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Tony,
I think I told you (or was it someone else?) that I've been victim to several house fires, so I get this chapter all too well. It's a horrible, tragic situation that follows you for YEARS. Always asking yourself oh, whatever happened to that... oh... I guess we lost it in the fire.. It happens over and over and over... never ending.
Anyway. This chapter was well-written, as always. I did find the following line to be in rather bad taste - and I think one of them would have pull up short:
--> "Go ahead. Fire away. Of course I'd be delighted to do anything I can.
--> 'Fire' away. --cough-cough-- Oops. sorry about that.
Thanks -
Comment Written 03-Jul-2019
reply by the author on 06-Jul-2019
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I especially appreciate your review of this, Robyn, and value your first-hand comments. Best wishes, Tony
Comment from WryWriter
Arrrgggg! I don't have a six and this chapter is perfection!! The reader breezes through it while noting the actual complicated work that went into it! Superb job!! * * * * * *
reply by the author on 03-Jul-2019
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Arrrgggg! I don't have a six and this chapter is perfection!! The reader breezes through it while noting the actual complicated work that went into it! Superb job!! * * * * * *
Comment Written 02-Jul-2019
reply by the author on 03-Jul-2019
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I value your words much more highly than stars. Thank you! Best wishes, Tony
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
I loved all that lovely imagery in the woodlands, that was so nice, put me right there with you. :) I quite understand Bisto's confusion over Charles' instructions, they really were cloak and daggerish! lol. I can't wait to read what happens once they get to Pakistan. But more will probably happen before we get to read that part. Well done, my friend. :)) Sandra xx
reply by the author on 02-Jul-2019
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I loved all that lovely imagery in the woodlands, that was so nice, put me right there with you. :) I quite understand Bisto's confusion over Charles' instructions, they really were cloak and daggerish! lol. I can't wait to read what happens once they get to Pakistan. But more will probably happen before we get to read that part. Well done, my friend. :)) Sandra xx
Comment Written 02-Jul-2019
reply by the author on 02-Jul-2019
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Yes, There will be a chapter or two yet before the Hindu Kush - a few things to sort out in Paris. Thanks for your comments about the woodland scene, All the best, Tony
Comment from Pearl Edwards
creating a charred grotto lined with staircases of saffron fungi. - love that description of the old oak tree. Things are starting to get serious now for Charles and Helen, off to Pakistan and new adventures. Aother good chapter Tony, enjoyed.
cheers,
valda
reply by the author on 02-Jul-2019
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creating a charred grotto lined with staircases of saffron fungi. - love that description of the old oak tree. Things are starting to get serious now for Charles and Helen, off to Pakistan and new adventures. Aother good chapter Tony, enjoyed.
cheers,
valda
Comment Written 02-Jul-2019
reply by the author on 02-Jul-2019
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There will be a chapter or two yet before the Hindu Kush - a few things to sort out in Paris. Thanks for your comments about the woodland scene. I had in mind a 1200-old oak in my late brother's garden. All the best, Tony
Comment from estory
This was a pretty strong chapter, in my opinion. I liked the subtly of the symbolism of all these events; the funeral, the hair raising drive to it, and then this little conversation at the end about the painting Charles wants returned, with this little aside; If anything should happen to us. I think its really good forshadowing, really good mood setting, and you did it really subtly. The conversation was realistic and that's the writer's art, to convey this feeling of impending trouble, but to do it in a way that you hardly notice it, that it seems woven into the fabric of life. Something like destiny. I look forward to your next chapter. estory
reply by the author on 01-Jul-2019
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This was a pretty strong chapter, in my opinion. I liked the subtly of the symbolism of all these events; the funeral, the hair raising drive to it, and then this little conversation at the end about the painting Charles wants returned, with this little aside; If anything should happen to us. I think its really good forshadowing, really good mood setting, and you did it really subtly. The conversation was realistic and that's the writer's art, to convey this feeling of impending trouble, but to do it in a way that you hardly notice it, that it seems woven into the fabric of life. Something like destiny. I look forward to your next chapter. estory
Comment Written 01-Jul-2019
reply by the author on 01-Jul-2019
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Very many thanks for your comments about the foreshadowing. I appreciate the sixth star, too! Best wishes, Tony
Comment from lyenochka
Another great chapter, Tony! I think after drinking Scotch, one wouldn't give such directions with foreign names to a chap right after his wife's funeral. Good that Charles wrote it all down. I do hope he had his wallet and ID on him when they escaped the fire.
Some comments:
Favorite imagery:
"staircases of saffron fungi."
"Go ahead. Fire away." (I winced at the "fire." Lol.)
"I felt sure of this when I 'phoned" (stray apostrophe before phoned in the first line.)
reply by the author on 01-Jul-2019
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Another great chapter, Tony! I think after drinking Scotch, one wouldn't give such directions with foreign names to a chap right after his wife's funeral. Good that Charles wrote it all down. I do hope he had his wallet and ID on him when they escaped the fire.
Some comments:
Favorite imagery:
"staircases of saffron fungi."
"Go ahead. Fire away." (I winced at the "fire." Lol.)
"I felt sure of this when I 'phoned" (stray apostrophe before phoned in the first line.)
Comment Written 01-Jul-2019
reply by the author on 01-Jul-2019
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I agree. Wise of Charles to give written instructions under the circumstances!
The same thought occurred to me about the wallet and ID. I started to write on the basis that he hadn't and found myself getting bogged down in details that really had nothing to do with the plot - so I went back and amended the fire escape sequence to read:
"Go on! I'm right behind you." I seized my trousers, hopping from one leg to the other as I put them on, then grabbed my wallet from beside the bed and thrust it into my pocket as I swept Helen's handbag from the dressing table. Glancing around to see what else I might salvage, I noticed an eerie glow under the door and a noise like rushing wind.
I'll remove that stray apostrophe. I gather it's only old fuddy duddies like me that still put an apostrophe of contraction in front of phone (telephone) and cello (violincello) and behind bra (brassiere)! LOL
I even used to give shan't two apostrophes - one for the missing 'l's and one for the missing 'o'! (sha'n't)
Poor old Bisto has a heart of gold, but he isn't the most tactful soul in the universe! (Fire away!)
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Great way to solve the problem and thanks for the explanation about the apostrophe. And I was going to say you could have used petrichor but I liked the way you put it and you wouldn't need to add a glossary!
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I did use ?petrichor? initially but thought it sounded unnecessarily obscure!
Comment from juliaSjames
Another good chapter. Like the description of the oak. It it's meant to be from Charles's POV then he's quite the poetic soul.
Love the part about Bisto's eyes glazing over. People do hate boring details don't they?
So the adventure is about to start! I'm champing at the bit.
Blessings Julia
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2019
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Another good chapter. Like the description of the oak. It it's meant to be from Charles's POV then he's quite the poetic soul.
Love the part about Bisto's eyes glazing over. People do hate boring details don't they?
So the adventure is about to start! I'm champing at the bit.
Blessings Julia
Comment Written 30-Jun-2019
reply by the author on 30-Jun-2019
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Thanks for your comments, Julia. Glad you enjoyed this chapter. I appreciate your support and encouragement. Best wishes, Tony