The French Letter
Viewing comments for Chapter 114 "Back to Normality"A Novel
25 total reviews
Comment from Ulla
Hi Tony, I really liked this chapter and I was so engulfed in what was happening, picturing it all (have been to Pakistan many times) when we were suddenly in Maidenhead. It made me smile. I lived just a couple of miles from there. I just loved the contrast you put in. The Lion certainly got what he deserved. But what about Helen, I wonder? Now onto the next chapter. Ulla:)))
reply by the author on 16-Feb-2020
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Hi Tony, I really liked this chapter and I was so engulfed in what was happening, picturing it all (have been to Pakistan many times) when we were suddenly in Maidenhead. It made me smile. I lived just a couple of miles from there. I just loved the contrast you put in. The Lion certainly got what he deserved. But what about Helen, I wonder? Now onto the next chapter. Ulla:)))
Comment Written 16-Feb-2020
reply by the author on 16-Feb-2020
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Thanks, Ulla. It?s always good to hear from people who have been to the places I?m trying to describe. Appreciate your review, as always. All good wishes, Tony.
Comment from Sankey
This was a great descriptive read. Have I missed this or did you post two chapters today? You make things come alive the way you write. I look forward to the next chapter I see is waiting.
reply by the author on 16-Feb-2020
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This was a great descriptive read. Have I missed this or did you post two chapters today? You make things come alive the way you write. I look forward to the next chapter I see is waiting.
Comment Written 16-Feb-2020
reply by the author on 16-Feb-2020
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Thanks very much for this review and the six stars. I posted this chapter two or three days ago. I posted Chapter 115 a couple of hours ago.
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Well for some reason I missed it but still got there while the phoney money was on.
Comment from w.j.debi
Things do seem to be turning around. Charles has delivered the bad guy, Helen and Kayla should soon be joining the group. It seems like a quite evening is approaching--but who knows what awaits around the corner?
reply by the author on 16-Feb-2020
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Things do seem to be turning around. Charles has delivered the bad guy, Helen and Kayla should soon be joining the group. It seems like a quite evening is approaching--but who knows what awaits around the corner?
Comment Written 15-Feb-2020
reply by the author on 16-Feb-2020
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Thanks, Debi. I'm hoping to get most of the loose ends tied up in the last couple of chapters. All the best, Tony.
Comment from barbara.wilkey
I am not happy about Charles not going back to ensure Helen and Kayla are all right. I know somebody was going after them, but still... what if that person can't find them, what if there's trouble. I am worried.
reply by the author on 15-Feb-2020
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I am not happy about Charles not going back to ensure Helen and Kayla are all right. I know somebody was going after them, but still... what if that person can't find them, what if there's trouble. I am worried.
Comment Written 15-Feb-2020
reply by the author on 15-Feb-2020
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Thanks for your observation here, Barbara. There are several things about this chapter which, on reflection, I intend to change. You have articulated one of them. Appreciated. All good wishes, Tony
Comment from Pam (respa)
-This is a good chapter, Tony, that follows the previous
one, and will lead to further events regarding Helen and Kayla.
-Good description of Abdul's condition and the riding situation.
-We could picture the scene with the uncomfortable
and tortuous ride. It suited him well!
-I like how the chapter is divided into sections,
with the next one being with the bearded man and the young girl.
-It was a good way to bring Auntie back into the story,
as well as taking care of Kayla and Helen.
-In between, you keep us posted with Abdul's tortuous
rides that are much too easy on him!
-Finally, the chapter ends well with Bisto chatting
with Charles, which I am sure, was a welcomed relief.
-He also has some good suggestions in the concluding paragraph.
-Now, I imagine the attention will go back to Helen and Kayla.
-Well done!
reply by the author on 15-Feb-2020
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-This is a good chapter, Tony, that follows the previous
one, and will lead to further events regarding Helen and Kayla.
-Good description of Abdul's condition and the riding situation.
-We could picture the scene with the uncomfortable
and tortuous ride. It suited him well!
-I like how the chapter is divided into sections,
with the next one being with the bearded man and the young girl.
-It was a good way to bring Auntie back into the story,
as well as taking care of Kayla and Helen.
-In between, you keep us posted with Abdul's tortuous
rides that are much too easy on him!
-Finally, the chapter ends well with Bisto chatting
with Charles, which I am sure, was a welcomed relief.
-He also has some good suggestions in the concluding paragraph.
-Now, I imagine the attention will go back to Helen and Kayla.
-Well done!
Comment Written 14-Feb-2020
reply by the author on 15-Feb-2020
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I appreciate your supportive comments about this chapter, Pam. There are a few things that, on reflection, I think I might change, but I will mull over them for a few days and reread in the context of the surrounding chapters. You are right about the next chapter. It is written, and I will be posting it soon.
Comment from Pantygynt
Charles is most generous in victory it seems. How truly British! Looking at the list of characters in your note, I have a feeling this could win the Pulitzer prize for the the longest cast list in English Literature. It is probably necessary in a case of serialisation over a long period, but I am wondering whether the Pakistani and French connections are themselves going the combine, because that will be a stroke of sheer genius, if you can manage it.
I live in hope.
reply by the author on 15-Feb-2020
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Charles is most generous in victory it seems. How truly British! Looking at the list of characters in your note, I have a feeling this could win the Pulitzer prize for the the longest cast list in English Literature. It is probably necessary in a case of serialisation over a long period, but I am wondering whether the Pakistani and French connections are themselves going the combine, because that will be a stroke of sheer genius, if you can manage it.
I live in hope.
Comment Written 14-Feb-2020
reply by the author on 15-Feb-2020
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I'm still trying to perfect that conjuring trick!
You're right about the steadily growing list of characters. Many of them are 'extras' who play only minor roles, and I suspect some may disappear onto the cutting room floor.
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I doubt if a character list is required for 'normal' reading but in a serialised situation such as we have here on FS it is easy to get lost because one is not reading at ones own pace but in reviewable bites with days in between.
Comment from Pearl Edwards
Good descriptions of Abdul's torturous ride on the back of the cart, I could almost feel the jolts. Helen's fear of men tells it's own story with how she was treated, I'm thinking. Your descriptions add to the dramatic feel of these chapters Tony.
cheers,
valda
reply by the author on 15-Feb-2020
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Good descriptions of Abdul's torturous ride on the back of the cart, I could almost feel the jolts. Helen's fear of men tells it's own story with how she was treated, I'm thinking. Your descriptions add to the dramatic feel of these chapters Tony.
cheers,
valda
Comment Written 14-Feb-2020
reply by the author on 15-Feb-2020
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Thanks, Valda. As you know, your supportive words are always appreciated. All good wishes, Tony
Comment from Jannypan (Jan)
This chapter was less violent than the previous one. I expected more due to the warning. It does seem as things are returning to a more positive, civilized way. But back to normality? I don't see how Charles and Helen will ever reach that point. Maybe the others will because of the violent country they live in. Respectfully, Jan
reply by the author on 15-Feb-2020
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This chapter was less violent than the previous one. I expected more due to the warning. It does seem as things are returning to a more positive, civilized way. But back to normality? I don't see how Charles and Helen will ever reach that point. Maybe the others will because of the violent country they live in. Respectfully, Jan
Comment Written 14-Feb-2020
reply by the author on 15-Feb-2020
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Thank you for this perceptive review, Jan. I think the relationship between Helen and Charles has reached a turning point from which it may never recover.
Comment from Cindy Warren
Maybe it would be best for the world if the Lion died. After the beating and the trip, it seems he might. What was Ash up to? I have a feeling it wasn't any good. Helen, I'm sure, will take some time to heal, but she'll be OK.
reply by the author on 15-Feb-2020
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Maybe it would be best for the world if the Lion died. After the beating and the trip, it seems he might. What was Ash up to? I have a feeling it wasn't any good. Helen, I'm sure, will take some time to heal, but she'll be OK.
Comment Written 13-Feb-2020
reply by the author on 15-Feb-2020
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Thanks, Cindy. The world will probably be a better place without him - until another rises up to take his place.
As you say, it may take Helen quite a while to recover, if she ever does.
Comment from lyenochka
Well, that was daring of Charles to leave the Lion in the hands of strangers. Perhaps they will send off the villain in a way that Kayla and Helen would approve. I somehow doubt they will get him to the police. It was nice that Bisto was there - a homey feel to be back with a good friend in that strange and dangerous place.
reply by the author on 15-Feb-2020
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Well, that was daring of Charles to leave the Lion in the hands of strangers. Perhaps they will send off the villain in a way that Kayla and Helen would approve. I somehow doubt they will get him to the police. It was nice that Bisto was there - a homey feel to be back with a good friend in that strange and dangerous place.
Comment Written 13-Feb-2020
reply by the author on 15-Feb-2020
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Thanks for your comments, Helen. I suspect that The Lion has reached the end of the road. I doubt the Pakistani secret police will treat him kindly.
I'm sure Charles will be relieved the adventure is over and life can go back to normal. I'm sure I am! LOL
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You've done a very professional job and look forward to your publishing the book, Tony!