6 Comments

Yes this chapter is very powerful. I also loved the part about the little old woman chewing gum. And I like the way that the role of the Maudie story is explained as the place where gossamer memory can become a story that coheres. But my favourite parts are the sudden leaps to the adult raconteur!

Expand full comment

I agree, wow! What an effective change of pace, a deepening and darkening.

Expand full comment

Thank you, Helen. Yes, something painfully honest happens in those deeper, darker places.

Expand full comment

Wow! That’s so powerful! I was gripped…

The comment describing cruel matron as ‘a little old woman chewing gum’ so encapsulated your Bro’s ability to reduce the biggest fear into insignificance and comedy… had me grinning ear to ear!

Expand full comment

I’m so glad this one had you grinning! It is powerful the way this memory of my beloved brother manages to bring Cruel Matron down to size.

Expand full comment

There’s more of that flawed, performative adult to come!

Expand full comment