I loved this chapter. The variations of pace, tone, inward, outward detail work so well and kept me emotionally involved and anxious to find out what happens next. I particularly like the way you describe the almost tangible process of unpicking memories and then delving into them so honestly. I also always like the linking of your child self to your adult/present self.
Thank you, Helen. It’s so affirming for me to know that what I’m trying to do (not without a self-critical struggle!) is working. Not that what works for you as a reader is always planned by me. This thing has a life of its own too!
Like others I loved this chapter and I think it worked well to explore boarding school tropes by comparing the Maudie novel (where the children will triumph over adversity) to the reality - the children were powerless inevitably damaged. Bravo once again Emma.
The energy of the humor, lightness, ziplining, photo booth and more. I felt a different energy as I read this chapter, even with the heaviness, homesickness, and other deep challenges still present. I breathed a bit more freely as I read this, happy for you that there were some gleeful moments, because I simply cannot imagine your years in this place.
I so loved the aerial runway/zipwire. It seemed so incredible ! Jumping from an old oak on a simple sling and pole seat. 'Kind Matron' for us was a hunchback old dear called Bolt. Talking after lights out meant the punishment of 'The Seat of Judgement' outside that surgery.
Was our childhood made up of varucas and athletes foot? Love these chapters.
This is a wonderful chapter! I love the description of the midnight feast and the underlying fear and strange disappointment of the reality, which was so different than the idea. And the slippery memory of The Dare is beautifully done
I loved this chapter. The variations of pace, tone, inward, outward detail work so well and kept me emotionally involved and anxious to find out what happens next. I particularly like the way you describe the almost tangible process of unpicking memories and then delving into them so honestly. I also always like the linking of your child self to your adult/present self.
Thank you, Helen. It’s so affirming for me to know that what I’m trying to do (not without a self-critical struggle!) is working. Not that what works for you as a reader is always planned by me. This thing has a life of its own too!
Like others I loved this chapter and I think it worked well to explore boarding school tropes by comparing the Maudie novel (where the children will triumph over adversity) to the reality - the children were powerless inevitably damaged. Bravo once again Emma.
Thank you so much for this, Melissa. I’m glad that the Maudie layer works for you.
The energy of the humor, lightness, ziplining, photo booth and more. I felt a different energy as I read this chapter, even with the heaviness, homesickness, and other deep challenges still present. I breathed a bit more freely as I read this, happy for you that there were some gleeful moments, because I simply cannot imagine your years in this place.
Thank you, Dawn. I’m glad you breathed more freely. Me too!
I so loved the aerial runway/zipwire. It seemed so incredible ! Jumping from an old oak on a simple sling and pole seat. 'Kind Matron' for us was a hunchback old dear called Bolt. Talking after lights out meant the punishment of 'The Seat of Judgement' outside that surgery.
Was our childhood made up of varucas and athletes foot? Love these chapters.
Thank you so much for this, Edward. Glad you’re enjoying reading it and being reminded of your own memories.
This is a wonderful chapter! I love the description of the midnight feast and the underlying fear and strange disappointment of the reality, which was so different than the idea. And the slippery memory of The Dare is beautifully done