Reviews from

v-mail two

End of the war letter

26 total reviews 
Comment from karenina
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Hi, Mary! (I know, I've been gone for ages!) I wanted to offer you a return review and when I saw this post needed one more review to bump up to All-Time-Best I thought it was a sign!

Lucky me!

My dad was a Marine in WWII. Your down-to-earth letter brought to mind something he often said (though he seldom talked about the specifics of the war)--

"We were more alike than different -- they all missed their mom and dad, wife and kids, too."

If only we'd remember that! Less war? What a concept!

I enjoyed your writing.

Have a lovely week!

Karenina


 Comment Written 05-Sep-2023


reply by the author on 05-Sep-2023
    Karenina
    I truly appreciate your thoughtfulness and your kind review.
    best wishes and regards,
    Mary
reply by karenina on 05-Sep-2023
    Thanks!
Comment from Sarah Robin
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Thank you for sharing this post. My Dad was overseas for 4 years during the war. He would never talk about it. He was a very quiet humble man who spent the rest of his life helping other people. Your letter gives insight into soldiers lives. Your post is very well done. Sarah

 Comment Written 12-Nov-2022


reply by the author on 12-Nov-2022
    Thank you Sarah for your very kind comments. I appreciate it very much.
    Best wishes
    Mary
Comment from Wendy G
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

An excellent entry for the contest, because it isauthentic. It does not focus on blood and guts, but instead on the shared humanity of the soldiers, which to me makes it more meaningful, and makes the reality of war even sadder. Well written! Best wishes for the contest.
Wendy

 Comment Written 11-Nov-2022


reply by the author on 11-Nov-2022
    Thank you Wendy, I truly appreciate your very kind comments and review.
    Best wishes,
    Mary
Comment from Jannypan (Jan)
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Your letter sounded so real, Mary. I enjoyed reading it for the
contest. What a hard life for all involved in the war. Your words
were carefully thought out. I liked the POV and the historical info.
There were a few glimmers of 'fun' like the nickname. I didn't know
of what had happened when the POWS maybe 'went home.'
Thanks for sharing, Jan

 Comment Written 10-Nov-2022


reply by the author on 11-Nov-2022
    Thank you Jan, I appreciate your kind words and review. I never knew what happened to the POWs until I did research.
    Thank you and my best regards,
    Mary
Comment from Sally Law
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I just adore this, Mary. What a wonderful story. I can imagine it's true as I am a self-taught war historian. I especially enjoy WWII and The Vietnam War since I have family that passed on their wartime.stories to me. A delightful breath of fresh air on FanStory. A virtual six! Sending you my best today as always,
Sal XOs

 Comment Written 10-Nov-2022


reply by the author on 11-Nov-2022
    Thank you, Sally, thank you for your kind comments. I appreciate it very much.
    Best wishes,
    Mary
Comment from T B Botts
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Hello Mary,
You captured the thoughts of a soldier thinking of his future in the first part of your story. I'm sure that there were multitudes of thoughts going through their minds. While I was in the navy, I never experienced combat. I know that many men who have fought in the various wars have been traumatized by their experiences. There was a POW camp at Excursion Inlet in Southeast Alaska close to Hoonah. One of the men in town said they used to stand on a hill and throw rocks at the soldiers. Well done gal.
Have a blessed evening.
Tom

 Comment Written 09-Nov-2022


reply by the author on 10-Nov-2022
    Thank you Tom for your very kind comments and review. I truly appreciate it. I am grateful too for your giving it six stars.
    Blessings
    Mary
Comment from prettybluebirds
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I commend you for the research it took to write this story. It is clear and concise and a joy to read. My brother knew some POWs in Vietnam too. He said they were not friendly and would not associate with Americans. Nice writing.

 Comment Written 09-Nov-2022


reply by the author on 10-Nov-2022
    Thank you for your review and very kind words, I appreciate it.
    Best wishes,
    Mary
Comment from Terry Broxson
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Mary, I love your story. The letter comes across as very real. Your research in your notes is excellent and interesting.

I have one suggestion, you mention Seabiscuit speaking broken English from "old cowboy" movies, but reference James Cagney's "Mugs" which were from gangster movies. You might consider switching "cowboy" to "gangster" that would make it sound right.

Good job. Terry.

 Comment Written 09-Nov-2022


reply by the author on 09-Nov-2022
    Thank you Terry. I appreciate your kind comments.
    I did take your suggestion and changed it. Good suggestion, I think it reads better.
    Best wishes
    Mary
Comment from GWHARGIS
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

What an interesting letter. I love history. Mainly US history but have started listening to broadcasts on WWII. I had a book of letters from the Civil War. It's funny how the language changes but the sentiments do not. Wonderful post. Thoroughly enjoyed this. Gretchen

 Comment Written 08-Nov-2022


reply by the author on 09-Nov-2022
    Thank you Gretchen, I appreciate your very kind comments and review.
    Best wishes
    Mary
Comment from barbara.wilkey
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Thank you for sharing this story with us. I enjoyed reading. War is horrible at home and for the soldiers. You did a good job telling this story and kept my attention from beginning to the end.

 Comment Written 08-Nov-2022


reply by the author on 09-Nov-2022
    Thank you Barbara, I appreciate your kind comments and review.
    I am glad you enjoyed reading Dad's "letter."
    Best wishes,
    Mary