Comment from LJbutterfly

Excellent

The conversation between Julia and Marie was intense. When Marie was asked if she ever loved her daughter, she admitted she had to take a drink and think for a moment. I feel sorry for the child who has to grow up under such circumstances, and understand why Julia made the destructive decision to use drugs.

For me, this story is exceptionally realistic. I'm late getting to this chapter, but am glad I didn't miss it.

 Comment Written 14-Dec-2024

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reply by the author on 15-Dec-2024

Thanks so much, Lorraine for this thoughtful review. I'm glad you read this chapter in particular because it's the foundation for Marie's eventual transformation into becoming a decent person. She has a long way to go, as you can see.

Comment from lancellot

Excellent

Here's the thing. Your characters are too nice (yes, I know broken record). Even Marie, who is written as a bitch. Most 'normal' people wouldn't speak to her without shouting, or getting angry, if they chose to speak with her at all. And so far, the reader isn't given a 'good and sensible' reason why Brian or Julia would risk bring such a 2D toxic person 'back' into their 'perfect' life and the vulnerable life of their baby. Yes, I know you need her to have a 100% happy family ending. But I suggest some 'plausible' reasons be added. Your choice.

But there was something different about seeing little Johnny. I don't know if it was love I was feeling;

-Yes, Marie is 'telling' us this, but we haven't 'seen' it.

 Comment Written 09-Dec-2024

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reply by the author on 09-Dec-2024

As always, I appreciate getting your perspective on this, Lance. I often agree with aspects of what you say, but not so much this time.

You say that even Marie is too nice, yet later you say she is a 2D toxic person. That seems like a contradiction to me. I'm not sure what your evidence is (at least so far in the story) in describing her as too nice.

You say that most 'normal' people wouldn't speak to her without shouting or getting angry, the implication being that Brian and Julia should be shouting at her. But why would they invite her to their home and attempt to reconcile with her and then shout at her even when provoked? Wouldn't you use some kind of restraint if that were your intention? You don't win someone over that way.

As far as the 'good and sensible reason' goes, don't you feel it's reasonable to try to reestablish a relationship, especially when there is now the added enticement of a grandchild in the mix? Julia has felt badly about that incident from years ago, and now she has a possible chance to reestablish some sort of relationship with her mother. She and Brian have waited until the baby is 10 months old and has become delightful to be around before inviting her to meet her grandson. Their hope is to at least give it one last shot. To me, that's a 'good and sensible' enough reason for inviting her back into their lives.

And yes, we haven't seen the possible love she might be feeling--yet. This is still only the day she arrived there and she hasn't had a chance to really interact with Johnny yet. That will come. But she did feel a twinge of something when he looked at her and repeated Ga-ga. We will see more of their budding relationship in future chapters.

Comment from T B Botts

Exceptional

Hello Jim,
I thought this was outstanding. You have a pretty good handle on human interaction and what makes folks tick. It's unfortunate that Marie never had an example to follow as far as what love was supposed to be like. What a miserable life. I'm just glad that Julia was able to break free from her and not follow in her footsteps. At this moment, it appears that there isn't going to be much forward progress in the relationship. Though both parties are being brutally honest, it doesn't seem to be bearing the fruit that either desires. Well done buddy.
Blessings,
Tom

 Comment Written 08-Dec-2024

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reply by the author on 08-Dec-2024

Thanks so much, Tom. I really appreciate your fine analysis and comments here. And those 6 stars too! This was one of my favorite chapters to write, but the next one I think I enjoyed even more for the way this stalemate gets resolved. I hope you will too.

Comment from Pam Lonsdale

Excellent

To this day, Marie doesn't know if she loved her daughter or not. What a sad, empty life for someone like that.

Well, so much for Johnny melting her heart and making her human.

Good dialogue here, Jim. At least Julia tried to repair the relationship, but Marie is as stubborn as they come.

Your comparison to the Grinch was good; let's see if the outcome is the same as his.

xo

 Comment Written 07-Dec-2024

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reply by the author on 07-Dec-2024

Thanks, Pam. In the famous words of Yogi Berra, "It ain't over 'til it's over."

Comment from royowen

Excellent

This is the third time I've written this heh heh. My mother in law was almost identical to Marie, she thawed out a little when she had grandchildren, Elaine ran away when she was studying in Europe, my mother in law's mother gave her up for adoption , to follow her career, the apple...? Beautifully written Jim well done, blessings Roy

 Comment Written 06-Dec-2024

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reply by the author on 07-Dec-2024

The apple indeed, Roy. Such a shame, isn't it, and it can be hard to break the cycle. It appears that Julia has, and it sounds like your wife has too.

The grandchildren do have a way of bringing out the best in people, though.

reply by royowen on 07-Dec-2024

Yes, Julia is reasonably predictable, ahh grandkids.

Comment from Ric Myworld

Excellent

In any case, our thoughts are merely our own opinions. And only time can truly shape, change, or tell whether we are right or wrong. We must remain flexible and be willing to change, but most people aren't.
Thanks for sharing another great chapter.

 Comment Written 06-Dec-2024

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reply by the author on 06-Dec-2024

Thanks, Ric. You're right, and sometimes they need a little nudge. We'll get to see how this resolves itself in the next chapter.

Comment from barbara.wilkey

Excellent

They are so at an impasse. I am guessing it is during this visit that Marie will be labeled as an alcoholic and maybe even get some help. None of that will come easy for her. I can't wait to read more.

 Comment Written 06-Dec-2024

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reply by the author on 06-Dec-2024

It seems they will need a nudge if they want to break this impasse. You never know what direction that might come from. I won't hold you in suspense for too long. We'll find out in the next chapter.

Comment from Neonewman

Excellent

Dammit, Marie! You warmed my heart a little, talking about the feeling you felt for your grandson, and then you reverted to your hateful, selfish self. I want so badly to like Marie. Is this your intention? There is quite a bit of humor in this chapter, or at least it was for me at times.

When she said, "She supposed she loved Julia but wasn't sure," it spoke volumes about this character. Marie feels she's above everyone else; this is proven when she speaks of the hillbillies and wants to knee the one in the nuts because he hugged her.

I am fully invested in this brilliant novel, Jim. I love that I got in on the ground floor and am able to experience it as you craft it.

God bless,
Steve

 Comment Written 06-Dec-2024

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reply by the author on 06-Dec-2024

Steve, I'm really glad you saw the humor in this chapter. I've tried to portray her somewhat humorously without making her too much of a caricature. I like that she warmed your heart a little. Perhaps there's just the tiniest bit of decency in her that just needs to be nourished. We'll see.

Thanks for your very kind words, my friend.

reply by Neonewman on 07-Dec-2024

There might be, we'll have to see where she goes from here.

Comment from Cecilia A Heiskary

Excellent

Jim,

What a great chapter. Marie is a piece of work. She doesn't want to admit she's wrong. I think she is jealous of Julia's life, because it sounds like she doesn't really have one.

Well done my friend. Keep writing.

Cecilia

 Comment Written 06-Dec-2024

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reply by the author on 06-Dec-2024

Thanks so much, Cecilia. This was one of my favorites so far. Great intuition about her being jealous of Julia's life. Perhaps that will get her to rethink hers.

reply by Cecilia A Heiskary on 06-Dec-2024

Jim,

I thought that was the case with Marie. Women are catty bitches. You walk out the room and they talking smack about you. I'd rather work with a 100 men that women. Men talk smack too, but they don't constantly have a knife in youf back.

Cecilia

Comment from Debbie D'Arcy

Excellent

And she's back with a vengeance! She provides that wonderful light relief, the larger than life character, that Shakespeare used so well! And the irony is, of course, she's every bit the addict (with booze) that her daughter and Brian were. The psychology of her relationship with Julia is skilfully done and, sadly, very credible as competitiveness is so often a factor in mother/daughter relationships. I'm glad she didn't apologise, she's carrying far too much baggage for her suddenly to see the light. And she actually needs therapy herself because the alcohol is nullifying any insight or logic. She's the one at an impasse. You catch me again with nothing more to give, Jim. But well done on the humour as well, particularly in relation to the nursing. And, hey, there was a glimmer of light concerning her affection for her grandson:) Take care Debbie

 Comment Written 06-Dec-2024

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reply by the author on 06-Dec-2024

It seems neither of them was too intent on apologizing and felt the other one owed it to them. What a mess. What is going to restore this relationship if it's to be restored at all? We'll find out shortly.

This was a very thoughtful review, Debbie, showing a lot of perceptiveness about the characters. So glad you could see the humor in Marie's behavior too. It's fun to poke fun at pretentious snobs like her.