northie

I like the new survey / feedback form for this vote. Easy to use and pretty familiar if you've completed any online survey.

James Hynes Sparrow My rating: 4 out 5 stars For a nearly eighteen hour long book, this was peculiarly riveting. Even more so when you realise there are hours of the story during which nothing much happens. And yet, those hours draw you in with their vivid descriptions of life at the tavern / brothel which forms the central locale of the novel. They make you care about the various characters, especially the young boy who narrates from old age what it's like to be a nameless slave living on the Spanish fringes of a slowly dying Roman empire. The trundling, closely-observed nature of the general narrative makes any points of conflict stand out all the sharper. And be warned, some incidents may be distressing, especially the one which turns the boy (and I mean, a boy) into a 'wolf'. And under all of this is a pervading sense of uncertainty, of instability, of the idea that a slave is disposable, a possession that might be sold, or damaged, or thrown away on a whim. Having spent all that time building layer upon layer of realism, I thought the ending was a cop-out. Maybe I missed something, but I don't think so. That apart, this was a surprisingly satisfying read. Theo Solomon as narrator helped. A lot. He caught a boy's tone perfectly and managed to differentiate all the other characters (there are many) with conviction.

And so they do - mostly for the better, but not always. Thanks for reading and I'm pleased you enjoyed it.

Thanks for reading. 😊

Thanks for saying so. Glad you enjoyed reading the story.

👀🤨😄 Now there's a thought. Thanks for reading, Def, and I'm glad you like it.

I imagine most people reading will probably identify with either Andi or Leo. Thanks for reading.

What a compliment! Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed it, despite there being a lift. 🤨😄

If he was someone I didn't know, I certainly would not appreciate this.

Carlos was not a poetry fan. And yet, I think he'd appreciate these skyscrapers. Defiant - yes. Also truthful, standing tall, defining yourself as only you see fit, and a call to society to open its eyes, ears, and heart. So like Carlos, and also the author. In an electoral year for nearly half the world, read these and remember.

Thank you for this 'what if'. Yes, I think those people who had the privilege of meeting Carlos wouldn't forget it or him in a hurry.

That's something I've never quite understood, though I've listened to others do exactly that. Glad you enjoyed the story.

Thanks you! Yes, it's funny how conversations can take sudden turns... 🤨😄

Yes, but also with some undercurrents. Thanks for reading.

Thank you! It's a little off-beat perhaps, but no less heartfelt.

Def, thank you for this tribute. You sharing your personal memories has added more to my, and everyone's, recollections of the irrepressible force of nature that was Carlos.

Yes, yes, yes, and yes. And Carlos wouldn't only whole-heartedly agree with you. He'd be out there making the points, arguing forcefully, defiant and in your face (because he was who he was and only he got to decide that). In the current state of things in Florida, we need more Carlos and less of everything else.

“Hi.” “Hmm?” “I said, ‘hi’. Wretched weather today. Nearly got soaked just crossing the street from the bus stop.” “Hmm. Dry enough in here.” “Yeah. … Don’t think we’ve met. You going to the eighth floor? That’s social media and customer interactions, isn’t it? Still finding my way around. Anyway, I’m Andi – from HR. A newbie. Only started last week.” “…” “The inside of this lift’s very bright. Maintenance are evidently keeping on top of the small jobs. Good to know

Most conversations people have in a lift rarely range beyond a 'Hi - how are you?' That's probably how Leo prefers it. Then he encounters Andi.

OK - not entirely sure I've got the question right but here goes... Taking one of my stories as an example and using a laptop. Having clicked on the story title, you see something like this: Continue to scroll down and you'll see something like this: You can either click on the direct link (highlighted) or use the drop down selector (arrowed). Hope this helps.

Season's Greetings to Everyone and especially @wildone who sounds as though he's already on the eggnog (whatever that actually is)

I'm not sure that banal is the word. It's more confusing - a volley of names and relationships against a school background which take a while to settle down. That's my take, anyway. When I get round to reading it again, it's possible I may revise my opinion. The rest though draws you in and doesn't let go. That's not to say it's for everyone of course.

Aside from the first few chapters, it is more than worth your time. Thanks for reading my review.

Alice Winn In Memoriam My rating: 5 out of 5 stars Enthralling. Poignant. The horrors of war and a tender love story. You might think there are already too many stories about young Englishmen from privileged backgrounds who find themselves amidst the unspeakable events of World War 1. I half thought so too when I finally started this book after having it for several months. The opening chapters are a volley of names, characters, and their interactions at a 'public' school which can be tricky to navigate. Maybe I wasn't paying enough attention, but it took me several chapters to feel connected to the story. Then? Then I was ensnared. When does camaraderie between young men tip over into something else? How to navigate all the pitfalls, make hidden feelings clear to yourself if no-one else, and connect with the object of your affections when you're hardly ever alone? Using the coded language of literature is one way Henry Gaunt and Sidney Ellwood can try to express what they feel for each other - at school and at war. They are products of a system designed to produce a new generation of imperialists. The war changes them and the world around them profoundly. Hardly surprising really. The particular horrors of that conflict are not shied away from and some of the descriptions gave me pause for reflection. Such a grinding, pointless slaughter with mistakes being replayed over and over again. Through this hell runs the golden thread of love. Sometimes cut short; sometimes not. Always giving a reason to survive, to reconnect, to endure. The all-consuming nature of this wonderful novel is enhanced by Christian Coulson's narration. His light-toned voice suits this story of young men finding themselves in love and war. One to be reread many times.

He did and I'm in awe of how @Parker Owens finds the time to do them both, contribute to anthos, and continue to be my (and other people's) go-to, trusted editor. Thanks also to everyone who contributes to the mechanics and general content on GA. Without you, this would be some bare-bones story site and not the resource we cherish.