Not an opera I know but have just booked a couple for the new season in the amazing Valencia opera house - have a look at Calatrava’s masterpiece. Shame that inside a third of seats (including top price) have restricted views of the stage……
v nice chp, as usual.
Because you are @Daddydavek and so wise…..
an interesting chp to analyse. Thank you Mark. I can’t see where you are going with this so enjoy the frustration of a v dear fan! Ummmmmmmm 😐
An interesting and thoughtful chp. It is hard to imagine what Matt’s life has been like. I’m glad we were spared more details of him being broken in by the evil “owner”. The duality of the mundane and the unbearable creates a powerful stimulus to the story writing. Well done @Mikiesboy!
I thought the second part of the chp brought us down to earth again and refocused me on the grim reality. I dread seeing Matt after this visit to Black. 👿
V good chp but the last sentence leaves one slightly worried 😧 What has @Robert Hugill got planned for his poor characters, I wonder.
thank you, Robert
ps I love the cleverness of the play on words chp title, v good!
Another first-rate installment. The quality of the prose is maintained chapter after chapter, story after story. Some of the sentences are so good. Nothing over-complicated but a delightful light touch is on show throughout. I loved this:
It was a world away from the clean lines of Keith’s flat, but he could see that Thomas was rather attracted to the look.
As ever, Robert, thank you. Gary
Sometimes it is fun to see the banter and participate in the numerous comments in different stories. However, this time it as we get in deeper and deeper I’ve noticed how reflective and serious we have become in the comments. This is a really thought-provoking story and for me it has been a wake up call to reflect on the curse of human trafficking, the dehumanizing effect of different types of abuse, and how easy it is to live in our/my safe suburb and not think about what is happening only a few miles away in the darker parts of Valencia.
um, so much to think about. What a great author we have here.
An Arbour tour de force! Not sure what Caroline will make of an opera singer holding court in her beloved Portland Place……
Such a great piece of creative historical writing. Thank you Mark.
There is an old saying something like this, “if you sup with the devil you need to have a very long spoon”. Being with a truly evil person can easily contaminate - not in the sense of converting you, but corroding something inside you unless you are careful. The police who have to search through the most awful porn have such a tough, and unsung, job.
This is a fascinating tale, who knows where the author will take us.
The tension is mounting towards the revelation to Kris of his origins. It’s going to be tough. Will JJ be emotionally capable of being there for someone? Intriguing. 🤨
(Disclaimer: please note this chapter was certified (ok by me) as having been read before claiming dibs on the first comment prize. BTW what exactly is the prize?)