Summerabbacat

This explains why they appear so authentic @raven1. @Mancunian's homeless characters are written without apology and for the most part without lament. This is not to say that many have been the "victim" of sickness, tragedy, cruelty or unemployment, which has left them in perilous circumstances. But even in the face of all this adversity they have by and large held their heads high and hoped for a brighter future.

Unlike my unfortunate "sinus-compromised" fellow reader @drsawzall, I read the tissue warning at the beginning of this chapter and was therefore puzzled by his lament that it was "missing". It was only after reading the good doctor’s tale of woe that I verified that what he stated was correct. I could have sworn you had given us the warning @Mancunian, such is the power of your written word. My "allergies, which have mainly been under control of late, “exploded” when I commenced reading the 2nd line of this chapter (straight after the first word was) and they did not let up for the whole chapter @raven1. At one point I felt like I was suffering a little Night Fever (it is 8pm in Sydney, Australia), rather appropriate given the Bee Gees “originated” from Manchester, the birth place of both of their parents. My beloved Zelda, a tortoiseshell goddess who has lymphoma (she was diagnosed with it 5 months ago and given 4-6 weeks to live) came and sat near me as I was reading this chapter on my laptop. As far as I know she cannot read, but lo and behold she started sneezing profusely within moments of sitting near me (and I have showered and was not wearing any strong smelling deodorant, aftershave or the like). There were for me many highlights in this chapter, none more so than Missy’s elevation from “supporting actress” to “best actress” with her starring role in An Old Man, His Neighbour, His Dog and Her Two Puppies (eat your heart out The Cook, The Thief, His Wife and Her Lover – a film I adore). Some may describe Missy’s behaviour and the response of the two puppies as far-fetched or somehow “supernatural”, but I for one can easily imagine something like this happening. Many non-human animals are far smarter than they are given credit for, and in some cases far smarter than some human animals (think right-wing female Republican senators). I loved the names chosen for the puppies by Emma. Cagney and Lacey. Very appropriate, doubly so for Cagney. I could not help but be reminded of Sharon Gless’ wonderful performance as Debbie Novotny in the American version of Queer As Folk, based of course on the UK version which was set, why in Manchester of course. A “spooky” connection. The benefit night held in memory of Mikey was another “allergy seizure inducing” event in this chapter. What a wonderful tribute to blonde Mikey and in many ways a tribute to Harry and Mikey’s mother too. No wonder Harry was equal parts moved and proud. It was also very pleasing to read how Max’s altruism is reaping benefits for not only those he is providing gainful employment but for the man himself, allowing him to employ even more people and provide for a more financially secure future for himself, Stacy and their “boys”. And finally thank you to @Anton_Cloche for the wonderful Mini photograph which accompanied his posting. What a spectacular looking car, and unlike the good doctor I am not a car fanatic, but this is something else.

The less said about Jason the better. He is gone and will soon be forgotten. The other heterosexual men all seemed to take the "gay party" in their stride and recognised it as a good wage-earning opportunity. Sensible men all. Russ' PA sounds like a dream come true. I would not mind borrowing him/her even if only for one day per week to do all those chores I hate (cleaning, occasional ironing), and an occasional cleaning of the cats' litter trays would not go unnoticed (I clean them every day and some days it can be a "challenge"). A light and frothy chapter @Robert Hugill with a dash of biblically-inspired intolerance thrown in for good measure. Alas, there was not even one local idiom in this chapter, although most of these have perhaps been appearing in No Going Back rather than Brian: Taking Courage. Nevertheless, bonzer job mate and I reckon that Philippa's an alright sheila (please note I never have nor will I ever speak like this, but could not resist a little local idiom of my own as spoken by the likes of Crocodile Dundee).

Andre's encounters with the older man as a younger teen well may have been consensual, but Andre was still taken advantage of. Putting aside the law regarding pederasty, Andre may have been physically mature enough to have participated in these sexual encounters, but he was not emotionally mature enough to make an informed decision to participate. Had he been emotionally mature enough he would not have carried these feelings of guilt and worthlessness for such a long time, and he would surely have recognised the lies told to him that he needed to find a girlfriend now just as his abuser had. What a crock of shit and Andre fell for it, which perhaps he would not have if he had been a little older. Chris and Andre are both fortunate to have the full support of their parents, and in Andre's case at least one set of grandparents, of their relationship. The Hunter Valley winery tour sounded delightful, apart from the food. In my limited visits to non-capital or larger cities in Australia in more recent times @Paladin I have found the concept of one being a vegetarian is something many still struggle with. Well @Paladin I thought you depicted Andre's youthful sexual experiences with great sensitivity and understanding. In keeping the narrative largely factual and avoiding hysteria, melodrama and judgment, I believe the impact was far greater than what it would have been in the hands of an author who wrote it for drama and effect as one would a soap opera. I have a better understanding of Andre and his reluctance until now to commit to living with Chris, although I still hold a "grudge" over the "bedlinen affair" (that will not be easily forgiven or forgotten).

Reggie showed a sensitivity I did not think him capable of, even Elijah thought so. Although plastic rather than real gold, the hanukiah was a thoughtful, all inclusive gift. Mr Kingston's assumption a boarder had deliberately removed the hanukiah as an act of antisemitism was perhaps understandable, but he should have exhibited a little more restraint and commonsense, particularly when all the boys united behind Elijah not having to serve detention because he was the "victim". Methinks Mr Kingston has a serious case of overinflated ego or a small cock or both. Elijah is a regular little Avraham Avraham. Perhaps this will be his "calling" in life. I have but one question to pose @AusGlitterati. Oakfield is happy to accommodate Elijah's religious objection to pork (which I would assume also extends to Rajesh Laghari), but is it happy to accommodate the objections to all meat by vegetarians and the same plus all other animal products by vegans?

A quirky story about a group of boys, most of whom had their own idiosyncrasies and for the most part were likeable, although I have to confess I found Reggie the least likeable, in fact, I found him somewhat annoying at times (perhaps I am showing my age and lack of patience). Of the group of four Elijah was the one I felt the greatest affinity with. I was surprised it transpired that Tiger (the origin of whose name I thought very clever) was Admirer X. Out of the four boys he seemed the most confident and least concerned about others perception of him. I am intrigued @AusGlitterati why the story is part of the Melbourne Teens series when Oakfield is located in Sydney. Was this a little ploy on your part to "trick" international readers? I am going to read the second "book" in the series now whilst listening to some fabulous 70's soul from lesser known exponents of same (Gloria Scott, Love Unlimited and Loose Change).

As a long-time vegetarian @drpaladin I find the smell of lamb, pork and eggs being cooked particularly unpleasant (to the point where I dry retch, especially bacon and eggs), so I can only imagine what rotten meat must smell like.

Some people say it is wise to edit honesty, to clear up any possible misunderstandings or offence to others. Your "lack" of editing this latest vignette @AusGlitterati is the greatest part of its appeal. I saw the first hint of humour in Declan's discussions with Jason since the latter's death "You'll work it all out. Stop crying. Stop wearing Mum's shoes." Perhaps there have been others, but this is the first one which resonated with me. Superb writing again @AusGlitterati. I am now going to read the two one chapter stories featuring the Jewish boy, Elijah. Although I am a gentile, I am drawn to stories with Jewish characters with a strong Jewish identity. I find Judaism interesting and invariably thought provoking, although I am anything but religious.

The thing which struck me most in this vignette @AusGlitterati was Declan's dislike and disquiet that his parents appear to have conquered their grief and returned to living their life as lived before Jason's death. This very selfish attitude on Declan's part is exactly how I have felt, and at times continue to feel, with my grief from 2021. I have at times felt "betrayed" by some who appear to dismiss my grief as unwarranted or long overdue for resolution. Declan's ramblings and self-pity to some would seem indulgent and pathetic. I see them as self-aware and an essential part of his coping mechanisms. He may never overcome his profound sadness at the suicide of his twin, but is this is "wrong" as some would say. He also appears to have unresolved guilt over the death, whether there is any basis for this is debatable, but no one has the right to question or criticise him for this or any of his other feelings. Beautifully written once again @AusGlitterati.

I agree with @flamingo136, the chaotic ramblings expressed by Declan resonate with me. My most profound grieving, which has occurred on three occasions in my life, was very much like what Dec has experienced with his twin Jason. Two of those occasions which occurred in 2021 still feel "raw" at times when I am once again reduced to rambling reminiscing and self-recrimination. Potent, authentic and gut-wrenching @AusGlitterati. My first exposure to your writing, which I intend to investigate further based on this impressive debut.

The school of red herrings grew exponentially in this chapter @drsawzall. Danny should probably be thankful that Long Ears smelt like rotten meat rather than rotten fish. Though I don't recall ever having smelt rotten meat, I have smelt rotten fish and I cannot imagine rotten meat could smell as bad or any worse. I have to agree with my fellow readers who have remarked it appears Micco and Chase have encountered Long Ears before, or have at least heard stories about him/her which convinced them of his/her existence. I am still inclined to believe the killer is Martina, although in this chapter I am again concerned it may have in fact been Burke. One thing which has emerged in the last few chapters for me is that Sam was a user in more ways than one. I felt great sorrow for Danny in this chapter; I think he was very poorly treated by Sam, who appears to have used Danny's adoration of him to his advantage with little thought of how much he was hurting Danny. Whatever else emerges in this story @Libby Drew, I am hoping Danny will overcome his addiction to drugs and find someone who is kind and caring as he appears easily manipulated and craving love. Arlene's fury is becoming increasingly prominent in this story and Libby's writing of this fury is very convincing. Although I have never experienced the fury of a hurricane (or a cyclone as we refer to them in Australia), I vividly recall the images of Cyclone Tracy which hit Darwin (the capital city of the Northern Territory in Australia) in the early hours of Christmas Day in 1974. To a relatively recent 11 year old the images were catastrophic, with 80% of the city destroyed, 71 people killed and mass evacuation of the residents of the city to other parts of Australia, many of whom never returned.

A bit like Colin himself @Robert Hugill.

I could almost hear Auntie Anne in her discussion with Colin, although I probably had the accent completely wrong @Robert Hugill. What a delight, a gossiping old woman with a heart of gold. And what would a chapter of this wonderful story be without another educational opportunity presenting itself - besom, not I word I can ever recall seeing in anything I have ever read. I am so enjoying your characters, they are so authentically written and for the most part, so likeable. Auntie Anne has to be one of the most likeable "incidental" characters to date in either of your stories. And what is Annalisa up to. I am still a little wary of her as she is married to that "wanker" Miles after all. And wanker, what a great word, one which in this context is so insulting, but one which could be applied in a non-insulting manner to all males of the human species, even the one's who lie and state they "don't do or need to do that sort of thing". Yeah right. Puhlease.

Another very enjoyable chapter @Ivor Slipper with much to admire about both Brian and Ryan. I had to admire Brian's honesty in admitting the reason he hung around with the bullies was because he was a coward and it was easier to go along with them as they had bullied him too. It also took great courage on Brian's part to not get into the car with the bullies and Terry to go to the rave, knowing they were likely to jeer him for being a wimp. I also admired both boys for their honest disclosure to their parents that they were gay. My only disappointment is that the story is now complete. It was an obvious place to conclude it, but if you are ever inclined to continue with it @Ivor Slipper I am sure many readers, myself included, would enjoy to read more of what becomes of Brian and Ryan.

Robot Voice is not a man. Robot Voice is a woman. Robot Voice has an extreme hatred of attractive young gay or bisexual men because they remind her of her son, a son whom she despises because she believes he left her to die in a fire which she believes he also lit. A fire which destroyed her voice box and left her disfigured, a fire in which it was presumed she had perished but she did not. Robot Voice's mind was long destroyed before the fire though, poisoned by alcohol and other drugs and by her own toxic hatred of her son whom she also blamed for her "husband" having left her. Her son whom she thinks was fathered by her "husband" Adam Lambert, whom she believed was as besotted with her as she was with him. Her son whom her mother nurtured to adulthood, a woman whom she hated and whom she managed to slowly poison unbeknownst to anyone but Robot Voice. Robot Voice is Otis’ mother. Jackie showed a different side of himself in this chapter, a side which was more attractive than he had previously revealed. I just hope he has not sealed his own fate by agreeing to become an informant. Will he be smart enough not to give the game away to Watkins? Will the beef stew still be palatable enough for a carnivore to consume? If it is anything like my vegetable curries and vegan bolognese, its flavours should be further enhanced by time unless the beef goes off. Another suspenseful chapter with a very dark element now emerging @Laura S. Fox.

That is a very good point @raven1 which I had not considered.

Additionally @Paladin, if all the characters behaved beautifully all the time, we readers would be less likely to comment or at least comment quite so vocally, as there would be nothing to criticise them for. Imagine the dullness of the comments without some form of provocation; saccharine and benign, rather than robust and harsh. It would be like watching Dynasty without Alexis Morel Carrington Colby Dexter Rowan or Dallas without Sue Ellen Ewing. No fun at all. You would be thinking "Not happy Jan!".

My apologies @Paladin if I have inferred you indicated you were going to ensure they behaved better. My comments were meant as encouragement for you to have them continue to behave authentically, which includes behaving "badly", as it is more interesting and believable when you paint your characters "warts and all".

@Mancunian I was just reading about the most generous philanthropist of all time, one Jamsetji Tata who donated $102 billion during his lifetime. There are some well known philanthropists e.g. Melinda and Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, Oprah Winfrey, and Mark Zuckenberg and Priscilla Chan, but whether they covet the recognition this brings one does not know. Whilst the published ethics of some of these people is questionable at best, one has to admire them to some degree for their philanthropy even if it is just "for show".

It has become very apparent that my "allergies" flare up whenever I read a new chapter of this masterful work @Mancunian, and it happened yet again with this chapter, particularly with Harry's disclosure that he considers his home now the family home for Charlie, Michael and himself. Christian once again showed himself to be the quiet, generous and caring person that few know him to be. His selfless charity brings to mind the reports which emerged after George Michael passed away of the number of charities which had benefitted significantly from his generosity over the years, something which he never called attention to whilst he was alive. The one which resonated for me was his generosity to the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, to which Paul O'Grady was also very generous. Whilst I am not happy to learn the story is about to conclude @Mancunian, I am pleased to learn you will continue to entertain, educate, enrage (a healthy provocation of course) and engage your readers with further examples of your literary prowess. Happy New Year to you too. May the New Year be kinder for all animals on Planet Earth, human and non-human.

I for one do not want them to behave better @Paladin as part of the fun of commenting is harshly judging and bitching about the characters who don't impress. Without "bad" behaviour they would be dull and uninteresting and not at all believable. As I remarked, I think Andre is behaving very much like I did at his age, with little thought or care for the effect of his behaviour on others because it is "all about me". I believe you have painted a character, with all his strengths and flaws, who is authentic, believable and very much a product of his time. Although it may appear I have picked on Andre, I have to say I much prefer him to Beau as Andre appears to be exactly how he presents himself - selfish, shallow and entitled on one hand and loveable, loyal and caring on the other. Beau however, I do not trust.

We learned much in this chapter, not the least of which is that Russ likes his "roasts", especially if he is the one being spit-roasted. He is a supremely talented cocksucker and rimmer, especially when being spit-roasted. I have to say he has "grown" on me with each chapter @Robert Hugill and his sexual talents aside, I think he genuinely enjoys the friendship being offered to him by Brian, Gordon and Toby because none of them expect anything from him. It also appears Evie and Drew are genuinely fond of him too and he of them. A couple of hearty laughs in this chapter for me @Robert Hugill, none moreso than "Good morning, sleeping beauties. I thought coffee would bring you round. Luckily it's one of my few culinary skills." Although Russ is obviously a man of considerable wealth, he does not really boast about it or use it to demean others. His only real faux pas to date was the offer of the free gym membership AND the free holiday, but I don't believe his motive for either was anything other than a gesture of friendship. I think Gordon and Brian are becoming more comfortable with his generosity too as they can see it comes with no strings attached and is not being offered to them as a "slight" to their lesser wealth or social status. This story is such an enjoyable easy read @Robert Hugill, much like No Going Back. Your portrayal of the men in both stories, all of whom are quite ordinary really, apart from Russ' with his wealth, is a delight to witness. They all appear to be just getting on with the living of life, and because of the healthy status of their relationships with each other they are able to deal with the moments of drama with a minimum of fuss. Angst and melodrama are entertaining, especially in smaller doses, but they can be so "draining" even if you are only reading of them.

This chapter once again illustrated the difference in the emotional maturity and life experiences between Andre and Chris, which are seemingly mirrored at least to a certain extent, by Jamie and Michael. Andre raised his concerns regarding Chris' apparently "overly friendly" reconnection with Michael at the party. Were these concerns raised in jest or were his concerns genuine? It appears his concerns were genuine and it appears Jamie, who is I believe a similar age to Andre, shared these same concerns. One could dismiss both Andre and Jamie as being petulant airheads, but as their concerns appeared genuine, they had to be addressed. What a contrast the post-party behaviour of Andre and Jamie to the post-party behaviour of Chris and Michael. Neither Chris nor Michael seem to have been concerned by the "disappearance" of Andre and Jamie for some time, apparently so Andre could assist Jamie in trying on his new sexy underwear, or if they had concerns they have kept them to themselves. Given Andre and Jamie's behaviour in general I would not have had any concerns because both appear to be rather vain, shallow and self-absorbed, just as I was at their age. I understand the concerns of several of my fellow readers about their "disappearance", but I suspect they were just having some non-sexual fun, probably gossiping and revealing things to each other about their boyfriends and their sex lives at the same time. I do share @Cane23's concerns about Chris' and Andre's living arrangements. It does appear to be the case that Andre is very "selective" in when he is "prepared" to live with Chris. They have known each other as friends for 12 months although their relationship as lovers is relatively short. I understand Andre's caution as his life experiences have been far less than that of Chris, however, I believe Chris is the one who should be the more cautious as he has far more to lose if the relationship sours as the result of living together, although this would depend on how long they lived together before splitting if this eventuated. I also believe Chris is too easy going, to the point where Andre may take advantage of his easy going nature either knowingly or unknowingly (we have already witnessed this with Andre's insistence that Chris needed new bedlinen as what he had was boring). Beau's behaviour is at times a little puzzling I think. Most of the time I think his behaviour is innocent fun, but there are other times when I think he is a bit of a user. A very revealing chapter @Paladin, particularly with regard to Chris and Andre progressing their relationship to cohabiting. I don't think their relationship would survive if they were to cohabit yet as Andre is way too immature and expects everything to be as he wants it to be. Perhaps I am being too harsh on him, but I don't believe he is yet ready, willing or able to compromise, or if he is he certainly has not demonstrated this.

Thank you @Andre Delport for sharing this experience with me. Such examples restore a smidgen of respect I have for our species as a whole, a respect which diminishes with each account I read of animal cruelty or neglect, each plundering of the environment for monetary gain and each poor justification of such behaviour, especially if the justification is for "religious or cultural reasons" i.e. complete bullshit.

@Rossco, @weinerdog is being very restrained and polite (he has far better manners than I). What he is really trying to convey is persevere with reading the story as it is well worth it, even though Stacy is and remains a c..t to the very end.