peter rietbergen

Do adult, gay American men really call each other "babe"? On this side of the ocean, it isn't a term of endearment, but felt to be both sexist and belittling...Cultural differences, I suppose...

There seems to be a mix-up between one Terry, and Fred....

Another great chapter. And: I'm getting to appreciate Therese...I really do admire the way(s) you introduce her, and her changing attitude(s).

Will this saga leave us with an "end good, all good", i.e. "happy end" - a great couple living in an idyllic house, in an unexpectdely 'diverse'neighbourhood and with their perfect jobs, et cetera? Or will the author let us face reality - a world in which such ends rarely occur...?

I'll confess that I do try to "feel" for Michael - for yes: many of us have had to go through a double live before accepting that to lead one is to betray and indeed harm other people. And yet: the ease - in words and in gestures, actions - with which M continues to betray Sarah makes it hard going.

an entire world in a few words, only. Well done. As the other commentators write: a dangerous situation, the more so since G does not know his own reasons...

One may "feel" for M - though a man who, in the 21st century, marries and "begets" children while knowing that he really loves (?) - or, rather, lusts for - men is, perhaps, not very likeable. But as other commentators write: one cannot but hate M's mother, despise his father, and feel that both Andre and Ryan are less than upright men. So that leaves Sarah and the poor twins; in the end, they are the ones who will remain shattered For, inevitably, M cannot see "the light". He is gay, and unless his family, perhaps, accepts that, the pain is theirs, mostly.

totally enjoyable. And, what's more: believable.

Do we really want to believe that Ryan is as morally bad as M's mother?

I do realize a story always needs time/suspense, but: if we are to believe that J. is - as Americans have it - developing "feelings" (for the rabbit) - a rather strange expression because every person always has feelings for every other person (s)he knows... - I cannot but wonder why he hasn't yet simply forced the man's mask off. Also, assuming that the rabbit isn't a 17/18-year young man anymore (?), but in his (early) twenties, one also must wonder why he allows himself to be bullied by his brother. But I'm sure all will be explained in (the author's ...) good time...

The exchanges at the pub were a very clever narrative device! As to the umpteenth police interiew: i think in my country that would not have happened, after so many previous, equally exhausting reiterations. Certainly the lawyer would have wanted to know: why? Admittedly, it does keep the story going...

It seems M's T-shirt is removed twice... But otherwise: lovely....

good heavens. Three secret lovers. (Do they actually know about each other?) And a wife pregnant. And he still doesn't know what he wants? Really, a rather despicable character.

Whatever thoughts i have about Michael's moral vaccillations, I feel that for a grown-up man to still be tied to his mother is - well: let us say: not easily believable/plausible. The more so since, unspoken, this tale seems to suggest that overprotective, possessive, manipulative mothers create weak - gay? - sons: which, I'd say, is a notion that is a bit dated. With the father always and never there, one would assume the son mght have come to realize what kind of imbalance he chooses to continue tp belong to.

Except for a few typos: near-perfect, in pace and psychology. I already know I'm going to look forward to the next, and the next, and the next. Thanks!