peter rietbergen

Since I always hugely enjoy RH's stories, this one doesn't disappoint, either. But I feel that Neil's question is surprisingly sudden, not to say out of the blue...

And your own thoughts on a re-gendered W would make a smashing (chamber) opera. As to The Joys of... Why not: The Pleasures of... Depending, of course, on the amount of sensuality in the song texts. But other titles come to mind. The Dreams of Young Werther...?

But why did Robert say he (now) believed he wasn't even Julian's father if Julian always knew he wasn't Robert's son?

Simply huge fun. Love it.

I can see "the point" of this tale, the change from boy to - well, something older, more mature. But do I believe that a boy would actually accept the steps he was asked to take?

Great Expectations indeed. But whose, in this present-day tale...?

I feel that, perhaps, we should have been told more about the intimacy that, apparently, has developed between L and M. Or have I missed something? N For me, now, it is a rather sudden "given". I would assume that over time - how much is not clear - it (also) must have influenced Matteo's perceptions of himself and his choices, actions.

Maybe acknowledging the limitations and, indeed, limits of their choices will bring the two together again - at least as friends, sadder and wiser?

Excellent. The quiet despair of the waiting room scène was moving. So was/is the end of this tale, sentimental though it is. But the short paragraph that defines love is a gem Do we need a sequel? As for me, now: I think not. Some things should be left as they are : the memory of s remarkable story.

A cliffhanger? Yes. Do we need a happy end? Yes. Is it inevitable, given the story and its author? Yes, or... no. Would a death create new life? Yes.

I think all of us will gladly let you cogitate. Whatever you come up with, the story - especially its many ethical conundrums - is thought-provoking, and moreover: it is very well-told.

The main question, I think, is not whether the end of this tale satisfies the protagonists but whether we, the readers, are satisfied with their respective changes, conversions, et cetera. The author has set himself quite a task....

The young boy but did what M and G did, too. I must confess I cannot see how G could sit in silent judgment and square his own actions with his conscience. Actually, I doubt that, if denounced/betrayed, even M and G would escape the friars' decision to judge and punish - few people (especially of the upper class) were powerful enough to be allowed to practice buggery, however secretive. If only therefore I do not think M and G would have spent the night together. If one of them were a patrician and the other a low-born page, it might be different...

That IS a pity. Why not a short solo cantata: Iphigeneia (for a deep female voice, like A's friend...) and cimbalon/zyther....

Get Neil into the crowd....and, far more interestingly: let us hear a cimbalon piece by the "real" Hugill.