peter rietbergen

Aha, now the plot really thickens.

This is a really good chapter.

A tale of the essence of loving. And of life's river that may or may not help one reach it.

ET in ARCADIA.... A splendid tale. Thank you.

Though much of the above is pertinent, I am perhaps most shocked by Nathan's behaviour. He doesn't tell the assembled Hayes-crowd he is still in love with/loving Julian. He accepts Arthur's "gift", though that effectively is only a bribe to keep Aiden's love. And, probably, can be retracted if Aiden doesn't get Nathan after all...

An appropriate climax if ever there was one.

Actually, I found this pretty boring. Precisely because the story isn't convincing anymore. Alexander's becoming less of the man who the author wants us to have been in love with L for such a long time - though adnittedly, I find that unconvincing, also given the time span - and now doesn't say anything emotionally intelligent anymore. And Lyn? Telling us: Sex with Alexander was,'t supposed to be this good. What else has he been doing over the past days but indulging in sex and telling us how great it is while failing to understand any of the signs A gave him about wanting more? Judging by this story: If these two ever get together, I don't think they'll be any good to each other beyond the bedroom.

when that day comes: no popcorn, but a glass of the best Canadian wine.

Yes, when one of two falls ill, the other often thinks: I'll be spared, if only to help him - or her. But it doesn't always work like that....

One must fear that Evil, as personified in Cobb and Rourke, will yet rear its ugly head before freedom becomes more than a "Vision of Canada.."

a slow Ode to Canada, and the hopes it held - and holds? But there are Cobbs everywhere in this world....

Do we see the plot thicken? Anyway - it's fun, as always.

I can see the work you put into this chapter. But it does pay off.

No, I wasn't expecting this. Good for you. The story needs an unexpected turn or two....

Very impressive. If only for its unique gay "slant" on the traditional Western, the entire tale has the makings of a compelling film or TV-series.

Dear WL, A good point: tragic, or not. I think I can follow your implicit interpretation: it is a story about A Life, and therefore has many ingredients that, we, your readers, recognise.

To make me continue believing these two, or rather your take about them: next time perhaps a little less sex and a bit more emotion?

“Why are you crying?” “Because you made me very happy,” Reese said honestly. This is a moving chapter.

Interesting. However, the "by-sexual" in the tags seems misleading. Since it is manifestly obvious where this is going, the fact that there are "girl-friends" in the background - even, perhaps,being "sex-partners" - doesn't really make the two men bi-sexual. Complying, in puberty, to heterosexual cultural/societal expectations is quite another thing.

"I love him, sir," Theo said. The three words hung in the air, simple, unadorned, and absolute. "I offer him the truth," Theo said quietly, each word measured and deliberate. "And I offer him my life. I stood in front of a bullet for him, Mrs. Sawyer. And he did the same for me. I have that in writing, signed in blood and fire. Can your society friends offer him that? Can their loyalty survive anything more testing than a misplaced dinner invitation?" Eleanor stared at him, her mouth a tight, shocked line. The silence in the dining room was profound, broken only by the frantic ticking of the grandfather clock in the corner. The maids had frozen in place by the sideboard. Then, slowly, with immense effort, Eleanor picked up her linen napkin and dabbed at the corners of her lips. She looked at Theo not with approval, but with a new, stark, and grudging appraisal. She had tested the metal of him, pushed him to his limit, and he had not broken. He had sharpened. "The soup is cold," she announced to the room at large, her voice once again a model of controlled composure. But the targeted venom was gone. The battle was not won, but a wary, respectful stalemate had been declared. Yes: perfect.

it's a cute story - but let's stop pretending that Five is straight and only is serving the tittillations of his so-called girl-friend. So the "dilemma" is: P and F, or P and E. Or P with both?

a - not unexpected - turn that'll allow the story to unfold in more surprising ways...Great.

Obviously, a "simple" happy end was never in the books. Topher's Tales mostly aren't easy reads - the more reason to admire him and his mastery of the craft.

of course you're right - and the global danger sits, especially, in these plural presences. I am reading Spengler, these days - admittedly not recommended reading with Christmas coming up. But even in the 1920s he was at least partly prophetic.

Americans don't read charts, they watch vibes. A Tragic Truth that has brought the world a Maniac.