MastaMak

The episode with Max in the park brings back fond memories for me at a similar age in the 1960's but in one of the Pacific Islands. So human nature doesn't change much over time. In the 1960's though it was something generally not acknowledged and kept very much secret.

Very interesting story developing & so well written. I'm imimpressed with the apparent understanding of the likely dynamics of the time. Must have taken a lot of research & not a little imagination. My maternal grandfather went to sea at age 12 in 1899 sailing in a 3 masted barque carrying wool & wheat between UK & Australia, sailing round Cape Horn in conditions which just have been trying. I can only imagine the experiences he myst have endured though he never mentioned them as far as I know. This developing stary begins to hint at what some of those might have been.

"place I want to place the bride is just down is just down" "Bridge " I think. Sorry to be a pedantic old bastard but "bride" just doesn't work.

That accommodation seems luxurious when I compare it to my experience when i went to boarding school at 12 in Alicec prings in 1954. It wasn't a real boarding school as we attended the state high school and boarded in a facility provided by the United Church (of John Flynn fame- the instigator of the Australian Flying Doctor service.) Fun times & im looking forward to Kwokkas development of the story. Im sure it will be as good as his other works which I've found well written & captivating.

I really enjoy your writing and there's no exception in this interesting beginning - a story I can see parallels to a degree in my own life at the same age as these boys in the late 1950's in Australia

We brought up our 2 kids living in a development of 43 towers each of 30 storeys in HK and never had any problem with apartment living. The kids made good use of communal play areas without danger & my son learned some really descriptive Cantonese swearing.

Well, that’s a first ~ a visitor (Addams) got out of JP’s condo without getting fucked !

What a story you've created : twists & turns which could neve have been anticipated. Wonderful writing & I must say the casual & frequent sex withouf going into great detail is refreshing. Really enjoying your writing.

By oh boy, JP takes promiscuity to a whole new level. Love the story & so well written

Correct. I overlooked the time frame in which the story is cast. We're much more aware today than we were in 1962 when there wasn't even a protective medication.

I’m interested that the major parties in this very interesting and well written story are generally promiscuous yet there’s no comment about seeking tests for STD’s. great writing which I’m enjoying though as an Australian some of the features & concepts are somewhat foreign to me. But that might also have something to do with my age - born 1942 - you can do the maths.

Beautifully written, emotional & very touching.. well done..

A bit kinky perhaps but apparently not unheard of in other cultures too. I remember reading some years ago that the then Indian Prime Minister Moraji Desai started each day with a draught of his own urine.

In my household t was " cunning as a shithouse rat". An expression commen even today

Interesting beginning. Great potential for an absorbing read. Nicely written too. Must say the addition of photos of the subjects (even though they're likely AI generated) is a welcome addition. I can't see how Jody's time in the Navy is going to be easy given his sexual proclivities which he's going to find difficulif not impossible to hide were not at any level accepted when I was that age in the 60's in Australia though in the mid 70's in USA it might have been different.