January 2015 Review/Critique
Posted by on Feb 13, 2015
My choice has become one of personal preference, in effect which stories gave me the most reading pleasure. That is not to say that the other stories were not an enjoyable read, but I had to make a choice. One that was not made on the quality and presentation of a story, that would have meant too many choices, and so my list is heavily biased.
Any story in my choice of three could have come first and I had to read them a number of times to decide. Capucin came first because I love the genre, but felt that PQ’s BEIRUT maybe deserved that place. In the end it was the reference to Terry Waite, which I didn’t get and – to me – seemed superfluous, that decided me. I thought that Adiguburke’s story was a well constructed and pleasant read, inevitably sitting in the middle.
Actual Results:
- PavlovaQueen’s story BEIRUT.
- Seadam’s story MONDAY.
- Giselle’s story ARRIVAL.
My choice:
- Capucin’s story THE WAR PARTY
- Adiguburke’s story CITY OF DREAMS
- PavlovaQueen’s story BEIRUT.
The other entries (in no particular order):
MONDAY by Seadams: I felt that this story could continue and resolve what was – for me at least – a very uncertain ending. Martin may have been staid but not boring and Sheena? How would she find him? A cleverly contrived story, which left me wanting to know how the relationship developed.
Mrs Burton Went Shopping by furry features: I had no problem in believing the time travel event, but found the outcome implausible. Then this is a CWG so anything goes!
THE TIGER’S STRIPES by Lostinwords: This is a wonderful story for children and I thought that the connection to the notion of the Surrey Puma should have been the conclusion, either with additional text, but without the references.
Serendipity by Fizzeerascal: An amusing story for someone who’s been married as long as me. Ahem! What changes have been wrought upon me?
My Dad by Gazoopi: I didn’t think that story needed the rational of the first paragraph. It was biographical, interesting and personal enough to stand on its own.
Arrivals by Giselle: A very descriptive story with a surprise ending. Was the outcome depressing? I don’t think so – just sad!
Life changes by expatangie: Your stories always have interesting detail. Now that I’ve read a few of your stories I have to wonder what is – or is not – autobiographical – nevertheless, lovely romances.
The Perils of Pet-keeping by Atiller: I had to research the armadillo (not for the bodily functions) and while it features in children stories, I’m not sure that they have featured prominently in adult stories. This was a well paced amusing story and the last sentence was a ‘beaut’!
