I love so many of the details in this chapter. The spiral of the ink pen, pushing a black hole through the pages like parallel universes. Her holding the warm coffee cup like a hand. You also do an incredible job of developing George and his insufferable controlling nature. What a dick!
Why did Ivy end up settling down with Georg?? It pains me to think of her in that situation, one that plenty of people have likely found themselves in.
There was some beautiful transformation with her in this chapter, though. There's a sense of hope that comes through the yoga lesson (sounds like a great spot for a yoga class, high up in HK!).
Appreciate learning some of the little details here, too. The information about the rains (you know how I feel about rain 😉) and also the yoga terms and philosophy. 🙏
Yeah, I was thinking a lot about how soooo many people get into tough situations and then often end up blaming themselves -- and maybe there is a way to have foresight or maybe there are things out of their control either that change or cloud their judgment at the time. I was thinking about this in the context of HK especially. I absolutely love HK, but there is something there that always feels a little like make believe, maybe more as an immigrant/expat. And I think when people are away from 'home' it also offers both possibilities (freedom, new starts, etc) as well as potential for entrapment in some way (might also be a job, lifestyle, etc). So thanks for picking up on that. I consider many living in HK to be in this kind of inbetween, even if they are 'Hongkongers' because most have immigrant parents or many family members living abroad. I think it changes the whole way that people form relationships. Sometimes for good! Or, in Ivy's case, obviously not.
Ok, that's my fingers just moving with my thoughts... :)
I think clouded judgement, fear, accepting that this "might be as good as it can be", apathy, lack of confidence ... So many reasons. I've been there. I sat in two relationships for way way longer than I should have. Thankfully not to the extent that I got married or had kids in those relationships, but if it weren't for a couple of specific events that gave me a massive kick up the ass, then who knows what would have happened.
The perspective on HK and what that might do to is really interesting. I can appreciate that. Even here in Melbourne as an ex-pat I at times feel like I don't have a specific identity.
Oh man, George, she needs to dump his ass. But... it's not that easy. Love the details, the yoga, and even not knowing the terms, getting little explanations on the positions is super nice. The baked beans breakfast made me want to have it, cause I am reading this during my breakfast (which is only a cup of coffee). The scenes are all convincing in part thanks to all the real details (Indonesia has yellow, orange and red colour codes for rain), and help us get deeper into Ivy's character and her journey. Truth in fiction.
I’m so happy it connected with you in this way. Interesting to think about the Indonesian similarities in some ways and also how climate impacts culture. Thanks a lot, Alexander, and I hope you’ve had some food! ☺️ In Hk, one always first asks: “have you eaten?”
I feel the pain and catharsis in this aching and breathtaking chapter. It is when we're at our weakest and lost that we find the courage and strength to pick ourselves up.
I'm finding myself so invested in Ivy, her isolation and her grief - such a relief to see this first breakthrough in her yoga practice. (She's going to need all her strength, I think...)
I love so many of the details in this chapter. The spiral of the ink pen, pushing a black hole through the pages like parallel universes. Her holding the warm coffee cup like a hand. You also do an incredible job of developing George and his insufferable controlling nature. What a dick!
Oh I'm so happy you like my details, Ben! You are the detail king.
I'll be talking about the parallel universe idea more generally this week. Definitely NOT a physicist, so wish me luck! Ha.
I love the way forces of nature irrupt into the story and into Ivy's thoughts. Those Hong Kong black rains! Lovely writing.
Thank you, Jeffrey!
The magic of HK is irreplaceable.
Why did Ivy end up settling down with Georg?? It pains me to think of her in that situation, one that plenty of people have likely found themselves in.
There was some beautiful transformation with her in this chapter, though. There's a sense of hope that comes through the yoga lesson (sounds like a great spot for a yoga class, high up in HK!).
Appreciate learning some of the little details here, too. The information about the rains (you know how I feel about rain 😉) and also the yoga terms and philosophy. 🙏
Thanks for the lovely comments, Nathan!
Yeah, I was thinking a lot about how soooo many people get into tough situations and then often end up blaming themselves -- and maybe there is a way to have foresight or maybe there are things out of their control either that change or cloud their judgment at the time. I was thinking about this in the context of HK especially. I absolutely love HK, but there is something there that always feels a little like make believe, maybe more as an immigrant/expat. And I think when people are away from 'home' it also offers both possibilities (freedom, new starts, etc) as well as potential for entrapment in some way (might also be a job, lifestyle, etc). So thanks for picking up on that. I consider many living in HK to be in this kind of inbetween, even if they are 'Hongkongers' because most have immigrant parents or many family members living abroad. I think it changes the whole way that people form relationships. Sometimes for good! Or, in Ivy's case, obviously not.
Ok, that's my fingers just moving with my thoughts... :)
"fingers just moving with my thoughts" ... What a great saying!!
I think clouded judgement, fear, accepting that this "might be as good as it can be", apathy, lack of confidence ... So many reasons. I've been there. I sat in two relationships for way way longer than I should have. Thankfully not to the extent that I got married or had kids in those relationships, but if it weren't for a couple of specific events that gave me a massive kick up the ass, then who knows what would have happened.
The perspective on HK and what that might do to is really interesting. I can appreciate that. Even here in Melbourne as an ex-pat I at times feel like I don't have a specific identity.
Thanks for the insightful comment, Kate 🤗
I guess we are all vulnerable for different reasons.
It can be both powerful and difficult to not have that identity - I feel this!
Oh man, George, she needs to dump his ass. But... it's not that easy. Love the details, the yoga, and even not knowing the terms, getting little explanations on the positions is super nice. The baked beans breakfast made me want to have it, cause I am reading this during my breakfast (which is only a cup of coffee). The scenes are all convincing in part thanks to all the real details (Indonesia has yellow, orange and red colour codes for rain), and help us get deeper into Ivy's character and her journey. Truth in fiction.
I’m so happy it connected with you in this way. Interesting to think about the Indonesian similarities in some ways and also how climate impacts culture. Thanks a lot, Alexander, and I hope you’ve had some food! ☺️ In Hk, one always first asks: “have you eaten?”
A good question! I shall, I shall! Must write a few more words first. 😅
I feel the pain and catharsis in this aching and breathtaking chapter. It is when we're at our weakest and lost that we find the courage and strength to pick ourselves up.
Oh I love that concept. Life lessons! Thank you, Nadia 😍
I'm finding myself so invested in Ivy, her isolation and her grief - such a relief to see this first breakthrough in her yoga practice. (She's going to need all her strength, I think...)
Thanks Troy! It's wonderful to hear that people feel connected to Ivy.
This is just the exposition so I think you will see some evolution, for better or worse...
💪🏽