This is the most intriguing, captivating chapter so far. And so intimately entwined with the lockdown that's in your readers' living memory. And the little reference at the end, to Julie and Gregoire, feels particularly powerful this time. Very well structured and written. 🥂 😊💕
It's another cracking chapter with a haunting and compelling vibe throughout. I’m captivated by how you mix the tense atmosphere of lockdown with Vienna's rich, shadowy history. The psychological depth and cinematic imagery are masterfully done— a gripping continuation of your narrative
Loved this chapter, Kate, and its various levels of fear and isolation at work. 💙
A funny coincidence — my husband and I were watching an old episode of Travel Man last night, where Richard Ayoade and Chris O’Dowd travel to Vienna and take the Third Man tour! Needless to say, the IRL sewers didn’t seem as noirish and cinematic in person. 🤣
One of the tensest chapters so far! "Perhaps this is what I will do if I make it out of here alive." This line, suddenly inserted like an intrusive thought iin Marie's head, is skilfully unnerving. Excellent.
You’re setting the stage for big things ahead, I somehow sense. I don’t trust those two, Fred and Roger. For some reason, I’m expecting they will be trouble for Marie. Another great chapter, Kate, with a beautiful narrative around the pandemic and the lockdowns. I remember those days so clearly. Awesome job!
Were you in Milan at the time? I have some friends who were there and shared their stories with me. Another close friend in Vienna is from near Milan originally and shared the story of her family. We were all so close and yet so far away...cut off for so long...
Poor F&R, nobody trusts them! At least they have each other.
I was. Between Milano and my hometown, in the Marche region. Such a peculiar time. Vastly exaggerated in a way, to me. Disarmingly superficial in others.
Superb chapter, Kate. Bringing lockdown into is a deft touch and it lends a whole extra layer of fear and tension because we, the reader, know what is coming and at the same time don't know what is coming for Marie.
Wow what a chapter! I didn't comment before but I love the way you've woven covid into this story, like it kind of just wove into all our lives. I remember people joking about it in class in Feb 2020 then just a month later there was no joking. Or at least, if there was joking it was covering the fear. It's also particularly ironic as after all that time I finally caught covid at Worldcon in Glasgow, reading these chapters on the train up, back and now lying in bed isolating for the last three days
What a shame you have COVID now. Oddly enough, my mother (a reader as well) also texted me last night to say she and my dad have caught it. I guess it's really going around. Hope you make a full recovery soon!
PS the relationship between humor and fear always intrigues me!
Great chapter, the kino, the urge to do stuff before being locked away, not considering the risk, truth again, people ignored lockdowns largely, or mask mandates, the value of freedom...
Marija's death was no surprise yet I didn't expect it so quickly, things will accelerate exponentially now I presume! Can't wait!
This is the most intriguing, captivating chapter so far. And so intimately entwined with the lockdown that's in your readers' living memory. And the little reference at the end, to Julie and Gregoire, feels particularly powerful this time. Very well structured and written. 🥂 😊💕
Thanks for the lovely comment, Veronika!
It is interesting how this is such a collective memory/trauma. Only a few things in history have impacted nearly everyone in this way.
It's another cracking chapter with a haunting and compelling vibe throughout. I’m captivated by how you mix the tense atmosphere of lockdown with Vienna's rich, shadowy history. The psychological depth and cinematic imagery are masterfully done— a gripping continuation of your narrative
Thanks so much, Jon. I love that these aspects come through for you!
Loved this chapter, Kate, and its various levels of fear and isolation at work. 💙
A funny coincidence — my husband and I were watching an old episode of Travel Man last night, where Richard Ayoade and Chris O’Dowd travel to Vienna and take the Third Man tour! Needless to say, the IRL sewers didn’t seem as noirish and cinematic in person. 🤣
Oh wow, that sounds awesome! I’d love to see that :)
Thanks Michael! 💙
One of the tensest chapters so far! "Perhaps this is what I will do if I make it out of here alive." This line, suddenly inserted like an intrusive thought iin Marie's head, is skilfully unnerving. Excellent.
Thanks Jeffrey! I’m pleased it had that effect. ☺️
You’re setting the stage for big things ahead, I somehow sense. I don’t trust those two, Fred and Roger. For some reason, I’m expecting they will be trouble for Marie. Another great chapter, Kate, with a beautiful narrative around the pandemic and the lockdowns. I remember those days so clearly. Awesome job!
Thank you, Silvio!
Were you in Milan at the time? I have some friends who were there and shared their stories with me. Another close friend in Vienna is from near Milan originally and shared the story of her family. We were all so close and yet so far away...cut off for so long...
Poor F&R, nobody trusts them! At least they have each other.
I was. Between Milano and my hometown, in the Marche region. Such a peculiar time. Vastly exaggerated in a way, to me. Disarmingly superficial in others.
Thanks. Sorry to hear your parents have it too! And yes it is an intriguing relationship for sure
Superb chapter, Kate. Bringing lockdown into is a deft touch and it lends a whole extra layer of fear and tension because we, the reader, know what is coming and at the same time don't know what is coming for Marie.
Very sad about Marija.
Thanks Nathan. Appreciate these kind words!
Wow what a chapter! I didn't comment before but I love the way you've woven covid into this story, like it kind of just wove into all our lives. I remember people joking about it in class in Feb 2020 then just a month later there was no joking. Or at least, if there was joking it was covering the fear. It's also particularly ironic as after all that time I finally caught covid at Worldcon in Glasgow, reading these chapters on the train up, back and now lying in bed isolating for the last three days
Thanks a lot, Harvey!
What a shame you have COVID now. Oddly enough, my mother (a reader as well) also texted me last night to say she and my dad have caught it. I guess it's really going around. Hope you make a full recovery soon!
PS the relationship between humor and fear always intrigues me!
Great chapter, the kino, the urge to do stuff before being locked away, not considering the risk, truth again, people ignored lockdowns largely, or mask mandates, the value of freedom...
Marija's death was no surprise yet I didn't expect it so quickly, things will accelerate exponentially now I presume! Can't wait!
Shocking! Marija dead, and Marie feels ... nothing. Very strange, adds to the increasing alienation just as she's heading into lockdown.