Ok, finished now. Detailed and nuanced instalment, Kate, and as Silvio notes, there's always this feeling of something there, off to the side and out of view, that holds this in the "thriller" feeling of being stalked through the streets of Vienna. Brilliant work being able to pull that off.
Oh how I miss Christmas markets. We had far inferior versions in the UK of course, but it was always a highlight during my PhD in Birmingham to go and drink gluhwein and be merry and soak up that pre-Christmas excitement. I was experiencing these feels there with Marie just now.
Thanks a lot, Nathan! That’s good to hear about Birmingham. I’d like to enjoy the (good parts of) the Christmas markets in England. The Basel one is quite special, too! I’ve heard that Australian Christmas BBQ are something to be proud of though.
Yeah, hopefully you can find some good markets come Christmas. I'm sure there's some better than Birmingham (it's a bit drab in the city centre, but then that's nothing new for a decent chunk of English cities), but I still enjoyed it a lot. Then again, I didn't have much to compare to at the time.
You painted a fantastic image here of the sense of loneliness that swings from a feeling of isolation to independent exploration and self-reflection and discovery that really worked for me. Also, really how like the pacing of the story picks up as Marie swallows down more drinks as she moves through the markets. And the Krampus enters the picture at the right moment to raise the tension for her and bring myth and legend into focus, and offer the potential for a type of salvation through experiencing and embracing the past and coming traumas. Always a joy to read your work DKW!
Thanks for the great comment and feedback, Brian! Yeah the drinks - somewhere in A Tale of Two Cities as well as in Dubliners we get this drink upon drink effect I was going for. Happy the pacing and whole isolation is coming through.
I'm going to get Krampus in my dreams now, I'm sure. Another great installment, Kate. There's a sheer sense of anticipation when reading this story, as if something or someone is going to pop up from behind a corner or out of nowhere. As if something consequential is going to suddenly happen. I'm really enjoying how this is developing. Bravissima!
I apologise for the nightmares but also happy it’s creepy in this way! Honestly, those demons are frightening. I don’t think there’s anything like that in Italy? Thanks so much, Silvio.
LOVE a good Krampus! I had this distinct feeling of terror as Marie kept drinking more, that she was putting herself in danger - that's how on edge this story is making us! - and then Krampus arrived, and I was actually relieved! ;)
Oh excellent, the edginess is desired! I would love to hear about your encounters with Krampus one day. It certainly makes sense when my mother talks about her German-French upbringing in Minnesota in the 50s and the Catholic guilt laid thick on her soul. I think she got over it! :)
"A sad kind of beauty. A cold kind of solitude." - A bittersweet, beautiful contrast. I loved being transported to a different kind of Christmas feeling. It's warm and scary and lonely and touching. I hope you're enjoying your stay in Istria!
Ah good old Krampus, yes yes, also known as Knecht Ruprecht in Germany. Bad boys go in the sack. 👹 Great chapter Kate. We’ll have to get some Glühwein sometime at the Cristkindlesmarkt.
"Even before my public humiliation to come, I felt a lot more comfortable in the shadows." ...!!!
Just stopping here momentarily to add those exclamations!
Ha :) great!
Ok, finished now. Detailed and nuanced instalment, Kate, and as Silvio notes, there's always this feeling of something there, off to the side and out of view, that holds this in the "thriller" feeling of being stalked through the streets of Vienna. Brilliant work being able to pull that off.
Oh how I miss Christmas markets. We had far inferior versions in the UK of course, but it was always a highlight during my PhD in Birmingham to go and drink gluhwein and be merry and soak up that pre-Christmas excitement. I was experiencing these feels there with Marie just now.
Thanks a lot, Nathan! That’s good to hear about Birmingham. I’d like to enjoy the (good parts of) the Christmas markets in England. The Basel one is quite special, too! I’ve heard that Australian Christmas BBQ are something to be proud of though.
Happy this is giving thriller vibes!
Yeah, hopefully you can find some good markets come Christmas. I'm sure there's some better than Birmingham (it's a bit drab in the city centre, but then that's nothing new for a decent chunk of English cities), but I still enjoyed it a lot. Then again, I didn't have much to compare to at the time.
Ha ok then. I’ve been to Birmingham and enjoyed it! This was during summer though, maybe ten years ago. I shall report back 🫡
You painted a fantastic image here of the sense of loneliness that swings from a feeling of isolation to independent exploration and self-reflection and discovery that really worked for me. Also, really how like the pacing of the story picks up as Marie swallows down more drinks as she moves through the markets. And the Krampus enters the picture at the right moment to raise the tension for her and bring myth and legend into focus, and offer the potential for a type of salvation through experiencing and embracing the past and coming traumas. Always a joy to read your work DKW!
Thanks for the great comment and feedback, Brian! Yeah the drinks - somewhere in A Tale of Two Cities as well as in Dubliners we get this drink upon drink effect I was going for. Happy the pacing and whole isolation is coming through.
I'm going to get Krampus in my dreams now, I'm sure. Another great installment, Kate. There's a sheer sense of anticipation when reading this story, as if something or someone is going to pop up from behind a corner or out of nowhere. As if something consequential is going to suddenly happen. I'm really enjoying how this is developing. Bravissima!
I apologise for the nightmares but also happy it’s creepy in this way! Honestly, those demons are frightening. I don’t think there’s anything like that in Italy? Thanks so much, Silvio.
I agree, those demons are definitely frightening! Italy does have its own unique folklore and legends though. Thanks for sharing, Silvio.
I’m not sure. I think this may be something more typical of Teutonic cultures. But then again, I’m not really an expert.
I totally agree. That anticipation is there, always. It's really powerful and propulsive.
Absolutely, the anticipation can really drive you forward. Keep pushing towards your goals!
Marie's walk felt a bit like a snowy, creepy version of something out of Under the Volcano. Powerful stuff!
I had to look that up. Wowzers. I’m intrigued! Thanks Jeffrey.
LOVE a good Krampus! I had this distinct feeling of terror as Marie kept drinking more, that she was putting herself in danger - that's how on edge this story is making us! - and then Krampus arrived, and I was actually relieved! ;)
Oh excellent, the edginess is desired! I would love to hear about your encounters with Krampus one day. It certainly makes sense when my mother talks about her German-French upbringing in Minnesota in the 50s and the Catholic guilt laid thick on her soul. I think she got over it! :)
"A sad kind of beauty. A cold kind of solitude." - A bittersweet, beautiful contrast. I loved being transported to a different kind of Christmas feeling. It's warm and scary and lonely and touching. I hope you're enjoying your stay in Istria!
Thanks a lot, Nadia! ☺️🩷
Looking at the results of the votes, maybe Austria will be better, Gluehwein for sure will be better there!
Oh dear. Yep. 😧
Can’t wait to try some Gluehwein in Austria! 🍷🇦🇹
The good stuff!
Thank goodness for a better result than expected however 😅
Dodged a bullet this time.
Ah good old Krampus, yes yes, also known as Knecht Ruprecht in Germany. Bad boys go in the sack. 👹 Great chapter Kate. We’ll have to get some Glühwein sometime at the Cristkindlesmarkt.
Thanks Alexander!
We will, yes. Just a question of which country. :)