"The ordinary and the extraordinary collide in my list and in me who’s lived through no fire, who’s saved no one." Impeccable, Mary. And a line that will stay with me for a long time as we are often heroes in small ways that are not always seen. 🥰
I tried so hard to focus on your last line here: "we are often heroes in small ways that are not always seen" --and am so grateful for your words that strike me now as one of the reasons the novel came to be ... xx
My hope for Robert is that maybe someday he will see his own heroism. Even if his looks like a final act of forgiveness toward himself. Beautiful chapter Mary. This one stays with me.
So here is the rarest of the rare: a WWII story that hasn't before been told. And the more important backstory: We may reach forgiveness, but can it lead to discovery? So much imagery and insight in such a short piece. Brava!
This part lingers with me Mary, especially now: “The ordinary and the extraordinary collide in my list and in me who’s lived through no fire, who’s saved no one.” Although I served in the IDF I did not save anyone, nor (thankfully!) killed anyone. My brother did. I always remember this difference between us when we debate politics because I think war/ battle marks you in very distinct ways. You write so beautifully!
Oh, Imola, I didn't know that you served. I add that we often don't recognize the heroism of the ordinary .... And though Robert perhaps doesn't deserve this word, perhaps what he tried to do when it was too late ....well, not for me to decide ...
I totally agree with you Mary! These days just getting out of bed feels like heroism to me. I’m going to order your book and take my time appreciating your beautiful words, and your everyday heroism.
Another very palpable episode, Mary!
Ah, Ellen, thank you so: "Palpable" such a good word and am grateful for your use to describe my work. xx
"The ordinary and the extraordinary collide in my list and in me who’s lived through no fire, who’s saved no one." Impeccable, Mary. And a line that will stay with me for a long time as we are often heroes in small ways that are not always seen. 🥰
The same line struck me as especially impactful. Such perfectly paced writing!
Such a perfectly phrased comment that defines the goodness of this superb essayist and reader.
I tried so hard to focus on your last line here: "we are often heroes in small ways that are not always seen" --and am so grateful for your words that strike me now as one of the reasons the novel came to be ... xx
My hope for Robert is that maybe someday he will see his own heroism. Even if his looks like a final act of forgiveness toward himself. Beautiful chapter Mary. This one stays with me.
I couldn't have said it better, lovely Kimberly. That was my hope as I wrote this chapter.
So here is the rarest of the rare: a WWII story that hasn't before been told. And the more important backstory: We may reach forgiveness, but can it lead to discovery? So much imagery and insight in such a short piece. Brava!
Must be so many such untold stories -- I'm glad I was told this one, and it happens to be true, meaning it really happened--I know from the source.
Thank you for the lovely words about my writing and about this anecdote that amazes even me, the writer.
This part lingers with me Mary, especially now: “The ordinary and the extraordinary collide in my list and in me who’s lived through no fire, who’s saved no one.” Although I served in the IDF I did not save anyone, nor (thankfully!) killed anyone. My brother did. I always remember this difference between us when we debate politics because I think war/ battle marks you in very distinct ways. You write so beautifully!
Oh, Imola, I didn't know that you served. I add that we often don't recognize the heroism of the ordinary .... And though Robert perhaps doesn't deserve this word, perhaps what he tried to do when it was too late ....well, not for me to decide ...
Thank you so for such a moving comment.
I totally agree with you Mary! These days just getting out of bed feels like heroism to me. I’m going to order your book and take my time appreciating your beautiful words, and your everyday heroism.