15 Comments
Sep 5, 2023Liked by Ben Woestenburg

I agree with June Givens comments. Well written Ben; very well written.

Expand full comment
author

Thank you, Heather.

Expand full comment

FINALLY...

Took some time to catch-up with some electronic reading and found this little gem a highly informative piece and crafted in a clever way. Characters were easy to relate with and enjoyed the riskiness of your adventure into bi-racial relationships; although, being the Historical Romance Novel lover, wasn't surprised with the affair upon reading the traits drawn to portray to asthmatic husband.

I wondered if a real asthmatic of European heritage choosing to go into the depths of the Africa to teach...That's the first time I was surprised by one of your characters.

Am glad to save this to read in its entirety as to wait a week to resolve the issues raised would be a difficult matter to undertake for those impatient as me.

Thank-you! Enjoyed THIS very much.

Expand full comment
author

I started reading my next one. It's a long novella. It's...different reading it out loud. I put the text with it, so you can always read along with it, but even so, you're hearing it the way I heard it. I actually like reading, and reading to a computer screen, where you're not looking at anyone, pretty easy. I told you it was long, right? I'm hoping I can get a personality happening.

Expand full comment

Gosh Ben; you're gifted with personalities, quirky characteristics, insecurities, imperfections...Veritable Monet every time...Not cubist or Picasso. Rounded traits and weaknesses with surprising strengths. Can count on your personalities virtually exploding with their climactic happenings.

You're often an O'Henry almost always ending with a surprise not foreseen or predictable and not based in moralistic fables. Enjoy the reading both ways...With or without

following. Enjoy audio books and it the only the way to get in any lit. while on the way to work for quite a few years.

Expand full comment
author

The only experience I have is the wonder of my children as I read to them: Ali Baba: "O-PEN SE-SAME!" and THE CAT IN THE HAT. Later, as they got older, I could read them my stories. And that's my audience.

Expand full comment

Lucky kids to have a Mommy and Daddy reading to them.

Can't recall one time the ex read to anybody...Including me. Always had to spell for him, and taught him EVERYTHING academic...Filing, Accounting, Balancing Checkbook, Journal, Taxes, Resume's...And, to read. Found-out he was a genius AS WELL AS a total sociopathic parasite. Was married for 20 years and divorced 16 years and he's now been married 4 times.

He told the kids, "Guess she wasn't so much of a bitch after all." Go figure...😲🤣😂Cracks me up. Kids don't recall a single word ever read by him though he had a great voice....But, he did sing and that turned-out rotten as it promoted his philandering.

Your kids were lucky kids and since you and your wife still love one another and you've clearly been good role models...They have good relationships, too. Your writing indicates you a sensitive person, observant, attuned, creative, highly instinctive in your comprehension of human frailty and strengths...All making a good husband and father.

Expand full comment
author

Once again, I'm humbled by you.

Expand full comment

Silly...You're a good person.

A good soul.

NOT PERFECT...But, a good one.

Time for bed...2:33 here.

God Bless.

Expand full comment

You are more than welcome. You have a talent for writing.

Expand full comment

I loved the tenderness of this juxtaposed with the brutality of the environment. Beautifully done.

Expand full comment
author

Thank you so much for that.

Expand full comment

Great story, Ben. Well done.

Expand full comment
author

Thank you, Martine, it means so much coming from you.

Expand full comment