REMINISCING - A Novella and other linked Irish Stories -

Cait - the read I promised. As always I've no literary training nor ever published so feel free to deal with these comments as you wish. I've mixed views on short stories, usually needing a surpise twist at the tail to keep me hooked.

Stated with the first one - Rusty

Love the start to this and the insight on how women feel about the mefolk. You've brought out the accent and the hometown feel, allowing her, and us, to dream as the plane heads to a distant land. The dialogue and flow is excellent and as with any Irish tale, the folklore is there and the story of Briarean.

I love the names, and the innocence, the sense of fate, all combine to make this a wonderful read; by the time Keedy is describing her pregnancy I'm totally empathising with her, so when the first is stillborn and Rusty turns to the drink, I feel for her.

This is a delve into being Irish and the history of that country, but not as a lecture. The health system, the power of religion and the impact alcohol has had, are all there in a very human story - why not use a condom if it can avoid all this impact? - I've read Angelea's Ashes and this for me had that same feel.

Driven almost totally by dialogue Cait this was one of the nicest reads I've had on Authonomy. The flow was superb and I was with them both all the way. I did want more at the end though - something for a longer story?

Chose Chapter 3 for no specific reason - Shearing

Suddenly realised these are not all short stories but some are connected. I want to read.

Different style slightly, opening with a very clear descriptive scene as the house starts the day. The simplicity with which you write makes me sit and want to re edit myself - and I dont pass out compliments like that normally. Love the bristled jowls, dollop of foam and flick of the wrist. This brings back some memories of my own childhood, and reminds me of my Grandfathers upbringing in Dublin.

The scene is there with the loving father and kids and the build is excellent, warm loving, the home we all want.

Then you throw it in, the twist and the knife turns. All along Keedy has been watching form the outside, this loving man with her children, the same man who has abused her, and left her penniless. That twist was excellent. Its not the childhood I know but one I've seen from a distance.

You take us away from the family and back to Keedy, allowing the knowledge Rusty is an aabusive drunk to slowly fade, as you draw the reader closer to her with the beach and the understanding she has had to deal with lifes problems, and then the twist, again superb. Rape and violence against women leave most humans cold, and it should; somehow you rack this up an extra notch as her hair is cut away and burns.

Chapter 5 - again chosen randomly - Sexual obligations.

From what I've read already am expecting this to be powerful, and a part of me is hesitant to even start.

Your dialogue stands out and that opening works with the start of a flirtation with Packey John - they are still women. You continue in that same innocent style as the women dance around the issues of sex, using jokes to settle themselves. And then Religion.

I'm intrigued by religion and the power it holds over some people - you portray that well, and it turns full circle to sex. Keedy is no longer the young girl in the hollow tree holding back her own primal urges but a woman for whom sex is a burden she must regularly endure. It's emotionless and once more you leave the reader saddened by her predicament and the stupidity of the Law and religion in such matters. I've not seen a typo, nor do i have any suggesstions as to how you may improve this.

Cait - nothing else to say. Brilliant writing, and I seldom give compliments. You should consider writing film scripts. Steve.

Cáit,
Reading these stories was a truly moving experience. This is the kind of story collection that I could see being taught at schools. The  themes of the Troubles and domestic violence work surprisingly well together to present a strong social commentary, showing as it does that horrors of the Troubles are no worse than the troubles within these Irish homes. All the senseless violence, (portrayed so succinctly, particularly in Peace of Mind) of the fighting with the Protestants seems even more senseless when we see a child being raped, as you tell in various stories, perhaps most bitingly in Emily. 
You interlaced a great deal of ambiance that gives the book a nostalgic element, along with a couple of cute little stories (Old Woman and Addiction, but also Johnny) which add a whimsical twist to the whole read.
Several of the stories that are snapshots of the same family, (Keedy and Rusty) gave me the feeling that I had just read a part of a novel; however, putting these images in short stories makes the experience very different.
The characters of Keedy, Rusty and their children are very well painted. She is in love with and in dread of her husband, who is both a wonderful father and wife beater. You made me cringe when he cut her hair, the insult as bad or worse than the pain of the beatings.
I also liked the way you tied the stories into a different genation and household with Emily. 
Your style is fantastic, and I have a very vivid, almost tactile memory of your descriptions. 
I noted just a couple of typos, although I found myself reading these wonderful stories very fluidly, so I may have missed some.
I have mixed feelings about the ending of Silent Tears. When I first read it I did not like how neat it was. The government and the church and the law all ignore her, but then the vigilante fix everything- and not only that, they also get her a pension. It seemed a bit of wish fulfillment, and a glorification of knee capping. Thinking back on it, having read the whole posting, I feel that, taken as a bit of a tongue-in-cheek allegory, it actually works. 
On the other hand, I felt that the ending of 8 (Carraig) was a bit sudden, seemed like a bit of an afterthought to a beautifully painted portrait.  
I want to make a final note to say how much I enjoyed Perfumed Water. Having small children, I feel very moved by convincing depictions of the child's manner of thinking.
All in all, I think this collection is a great success. Starred and backed!
Some comments as I read:
1
When I first read this story I was not particularly sure of what to make of this very sweet ending. In the context of the book as a whole, I think it is very successful. It is also, of course, very appropriate for the title. 
It had a sweet ending, although when I read it I felt that it did not feel like a full story. The loop of her emotions for him seems like a background to a foreground that Is not fleshed out. It is very moving to read and the ambiance is great, but I felt that more could be done. 
After the story of the castration by the vigilante, you say that the man never touched this girl again. On reading it, it seemed like an understatement- he probably didn't touch any woman again.
In the line that begins "An uneasiness prickles my chest..." I believe you missed the word "her" before "father"
"Aoife elbows Anúsca and noda" should be "nods"
2
Very cute.
3
This is an incredible story. I could not stop thinking about it as I lay in bed with my headcold. You do such an incredible job portraying Cushla's admiration for Bránagh and her unyielding sense of duty to the cause. 
4
:o)
5 
This story made me very emotional. I felt angry, at Andy and at the government and at the Church, but also at her. It reads like s kafkan fable, and is a very effective social critique. I found the ending, in a sense, too easy, too neat a way to get rid of her troubles. I was frankly not sure whether your glorification of the vigilante was a bit tongue-in-cheek or not. He is this terrible man and he gets what he deserves, but it is still barbaric. I have never lived in a war zone (not too close, anyway), and I get the feeling from In The Darkness and this one that being around the violence of war makes these solutions much more palatable. In any event, the story was emotive and a great success. 

6 Could not help laughing at the end at her vindictiveness. Very good.

7 Very well written portrait. You make these images that really stick with me. 
8. I find this a very readable, enjoyable story, but I found the end too short, too surprising a twist.
9 LOVED this. What a fabulous portrayal of the young boy!
10 This is a fantastically well crafted story. You built in me this deep need for Claddagh to get the doll, so deep, that when that desire is used by Packey John I felt personally betrayed. 

11
Fabulous romantic story about the beginning of the relationship between Keedy and Rusty   
12
I think this is one of my favorite ones. It is your ability to make Rusty such a great father and then such a monster. You make me as conflicted as Keedy must feel. 

13 It is surprisingly nice to get more stories about this twisted couple. You describe her resentment and frustration very well, and the little toddler in the room is a great touch.
 

14
"Although Keedy never say it to her niece," should be "said"
"Other men drink and they rape or don't knock their wives about." you mean they don't rape, right?
I enjoyed this chatty story as a continuation of the Keedy and Rusty story. 

Please do let me know if you post more!
Best,
Maeve

I hadn't intended to read them all. I have a WL sooooooo long, but once I started I just had to keep going. Like you said, not warm and fuzzy at all. And, tbh, quite a culture shock for an Aussie Protestant.

The first was bitter-sweet and I'm sure will touch a chord with a lot of middle aged women, wondering... Old Woman was Clever.

The Dairy Famer ... this is the one I found most vivid, and I felt most for the characters. Silent Tears made me angry; the male reactions were appalling. It's sad to think thing sort of thing could have gone on. Addiction made me chuckle.

Keedy's stories are quite horrific; I find her acceptance of the way things are is tragic for her and everyone else. Her husband is a total pig. Like I said, I started and couldn't stop.

Not pleasurable reading, but vivid and very real. Best of luck with this collection.

Cait:
I saw your book on Gerald Hansen's shelf and read, in one sitting, all you have posted. It is excellent. I was thinking about your well-drawn characters, and the life and societal issues their stories revolve around, for days. The disgusting marital rape scene was very well done and, quite literally, made me cringe. You enveloped me in the intense world of these people with all of its good things; but also the social and family tensions and damage caused by alcohol, violence, sexual abuse, and incest.

I am old enough to remember the days when desperate women frequently died because they resorted to do-it -yourself abortions, or turned to an illegal "backstreet abortionist" who would "help" them end unplanned pregnancies they did not want and could not afford. Your writing, ( and in particular, the depiction the suffocating control of women during that time by the tin-eared Church which forbade them control of their fertility) affected my emotions in the same way as the work of Frank McCourt , DH Lawrence, and the stories of Kate Chopin.

You made me care about your characters, and that is one of the hallmarks of worthwhile fiction. My background is as an historian and I write non-fiction, so I always expect to learn something as well as be entertained when I read. Like Gerald, you gave me insight into the darker aspects of Irish culture, and, as part of the (English, Welsh and American) Irish diaspora, I think it helps me to understand not only the Irish, but myself. There is an intimacy with everyday desperation, and a poignancy and honesty about it that resonates within my soul. I have told Gerald how much I like your work and how, like his own, it helps me understand what is happening in Northern Ireland. The betrayal by kin involved in the ambush of the lovely farmer left me with tears in my eyes. I don't cry easily!
love,
Maddiexx

I read the linked stories 13, 'Sexual Obligations', and 14 'Attempted Termination'.

You write authentic dialogue with direct honesty, and the tragedy of Keedy's life is presented in an unflinching way. Both stories, however, were leavened with wit and irony; I particularly liked the idea of 'praying mantises' in 13 - and the wonderful imagery of the washed Durexes hanging on the "clothes line loaded with wet rubber pixiecaps".

I felt that, at times, of 'Sexual Obligations', that the dialogue between Keedy and Una didn't quite work for me, as it strained in parts to make the relevant socio-political point you had in mind.

But the powerful, sympathetic image of Keedy baptising her premature baby in 'Attempted Termination' will stay with me - and remind me why this book is on my bookshelf, and why it will stay there.

You are a very good writer, Cait. Have you tried to present this to the smaller, more independent publishers? Harper Collins seem to go for high-slaughtered body-count stories, or those of the beautiful-people bonking kind, rather than the type of work you present here.

I am going to read all of these chapters in time, and will offer more comments in due course. Good luck with this.

Colin Neville

Cait, I feel spoilt for choice. They all look tempting.
This is social commentary at its best. You paint a vivid , multi-layered, picture of life in Ireland. I loved it. You expose many of the issues that are hidden, covered up or- just tolerated. A very powerful voice. This is a very worthy of publication. I would definitely buy it.
Chose Chapter 12 In the Darkness
Behind the story are also the changes that have occurred in Ireland since the last time they met. The industrialisation and the Americanisation, spoiling what was uniquely theirs. Yet, it brought jobs and money to them. A double jeopardy. Oh my, what a shock ending. I was nearly in tears by the range of things going on here- so many things, but I won’t say what- as I don’t like to spoil it for those who have not yet read it.
Suggested edits
Heart beats (,) but the slower
Days of bloodied fighting ( - ) the stench of burnt out shops and homes( -) we thought
Piss off (, )but I am too polite
As she blows smoke to the (to the – is repeated) tongue-and-groove
Chose Chapter 6
What a heart- wrenching account of many women’s lot. The irony involved with the abortion attempt, then the miscarriage. Its Gods will= he works in mysterious ways. A comfort to the confusion felt. It was indeed rape. This was a very emotional tale, and worthy of the publication it received.
Lavatory, the pains relented. S(s) he got up Typo
High stars from me.
Sheena
The Popish Plot

Cait,

I'm just a reader, but I am enjoying your book so far. I love short stories, you can fit them in around almost anything you do. When I finish, I'll do an overall review. I've given you top stars already though:)

Annie

I almost got fired for this..But I've read one of your chapters online:
Obvioulsy the one, that was about sexually obligations.

CHAPTER V.

It was eye-opening, when they had to stone the adultress..
not so much them stoning her, but I never thought about the guy "Everyone nudging and winking."
Somehow, I never thought 'guys' could be so cruel (an in Italy, I assure you, in my city, EVERYONE is a playboy)

--in your dialogue I could actually hear the women's accent, all over. Little touches like, when she takes out the coins from her cardigan, give a "warm" feeling to the scene.
Dialogue: Warm.
The whole time, I knew she got raped by her husband, but was hoping it wasn't so harsh..
"His needs, are better than no person with needs"etc.etc..
But when the ending came:
...and blinked away with the sting of a tear -F*ck, that hit me hard in the chest.
BTW:
I laughed at the 'English self-help books'



I laughed at the 'English self-help books'
...and blinked away with the sting of a tear -F*ck, that hit me hard.

Coming under the spell of your storytelling was as easy as sitting by the hearth of a warm fireside on a cold winter's night; I soon forgot I was reading… The imagery you conjure is magic indeed. I've read the first two chapters - it isn't enough, but for now all I've the time for, but I'll be back for another slice of richly drawn Irish reminiscing soon. On my bookshelf, and highly starred.

Max China
The Sister

Hi I just read "Dance Do Dance" at random, and want to say that the language from the beginning to around the time the nun enters the picture, is fantastic. Being American, a lot of the terms and names are not familiar english to me, but I totally understood what was going on, and was right there in the innocent little girls' world.

Toward the end, the language lost a bit of that young girl perspective charm (which I began to miss a little bit),yet still carried me through the story and I felt I was able to follow what was happening. Also I was confused with all the characters, particularly the couple at the end, Nora and Packey John, but I gathered this story is not to meant to stand alone? That was a bit confusing. The mother is terrifying.

Cheers on having a wonderful voice, and I am going to read more. Makes me feel I am transported.

CJ

Reminiscing. Chapters 1 to 10

If the point of a story - short or otherwise - is to move you, to get to your deepest emotions, to make you love or hate the characters or to have you reading with such anticipation that you forget everything around you - then this first story about Keedy and her family achieves all of that. The sad fact is that although this story may be fiction - there are many women who live in similar circumstances in real life.
Quality writing and I'll look forward to reading the next short story. In the meantime 6 stars and onto watchlist. Janet

Janet/Helen
The Stranger In My Life

Hi Cait,

I think you are one of the few authors on here with novella / short story, and I dont think ive ever read one. Yours sounded interesting, so I started reading it over. In fact, I actually started this a while back...weeks / months ago, I cant remember why I didnt finish nor get around to giving feedback.....

First of all: Rusty...I really empathized with this chapter, as the woman is quite similar to the woman in my book, and is pregnant. The flow and the narrative is good, its not jilted, and I didnt trip over any typos or hiccups or bits I 'didnt like'. Even the dialect flows..and Im not Irish. The only downside is that I feel sad for her, and wish her awful husband would disappear, or that she would leave him. It makes me angry and frustrated that women would stay in marriages like that: I guess, even now they do, but it just seems like such a waste for what is our one and only life.....*sigh*

The only 'fault' I can find is that it sadly, is a real-life reflection...and life shouldnt be like that.

Deep, poignant, sad, moving.

Rachel

xx

Cait. This is wonderful stuff. The banter is excellent. The discussion about getting off together, contraception, the lack of the availability of it is all done very well. Read two chapters for now but going to watchlist it and dying to come back for more.

Boiling the eggs in the old bean tin........just lovely.

High stars.
Alice.

I read story 11 and I liked it very much. I think the problem with any story written in a child's voice is that a real child is likely to speak in short not very profound sentences, which usually also lack content likely to impress an adult. However, I remember as a child having much more profound thoughts than I could have expressed. One therefore has to suspend disbelief to some extent and having done this, the scene that is painted here is true to life and more importantly is vivid, heart stopping and poinient. Happy to put your book on my shelf Cait.
David XX

I liked what I read! Your book contained Sex, Religion and Politics - how can it fail?

REMINISCING - A Novella and other linked Irish Stories -
Cáit R Doherty

This is a set of short stories, some longer than others. I read the first which consists of a few chapters and then the one in chapter 12. It was all very well written, although I had to get my head around some of the Irish. It was good to have some definitions at the start of a chapter, although there were a few words that I had to check in the dictionary! The first chapter was very dialogue driven – my personal preference. One thing that wasn’t clear, was Una a friend Keedy hadn't seen for a while? Otherwise, why the conversation? It was a bit contrived.

The story in chapter 12 was very good and you cleverly gave out little snippets about Emmett. Very good.

Highly starred!

The editing was very good although I did spot an error in chapter 12 where ‘to the’ was duplicated:
As she blows smoke to the to the tongue-and-groove ceiling, …

Charles Knightley
The Secret of Netley Abbey

Hi Cait,

I was attracted to read your book 'Reminiscing,' by the image you used and also as I enjoy stories, usually dark stories, by Irish authors. They usually give me inspiration.

I enjoyed your story of Rusty Cooney straight away, especially the way Rusty's wife, Keedy, confides to her friend, Una, about her husband and his drinking habits which create violence and poverty. No reader could fail to be moved by Creedy's terrible plight having born nine children.

The description about Rusty ending up in hospital with pneumonia is well done. Typically Rusty does seem the type of character to rebel against conforming, by refusing to eat hospital food. The fact that his sputum was red can by a symptom of pneumonia, which can produce a rusty-red sputum.

High stars and i hope to read more.

Carol Jefferies
(Love for Lilian)

Cait, I liked this a lot. I never thought I would be reading such a book as its so far away from what I would normally read and I didnt think I would read so much of it too. You have a goos story, a brilliant premise and a great narrative voice. The pace to this book is great and not only suits this book but also this genre. Its also got a nice flow to it that works in sinking the reader right into the book. I can see this doing really well on this site and in the future. Well done for this and I score it high.
Sean Connolly. British Army on the Rampage. (B.A.O.R) Please consider me for a read or watch list wont you?? Many thanks.Sean

Ah Cait, these are just lovely chapters here. Steve Hawgood mentioned that your writing was like that of Frank McCourt, and me being a big fan, I just had to come and have a read. You were on my list to get around to this week anyway, but Steve prompted me to get to it sooner. I agree. Your writing is indeed as good as McCourt's and just as mesmorising. The realism is just fantastic and the stark, harsh often brutal simplicity is what makes this a particularly interesting piece of work. The dialogue is what makes this work so well, not a lot of writers have this ability, but you have it in buckets. I was actually reading it with an accent! The only other time this ever happened was when I was reading Martha Long's memoirs (and you write better than her) I can see your stories being snapped up by a TV agent. I would LOVE to see Keedy's life as a series. I can't find the words to tell you just how much I admire your writing.

Cait - the read I promised. As always I've no literary training nor ever published so feel free to deal with these comments as you wish. I've mixed views on short stories, usually needing a surpise twist at the tail to keep me hooked.

Stated with the first one - Rusty

Love the start to this and the insight on how women feel about the mefolk. You've brought out the accent and the hometown feel, allowing her, and us, to dream as the plane heads to a distant land. The dialogue and flow is excellent and as with any Irish tale, the folklore is there and the story of Briarean.

I love the names, and the innocence, the sense of fate, all combine to make this a wonderful read; by the time Keedy is describing her pregnancy I'm totally empathising with her, so when the first is stillborn and Rusty turns to the drink, I feel for her.

This is a delve into being Irish and the history of that country, but not as a lecture. The health system, the power of religion and the impact alcohol has had, are all there in a very human story - why not use a condom if it can avoid all this impact? - I've read Angelea's Ashes and this for me had that same feel.

Driven almost totally by dialogue Cait this was one of the nicest reads I've had on Authonomy. The flow was superb and I was with them both all the way. I did want more at the end though - something for a longer story?

Chose Chapter 3 for no specific reason - Shearing

Suddenly realised these are not all short stories but some are connected. I want to read.

Different style slightly, opening with a very clear descriptive scene as the house starts the day. The simplicity with which you write makes me sit and want to re edit myself - and I dont pass out compliments like that normally. Love the bristled jowls, dollop of foam and flick of the wrist. This brings back some memories of my own childhood, and reminds me of my Grandfathers upbringing in Dublin.

The scene is there with the loving father and kids and the build is excellent, warm loving, the home we all want.

Then you throw it in, the twist and the knife turns. All along Keedy has been watching form the outside, this loving man with her children, the same man who has abused her, and left her penniless. That twist was excellent. Its not the childhood I know but one I've seen from a distance.

You take us away from the family and back to Keedy, allowing the knowledge Rusty is an aabusive drunk to slowly fade, as you draw the reader closer to her with the beach and the understanding she has had to deal with lifes problems, and then the twist, again superb. Rape and violence against women leave most humans cold, and it should; somehow you rack this up an extra notch as her hair is cut away and burns.

Chapter 5 - again chosen randomly - Sexual obligations.

From what I've read already am expecting this to be powerful, and a part of me is hesitant to even start.

Your dialogue stands out and that opening works with the start of a flirtation with Packey John - they are still women. You continue in that same innocent style as the women dance around the issues of sex, using jokes to settle themselves. And then Religion.

I'm intrigued by religion and the power it holds over some people - you portray that well, and it turns full circle to sex. Keedy is no longer the young girl in the hollow tree holding back her own primal urges but a woman for whom sex is a burden she must regularly endure. It's emotionless and once more you leave the reader saddened by her predicament and the stupidity of the Law and religion in such matters. I've not seen a typo, nor do i have any suggesstions as to how you may improve this.

Cait - nothing else to say. Brilliant writing, and I seldom give compliments. You should consider writing film scripts. Steve.

Well done Cait!
I can't believe I've taken so long to find your work. I saw Brian had commented on your book and so i took a peek and liked what i saw - convincing dialogue, evokative descriptions and compelling storylines combining the tragic with some more light hearted material. Altogether excellent writing and an entertaining, though harrowing, read. very good luck with this - on my watchlist for future bookshelf.
all the best
Susanna
P.S.always wanted to visit Ireland - Hoults are thin on the ground over here !

Hi Cait
I've only read your opening chapter so far but I am captivated. Oh how I wish I had the time to read all you have written. It is so beautifully written it was as though I was wandering along the shore with Keedy and Una. If the rest is as good then you are on a sure fire winner here. Please let me know when this is published and it will go on my shopping list along with some of the others I have read here, Six stars from me. On my WL for now(I have had to drop someone to make room foryou) and will get it's turn on my shelf in the near future.
Well done.
Brian.

Kudos to you, Cait.
Reminiscing is brilliant and you're obviously a master of the craft.
I wanted to read the whole story and comment later, but it so captivated me in a way that i could imagine my own grandmother as Keddy, suffering in silence and trying to hide the pain from her children. I suppose it wasn't uncommon in the thirties,especially in poorer villages like Keddy's, and my own. Although not in Ireland, the pubs are the same, the vice just as horrible, and the everyday living just as pitiful, most of the time.
Thank you for sharing this story which i hope will be a success, as so many people will be able to identify with it, and reminisce.
All six stars and on my shelf as soon as i can place it there.
Maria
The Path to Survival

Test only

Hi Cait
First, let me say I love the cover of your book, quite mournful and pensive, and a cover that would make you want to see what is inside. I read the first para of Rusty, and was drawn in immediately by your first line---a lovely, lovely impact, and I personally wouldn't even put the bit in with the italics. I think the first line tells the story of what you are about to tell!
It is a lovely, lovely banter between two quite naughty Irish women that want to goad the other into talking about sex, etc and I wanted to carry on to see what they had to say. The dialect between them in some places is very plausible and believable and very Irish, which I love! But some of it I found wouldn't be something that would be said. I hope you don't mind me telling you this---I myself always have an imaginary conversation inside my head and try to imagine whether it would be what someone might say or not). Also don't be afraid to cull some of the descriptions in the dialect. Less is more. I found with my writing, especially at the beginning I'd want so bad to put something in because it sounded so clever and descriptive and insouciant, but quickly realised it was too much, and of little use. I read once (by a top writer) that you have to brave enough to turf those out, and I finally did. Only then did I start to turn a cornerI found I sharpened my work so much after that and found it flowed better. Your writing is brilliant, and I could really see those big dowager chested and thick ankled ladies headscarves billowing as they strolled arm in arm along the beach road. Truly lovely Cait. I will read some more promise.

I can only add to the many compliments you've already received. The first chapter is totally captivating and reminded me of a number of men that I've come across myself in my time. It is wonderful writing, and filled me with warmth, for the Ireland I once knew. You have my total support - Mick "It Was a Kind of Cold, Grey Morning"

This is lovely. Great dialogue!! I also like to write in dialect from time to time and it's fun to do. Beautifully written. Top stars!!!

Cait--This story made me cry and hate Rusty and hate the Catholic Church and even the country of Ireland for what it has done to women. This is an amazing and well written story--I hated it for what happened to Keedy and her unborn daughter. Keedy life was taken away and so was the child's.
I lived in Ireland before there was divorce and of course the church still dictates to women in that country. Just a few weeks ago a woman in Galway died because she could not get a simple D&C after the baby died in her wound.
Anyway, my only criticism is that there is a fantastic story there but it hangs in mid air without much of a stage to ground it. This story need a lot more narrative about what the surroundings look like, how the children feel about what their father is doing to their mother and what the physical location is. What you did give about the tub and
the bedroom is very good but it needs much more to ground this story. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read your work. You deserve to succeed with this book! Mrellan Harahan

This is absolutely brilliant. The language is so musical, the dialogue so real. I adore the Irish way of speaking that you have expressed so well. Can't fault this and I've only read the first part.
Six stars, WL and bookshelf asap.
Andrea

It's taken me way too long to read some more of your book. I just finished with #4, The Curse. Again, I am blown away with your accuracy and the way you grab at all the reader's senses. It truly is like being in the room with your characters as I read. I hope you keep moving up the authonomy ranks. You deserve to be at the top. I would definitely buy your book were it to be published. I will hope to read more soon. Best of luck. Pat McA, Starr

I liked the opening and how you describe the past and changes within the Black Irishman - the brogue gets to me... i enjoyed reading it, but found it challenging too ... I could also visualize the dialogue and pictured you reading this story to me out loud while i sniggered at the accent for being hard to understand... and laughing at my own faults for being so daft

I read up to and including The Curse... I don't really know what to say except 'wow'
I actually had my hubby read some of this to me, because i found it easier to hear then read - and he's got the full on Scottish accent, which is different, I know, but far closer than my own Canadian accent :)

anyhoo - I'll give you high stares too... because you know, that's way more fun than the stars everyone else gives lol

sorry - i read some other comments too lol that's what i get for snooping...

cheers for now, high stares!

Jaclyn x
It Never Happened

I saw you on Joe's thread and toddled over as I had a bit of spare time. Wow. You are quite the writer, aren't you? People talk about 'voice' and sometimes it can be hard to know what they mean - then one reads something like this and kaboom, there it is. Voice. Clear as a bell. I felt like I was hearing this being read to me on Radio 4. I won't embarrass myself by trying to think up the right Irish actress to do the voiceover! :)
But seriously, this is very beautiful writing.
You say some of the stories are published - in magazines or in collections? Would be good to have a link.
I'm sorry, I don't really have any useful comments or crit at all. I don't really like critting anyhow, as I'm no editor or wotnot, just someone who loves good writing. The full gamut of stars for you - an easy choice. :)
I haven't read everything, btw - not yet. I wanted a treat to come back to... :) Yup, I'm into delayed gratification.

This is very good. I like that you use the correct spelling of words but the accent comes through. Surperb. I give this high stares.

Abby

Cait, this is a potential masterpiece. I've read some of the other comments that have been made, and i'm in agreement with the person who stated that this should be on the school reading list. It is such a wonderful, if deeply sad and moving, study of a time and place that, thankfully, time and education has almost eliminated. Your characters are vivid and totally believable. Your descriptive passages, even down to the details off Rusty pulling on a cigarette, are so accurate and realistic, painting a picture that is very clear to see. Although your setting is obviously your native Donegal, the action could as easily be set in almost any county of Ireland, and would be just as poignant and easily understood. Beautiful, beautiful writing.
I will continue to read, and continue to write back to you.

Peter/My Secret Life

This sounds like it was truly written "across the pond." What kind of scallywags are you tolerating and enduring over there? The marital bliss should be anticipated and cherished by both parties, not dreaded. I kinda wanted to hear about how the nun was addressed and given what for... for such brutal whacking of the girl's hands. The wicked Catholic influence and confusion shines through. So, I must ask, where in the Bible does anyone pray to a female deity or a dead human woman? And then the desperate pleas to God while aborting the little hands that will never reach out to hold momma, yikes! After reading that, it will be hard to fall asleep! Abortion does not make her un-pregnant...it just makes her the mother of a dead baby.

Being a westerner, a little bit of the slang and terminology escaped me, what is a "thole"? T-hole? Trash bin? But what armpit moistening accounts involving familiar experiences that are common to many. Way too good to read just before bedtime, it will NOT put me to sleep! Impressive impact, Peter B.

First chapter read, Cait, and thoroughly enjoyed. I can clearly hear your accent in my head while I'm reading. An excellent duologue, and very evocative. Sounds like one or two families I know myself. The drink, the babies, the two sides of the personality. It can't be just an Irish trait, can it?
I look forward to reading more when I have time, later in the week.
I'm originally from the North, but have been living in Galway for almost 12 years now.
Very best wishes, Cait, and thanks for your message.
Peter.

Reminiscing - by Cait R. Dohety
I was sure I had read this before but must have forgot to add a comment.
These stories are deep and grim. The subjects are hard to read through.
However the writing style is smooth and flows easily. The words come so clearly filling a deepness in the reader.
Though emotional the writing is beautiful and captivating.
Grand work.

Shelby Z./Driving Winds

P.S. Please read my pirate adventure Driving Winds.

A collection of stories that allows the reader to savour the very air of Ireland, in their cadence and character. The use of vernacular and the dialogue effectively creates the experience of listening in on conversations that are probably happening at this very moment in Ireland--and among people around the world. Which is to say that at the same time that I am aware I'm in Ireland, I also recognize the universal concerns that these stories evoke. “Rusty” speaks in an unassuming way to the contradictions of character that people often possess. “Peace of Mind” is an effective summation of the collection, examining the way that we sort out our memories. Ms. Doherty reminds me of an Irish Alice Munro (& with my being Canadian, that’s very high praise) in the way that her stories buttress each and the collection assembles itself as a fragmented novel—all the more poetic in its fragmented nature and poetic, also, as an expression of a quiet and understated voice that knows exactly how to work with the tensions of her effectively created characters and situations. In the end, a collection of stories about a time and place that will never slip away if stories like these continue to be written.

Entertaining and thought provoking at the same time. You write well and certainly deserve to succeed with a book like this. I wonder how much more there is to come?
Best wishes John Philip

Have read through story #3 and will be reading more as soon as possible. You make everything as real as if I were in the house with this family. I can smell, taste, hear and touch it all. You are a wondeful writer. One nitpick: In story #3 I notice '....smooth as ivy' refering to Rusty's voice. Shouldn't it be 'ivory' instead of 'ivy'? Are you marketing your work to agents/publishers?

I read stories 1 and 9. Your writing is entertaining, as always. I love the dialog. You capture the setting well, making it feel authentic.

The first story is a nice introduction to the characters while number nine is an entertaining brawl. They don't really stand by themselves as independent stories with plots that begin and end. I did enjoy the, though.

I'll back it.

Brian Bandell
Mute

Hello, Cait:

WOW! WOW! STUNNING! PROVOKING!

I read up to chapter 11. I was enthralled. The emotion, the realness, your use of dialogue - so life-like. You have an incredible gift. I hope this gets published. Whatever you don't, don't stop until it is. WOW!

Cait, such a lovely voice and captivating style you have. High stars indeed. Will keep you on the shelf a little longer until I can read the next one. Una and Keedy were so real and wonderful. Best to you on your writing.
Janet
The Milche Bride
Clarissa's Kitchen

I read Rusty and Keedy finding both interesting well written. You handled the subjects of excessive drinking and forbidden contraception well. You didn't knock the religious reasoning or belief but you managed to show both sides of it especially during that time period. You also showed that the person inside of an alcoholic is not entirely mean spirited; however, when they are liquored up they can be unlivable. Excellent delivery and interesting characters.

Cait,

Ireland has produced many gifted short story writers, and with this collection you join the highest rank. I read them over several days - each session eagerly anticipated. From the off there was never any doubt in my mind that I would read them all. I couldn't fault the dialogue and the conflict held my interest. Each ended at the right point and the final twists to 12 and 17 were masterful. Six stars.

Camac Johnson
Hemingway Quest

Hi Cait,
wonderfully atmospheric stories. I read chps 9 and 12.
You have a great ear for dialogue and you're brilliant at detail, the polished pub tables, the different beers, ash spilling over the edge of a saucer.
I like the interplay of politics, love and pub culture here, it works well and feels very Irish without being twee or stereotyped. I think the humour is very important in this mix and that comes across well too. Gentle but omnipresent!
Niggles?
I wasn't sure which stories were meant to be stand-alone (if any), so it made it hard to judge. Chp 9, The Brawl read more like a funny scene in a novel, it didn't really have a short story structure with a satisfying ending. Chapter 12 read more like a short story, but I felt it suffered during the middle, which needed to be edited a little more. The ending was beautiful though, very moving.
For the purposes of Authonomy, perhaps make it clear which are the standalone short stories in your Contents page.
All the best with this, it was a very enjoyable read.
Highly starred by me.
Sharda.
http://www.authonomy.com/books/42835/mr-unusually-s-circus-of-dreams/

Reminiscing is a wonderful collection of short stories, highly original and refreshingly different. Abortion left me with goosebumps. The writing throughout the chapters is impressive and I couldn't spot a single flaw. I love the way some of the stories connect and particularly like Keedy as a character. There is a strong sense of scene, truly authentic.
Best of luck with the book.
Melissa
Lessons in the Dark

Cait,

I've dipped in and out of Reminiscing for over a week. It a very strong, compelling book. I am from Belfast and a lot of the situations in the book were common place here only a few generations ago - namely the shocking abortions seen in chapter 14.
You have touched on so many sensitive issues alcoholism, domestic violence, rape, abortion, child abuse and even the troubles. Every issue is written so descriptively and powerfully that it condured up emotion even in me.
I loved how the stories linked together through Emily this was very clever.
This is a raw and gritty read and a change from the often romanticised stories from Ireland that the world of literature is infilitrated with,
Top stars from me

Jayne (jgas78)

Vivid and compelling. Backed.

Words are the gift of the mind to the soul. What would our poor souls do if they had not words to use to tell their stories?

Ah, Cait! Did these things really happen to you? If they didn't, how could you write about them so authentically?

Hi Cait ...

Phew ... this is pretty powerful writing. I had to look to see if this was HC true. The characters are well defined and story line is well written. One can only sympathise with Keedy she has a truly horrible life. Backed and rated. Regards ... Duncan.

I only read the first chapter. A lot of women will understand your love for this man because they married the same type guy. They are always sorry after beat you senseless, but they will do it again. The drink is just an excuse. Me and my friends drank pretty good in our twenties and thirties and did some crazy things. None of us beat a woman. Women who think this is love is hard to understand. Maybe that is what youi need to tell us. However, I have concentrated only on your writing style and narrative and you did a good job creating the atmosphere of Irish life in working class Ireland and you prose flows well. There were some confusion with a few local slang phrases, but I got the general idea. There is a part in my book of Irish Americans living in a section called the Devil's Pocket you may like. I think your book has the potential to reach a lot of women. Good luck with it.

I read the fifth story, Abortion. I thought it was the most powerful piece I've read so far on authonomy - such fraught subjects handled so skilfully. I was most impressed with the control you had over the language while describing such violent scenes, rendered with great details. Rusty is so dreadful, but he always seems dangerous and real, he never veers towards being over-the-top or cartoonish. And Keedy is a great charcter, tragic and complex.
Overall, I think it's excellent. Six stars.
Andrew.

Reminiscing. Your pitches are perfect, and I'm finding it difficult to choose, so I'll just start from the beginning.

Ch.1. You draw the reader in immediately to Keely's viewpoint, then suddenly everything changes with the authorial description of the attack on her! Might it be less disconcerting if the scene was played through Keely's viewpoint>
What a poignant story, with a circular ending, and such a telling title - For Better for Worse.

Ch.2. The calm before the Storm. a sequel. And the action exactly as it says in the title.

Ch.3. Poor Keely - what a life - told with empathy.

Ch.4. This is really one story... a treasure of a story. So obviously true, so tragic.

Brilliantly written.
Jane. Breath of Africa.