Borrowed Light

Hi Olive,

Thank you for sharing such a beautiful story with the rest of authonomy community. It's truly a lovely story. I love very much the way you tell it ---- it's effortless, charming, reviting, whimsical and engaging. I love the language. You've decorated this story whith a sense of humour. The sotry is short but it packs a Mike Tyson punch. The narration is good. The description of scenes are carefully crafted and you make it easy for the reader to imagine every thing.

Ruth is a lovely girl. Once she was in Dublin, things seemed to work for her good. She wins Mrs. C's good side, her fellow workers seem prepared to bend over backwards to help her (as she too for them), the hotel patrons that hailed from America had taken liking in her. Her association with them lands her in a whole new world for her. She meets, even though by accident, a love of her life ---- Edward. The fling does not last long, alas.

6/6 is what you're getting from me. Thank you very much, once more.

Dear Olive,

This is a masterpiece! Truly, it is. Your writing is gentle and fluid and evocative in every way. I normally don't read a lot of fiction, but your rich, authentic story is full or real humanity. I love it! Ruth is beautiful and charming and real right from the start. The little details (like her old, worn hands, etc.) just captivated me. I felt like I was right there with her caregiver. This is remarkable. I will definitely read more for the simple pleasure of enjoying a great story. Giving highest stars and holding on my WL with every intention of shelf time soon!

All the very best,
Faith Rose
Now To Him

A well-crafted story populated with interesting and very believeable characters; a real pleasure to read this.

There is a good sense of oral story telling, which is consistent throughout and connects beautifully with the prologue, where the dying Ruth tells her life story to the initial narrator. The prologue works well and is an effective starting point for this attractive novel.

I liked the sense of time and place that is conveyed through the excellent dialogue and period/political detail and context. The Irish speech intonation is captured without caricature and there is a gentle humour threading its way throughout - I really liked the way the author captures the life, social mores and banter of the hotel and its staff - and all the rivalries and frictions that can occur in any establishment. There is too, a strong sense of a teenage girl finding her identity in a city of contrasts: socially, morally, politically.

And there is above all a believeable and very human story waiting to be discovered here - Authonomites, what are you waiting for?

Colin Neville

This is a lovely story and it is beautifully written. You are a gifted, talented writer, Olive, and never doubt that. Someday I will have a row of your books on a shelf of my bookcase here at home. I love the way you write - your style of writing is among my favorite types of books and, so, I may be a bit partial to your work.

Still, I have no suggestions for you because I think your writing is fawless. I know the whole point of these reviews are to give the author suggestions and corrections, but I honestly did not see the need for any. This is as professionally written as any published book that I've read.

Your characters are totally captivating: I loved Ruth at 96 and as a young woman, leaving her family to make a life in Dublin. Maeve, Ruth's friend, roommate, and co-worker is equally delightful as is Peggy, the cook; Jack; and Liam, the young porter. Even the Blackstone Theater Company was composed of great characters: Frederick and Henry, actors with opposite personalities; Mildred and Lillian; and Ella, the make-up artist.

You write fantastic imagery (Hotel St. George or the Conarchy; The Eucharistic Congress, Liam's funeral, etc.) and outstanding dialogue: I really loved Maeve's colloquisms. How sad, after such a delightful beginning, to read of Liam's death with his family and supposedly "dead" father all mourning him. I actually cried during his funeral as well as when Edward, the reporter for the New York Herald, left Ruth who had fallen in love with him. At this point, your uploaded chapters ended and I don't know if Edward returns to Ruth or not? Guess I'll have to read the rest of your book to find out - but that is fine with me because I really love this book!

Again, I'm sorry that I can offer you no suggestions, but I can only praise your lovely, charming book. I think it is marverlously written in every way: imagery, plot, dialogues, and especially characters. I'm certain that once this is published, it will become a very popular novel and you have my best wishes for your publication. Excellent work! and I've rated it very highly and I hope to see it soon on the Editor's Desk, or better yet, in the hands of a publisher!

Olive this is lovely writing. The prologue is short, to the point and stops where it should. Thereafter the pace is one long, smooth jaunt, if not down memory lane, at least down grandparents’ memory lane. You have the vernacular so I can hear it in my head. Your thumbnail sketches of the different characters are so well done. I particularly liked your description of Father Tom and his look of desperation, and Peggy’s banter is a sketch. It reminds me of Clare Boylan’s writing (Room for a Single Lady in particular). I’ve read about half what you have posted, and that’s all I’ve done, not noted, not nit-picked. This isn’t the kind of book you’d be bothered to stop reading just to note down a missed comma. I just read it, with great enjoyment.
High stars because I think it’s probably publishable as it stands, and I’ll give it a whirl on my shelf when I change it next.
Jane

This compelling work of fiction, crafted in irish vernacular, never never lapses into oirish and ticks all the positive boxes: entertaining; attractive characterisation; interesting and consistent plotting; engrossing dialogue; graphically described setting. In short, an emminently marketable product from an accomplished story teller with page turner command and control of her material. Tony Brady. SCENES FROM AN EXAMINED LIFE - Books 1,2 & 3.

Borrowed Light-Olive Field
Review Chapters 8-14

Hi Olive,

It was nice to get back to your lovely story from where I had left off.

Ch8
Ruth preparing for a date with Edward. Lovely dialogue between Maeve and Ruth, Lizzy and Alice helping out with the outfit for Ruth’s theatre outing.
Ch9
The grand theatre night. Beautiful descriptions; I could visualize myself inside the theatre; so romantic, further kisses. Ruth looks great with the new dress, takes care of Maeve’s sunburn, next date is Wednesday.
Ch10
Ruth gets a promotion to the front desk by Mrs C. Maeve recovers and they have a lovely chat. Ruth plans her date, tickets for “Me and My Gal”
Ch11
Liam’s dialogue is beautiful, written in the Irısh brogue. Again, it’s like watching a film, in the rose garden. Yet, sadly young Liam passes away under a tram, riding a bike with bad brakes.
CH12
Liam’s wake. Another chapter with good dialogues in Irish brogue and vernacular.
Ch13
Funeral, Ruth finds out Edward is Jewish. Liam’s father appears.
Last Para
As we left the church, the heavens open(ed).
CH14
Tea with Lizzie and Alice and they meet Edward. Edward tells his story about how he became a journalist.
Para beginning Lizzie and Alice stood ....(Missing “)”Edward?” she said........
Para beginning I tell (told) him I was in the morgue...

However, the lovers must part, as Edward needs to go home to see his sick mother. They remember the old woman’s words in the Botanical Gardens, reminding them of both Liam’s death and the news of Edward’s mother’s illness.
‘To see a ghost tree blooming out of season twice means news of a death’

Wonderful, engaging, flowing story; vivid and charming characters; skilful dialogue; entertaining, amusing, heart rendering....Where is the rest of this? I hope you’ll post some chapters so that we can find out how the story develops from here on.

Also, Dublin, with its glamorous districts and poor quarters, is described most eloquently.

Thank you for your sweet story, high stars remain, WL’d, and will be backed at the nearest opportunity.

Best wishes, Sebnem-The Child of Heaven

What a lovely story! You write very well. I've read two chapters so far, and it was so easy to read - it flowed beautifully. I'll keep it on my watchlist and I do hope to return to it.

I have no constructive crits really - I just enjoyed it. Only one small typo that I noticed. In Chapter 2, there is a stray pair of quotation marks after: Jack said with a serious face.

Thanks very much for a enjoyable read - very high stars.
Annabel.

Lovely stuff...very typical of the talented Irish gift for writing from the heart and through the senses. Wonderful in its simplicity and honesty...very best of luck!
Stewart
Fetishes and Foibles

Lovely stuff...very typical of the talented Irish gift for writing from the heart and through the senses. Wonderful in its simplicity and honesty...very best of luck!
Stewart
Fetishes and Foibles

Borrowed Light-Olive Field
Dear Olive,
I've had your book on my WL for a while and I've just read your first 7 chapters. I meant to read only 3 or 4, but there you go, you got me carried away with your wonderful story. Your description of Ruth in the beginning reminded me of someone very dear to me, old, but beautiful and in pristine condition. Then your story took me to Dublin, a city I have not seen, and I met with characters in the hotel. They are all very charming, Peggy, Jack, Maeve, and the hotel owner. Then the American Theatre Company arrived. Ella became friends with Ruth and Maeve, and as I was guessing that Frederick was going to be the prince charming, enters Edward. As Ella turns Ruth into a lovely young woman with her magic potions and gears, Ruth steps into the Ball Room like Cinderella, enticing her admirers. Very well written, good dialogue, and flowing style. It is very nice to know that we have our own Maeve Binchy, bless her, here on Authonomy. High stars, best wishes, Sebnem-The Child of Heaven

This is a very beautifully written story, easy to read, it flows well and I was drawn into the story by your captivating writing style. This story is pulls you back in time it is a masterpiece and I enjoyed it immensely. Thank you for giving the Authonomy community the opportunity to become lost in your world.

Dear Olive

I have just read your first two chapters. Brilliant! Great characterisation, dialogue and descriptive passages. I also enjoyed the historical and political details which lent texture and depth to the story. You have a knack of instantly building relationships between your characters which feel genuine, avoiding the slush factor. This is one of the best things I have read on authonomy so far. High stars and backing you now.

Congratulations

Kathryn
Highway Code

Olive, I think you've the Irish storyteller's ways... surely drawn me into this beautifully written tale. I already have visions of Ruth worrying about being seen with the pigs as she arrives in Dublin, but my heart went out to her as she stands there in the hotel, worrying about her stout-washed hair.

I'll be reading on, of course, how could anyone not? You've given us Ruth, and with admirable ease you never lose sight of her even with a plethora of characters in this first chapter. And each character has his or her own little spotlight. It's possible some might think there are too many in just the first chapter - as Ruth starts to tell her story, of all her sisters and their *futures*, in backstories and all. I did wonder, but no, it all flows so beautifully, each person, backstory, side-step, all meld in the lilt of Ruth's voice.

As I say, I'll be returning for more, but I have to back this now.

From Kay with love and luck to you xx

Such wonderful control of the language, even with the dialect (I mean that it does not appear a hindrance to me as it often does) and "manual labour as a Spanish musician" and the Aga Khan Trophy... The early chapters are filled with good, even loving, and helpful people; I have not reached the heartache but have read enough to decide I'll back this in March.

Read all the fourteen chapters you have put up here and waiting so eagerly for the rest! The whole time I was reading it with an Irish accent and when I went away to do something and thought of coming back I caught myself thinking I was going back to finish watching a BBC period drama!! It's wonderful to read, but I can really see it on screen! There are only minor typos, the odd missed apostrophe, capital letters somewhere that didn't belong- nothing I felt worth stopping reading to make a note of- I'm sure you'll find them in a final edit.
Really, really truly love the story and the way it's written. Each paragraph glides into the next with perfect balance between text and dialogue. Beautifully alive characters and the sad story of Young Liam, or Just Liam. Wow. Please tell me I can read the rest soon?

Hi Olive,

Sorry I'm usually pretty good about return reads, but this one slipped by for a bit. Glad to come and have a read about Ruth now. I feel sorry for her Ma and Da, having to let their daughter go to Dublin to find herself a husband. Still not sure who De Valera is, some political leader of Ireland at the time, I guess. Ruth's hair was washed in stout? Ahh, I could see that happening. My mother in law talks about such things, it seems they used to wash their hair in all sorts of strange things back when. A bit surprised neither of her sisters met her when she arrived - could they not get away from work?

A lovely tale of a time gone by. Nice to see it so well captured. Still don't know about the boy in the picture. Hopefully that comes out soon.

Scott Butcher (The Merlin Falcon)

Ditch the word "Prologue" at the start and you have the beginning of a fine book. The reason being: most people skip a prologue and besides the way you write it doesn't need this headline. You write with ease or at least it seems so. Well done

The dialogues in this novel is one of the best I've read on this site. I love the dialect and the warm atmosphere it creates. The story is paced with comfortable and relaxed pace but not slow in anyway. It is soothing to read on. I've only read first four chapters but I put down the book temporarily with a smile on my face, looking forward for a chance to sit down and read the continuation.

R

I liked the warm 'voice' of this novel. I've just read six chapters and I now see things through Ruth's eyes and worried how she would cope with her destiny - which seems to be filled with unexpected happenings.
I also liked how Edward was introduced so obviously attractive.

R

I wanted to read the newly-posted later chapters for Borrowed Light, but seeing as my original review was over a year old, decided to read the entire book again from the beginning. As before, doing so was a real treat.

I’m even more impressed now with the tale of the aging Ruth as she transports us back to 1932. Author Olive Field really does have the power to move readers through time. You can almost feel the transition from modern day into the past, due to the descriptive language that weaves the picture for us. Even the accents of the various characters scream ‘30’s Ireland, a very nice touch.

I also love how the prologue has been expanded to give caregiver Christine a bit more of a role in the story. It also lets us see how Ruth is quite fragile, yet still defiant and proud the way she sits like a queen with all her pillows arrayed around her and wearing her pink bed jacket. I really love the interaction between Ruth and Christine, and still wish there could be more of it. Perhaps after the funeral scene when Liam dies, we could be snapped back to the present day? Christine asked about Liam’s photo to begin the tale, so the funeral for him would be a natural stopping point. Then Christine could be seen doing her job and either leaving for the night, thinking about Ruth and how it relates to her own life, and then coming back the next day for another story. Or she could simply ask about another photo or even a keepsake hanging on the wall or something like that to begin a new tale, or to continue the old one.

I think the interaction between Christine and Ruth is brilliant, and could really be used more effectively that just as a brief setup for the main story. Christine obviously likes Ruth, as is evident when she no longer asks about when her temporary assignment will end. But why does she enjoy Ruth so much? You set up a very interesting promise with their interaction and owe it to your readers to return to it and fill it out more. Otherwise, the beginning really could just be eliminated all together and the story of Ruth would stand alone as an Irish period tale. But I think you have something special here, and would really like to see more of it, especially if Ruth’s wisdom of age could influence some decision Christine is wrestling with in modern day.

As before, the writing is excellent. Field is a master of descriptive language. I don’t think anyone can set a scene better. Borrowed Light is a story that anyone can enjoy. It’s historical fiction at its best, and will have no trouble finding an audience once published.

John Breeden II
Old Number Seven

I'm really enjoying the read. I liked the prologue but if I am honest ch. 1 didn't immediately grab me. It wasn't until ch.2 dialogue got going that I was really hooked by your style. It's beautifully written, the dialogue, and the way you write the accents, work perfectly. Ruth's life at the hotel is interesting and I get an immediate sense of the period and the place and the way the characters think. Humour keeps popping up. I loved the remark about the sunny side up eggs - just cooking them, not being responsible for their disposition! The dress incident was fun and the romance with Edward is getting going now, though I gather from your top comment that it won't last. I can see Ruth changing and developing all the way.
Top stars.

I thoroughly enjoyed Chapter 13! And found myself giggling when she identified Henry as a moron instead of a mormon. That was funny! Now I am digging into chapter 14. the only thing that slowed me down was the lingo. I'm not familiar with it, being American, but other than that, very good!

Sincerely,

Donna
Jessup and the Teleporter

Hi Olive, this is beautifully written, and you are bringing some great characters and historical events to life. I love the opening you have set up, it really makes it feel like we are reading a true account. Starred and will remain on my WL.
Lin

Olive, this is a really beautiful evocation of life in old Dublin. You have caught the authentic voice of the people and created real rounded characters. I like the way you render the dialogue, I can hear that Dublin accent in my head. And your heroine is a delightful, human, likeable young woman. High stars wee done - Frances

Hello Olive.

I like the springy, pacey prose. The various dialects and the Irish speech come over very clearly. It's very attractively written.
The details in your descriptions of Dublin and the way of life contribute to a good period atmosphere.
The sales pitch itself suggests a wealth of dramatic events, and you make a good start on them in these opening chapters. You've got a great idea for a story.
I'm only too pleased to give you some stars and some backing.

Best of luck,
Michael (Felix Bradninch).

Chapter 14
Good writing is evident when a reader can pick up a chapter cold and fall in step so quickly with it. I especially felt you penned a living prose when I got to the part where the two girls who were linked and giggling as they passed by Edward. Then during his story, when the man with the cane flicked the magazine from young Edward's hands. Wow. And the resolution was sweetly done (and not over done at all).
Very good.

Return read

The prologue sets the stage very well for Ruth to tell her life story, starting with the cheeky chap in Dublin... the year that changed everything.

I love Maeve - her speech and her friendliness... the cardboard divider made me smile

the second chapter seemed very small by comparison, but it was a nice close to it.

I'm stopping temporarily at the end of chapter three - because Ruth is in a happy place. You know though, I failed to mention how great your pitch is... based on that, I'm wanting some sort of "Letters to Juliet" or "The Titanic" romanticized ending, you know?

When do we find out who the person in the prologue is? who Ruth is talking to, i mean... you know, i bet that's part of the big twist ending... gosh... this is going to be another i'll need to read to the end. Looking forward to it!

high stars :)
Jaclyn x
It Never Happened

Such an interesting tone to chapter 13, Olive. I loved: The Americans were very glamorous mourners. And when Fred said of trying to become Jewish: Dark clothing and facial hair. Not sure I could pull (that) off. :) Did you mean to have a 'that' in the line? And what a splendid commotion scene--well done.
John

I read chapter 12 during a break at work today. First and last lines can be tricky. I really liked your ending of this chapter. The opening paragraph is excellent, as well.
I also liked: It was like a competition to see who could be the most morose. But I felt that the sentence before might serve better were it more concise. Something like: Some were melodramatic. Or: Melodrama ensued.
I felt the sadness and could relate to the feelings in light of hearing the rather sloppy condolences.
I'll come back for more soon.
Regards,
John Campbell

Olive. A Big Pat on the Back for this. It is awesome writing and although not my subject I found it funny and very precise. You have a natural talent to suck the reader in and I am really impressed with this standard. So well done and will be watching this with interest.
Sean Connolly. British Army on the Rampage. (B.A.O.R) Please consider me for a read or Watch List wont you? Happy New year.
Sean

Hi Olive,
I read until the end of Chapter 4 to have a feel of the story and your writing style in general.
Borrowed Light is a dynamic, well-planned story that hooked me in immediately. Your writing style is sophisticated, visual and crisp.
What I liked most is the way you introduced your main characters into the plot. The dialogue parts are equally good, as everything is believable. You know how to set the tone with additional details, and your writing style certainly delivers.

Highly starred, and I'll certainly be back to read some more.
Best wishes,
Lucette- Ten Deep Footprints

This is fascinating. My parents just returned from 7 years in Ireland, so probably Someone should publish this and then I could buy it for them. :-) The writing is excellent. I have nothing to add.

Borrowed Light/Olive Field
I love reading historical-romance novels and your introduction did not disappoint, being in the here and now with Ruth waiting for her nurse. Their dialogue is very pleasant and natural and ends the prologue with her face lighting up when she speaks of Liam. In my opinion you have a perfect specific scene setting at the end of the prologue. Ruth remembers"... Liam... God bless him... I moved to Dublin... Hotel St George in 1932. That was the year everything changed." Perfect cue and scene to lead into the next chapter, telling Ruth's story, which starts off quite sadly with her having to leave home to start employment at the hotel, formerly known as Conachy's now St George's - which owners are somber, strict and unpleasant, so bless the hearts of Maeve and some of the other staff! The next chapter describes the Eucharistic Congress and procession, singing and throngs of people in the street - feelings are touched and there are some tears and patriotism in all their hearts. I'm dearly wanting to read more at this stage, but I'm somewhat pressed with quite a few reading commitments, but for now I'm keeping Borrowed Light watchlisted and give high stars for what I've read thus far. All the best for a successful and happy 2013
Maretha
African Adventures of Flame, Family, Furry and Feathered Friends

Borrowed Light - Interestingly told, I like the tone and the style of writing. I felt compelled to read on as I was hooked by the promise of intrigue, but as I got through the second chapter, I'd forgotten about the hook and continued on, liking the flavor of the write. The setting is well done as are the characters, Keep going...
CADreilling- The Line - Beginnings

Casual writing with a touch of the more Jane Austin of writing with a modern spins.
The story itself didn't captivate me very much, but the style was the highlight for sure.

This is brilliant Olive. A really smooth, flawless read. I love the way you write the dialogue in accent. I have tried this a couple of times and it's not easy, especially with a 'Geordie' accent. :) Will be reading more of course!!

Hi Olive. i am enjoying your book very much. It is very funny and flows beautifully. I will be reading on further!. Top stars!

A pleasure to read and back, high stars.

Olive,
As a historical fiction fan you have given me, a fascinating glimpse into a time and place that has always been dear to my heart. I find your style to be creative and natural even the Irish accent and phrasing, (which is somewhat foreign to my North American ears), didn't detract from the story unfolding before me.

I do not agree with a previous comment that stated; you might as well do away with the prologue, as I felt it set up the scene perfectly and the transition into Ruth’s tale was fluid. I did agree that perhaps her caregiver could have interrupted occasionally for clarification or ask a question. This dialogue would have broken up some of the long narrative passages; however, it is your story, and it is beautifully done. The characters are strong and the dialogue is refreshingly natural, a pleasure to read.

I look forward to reading on and will be back with further comments.

Olive
If you haven't already done so get this off to a publisher. This is a great piece of writing. I can see you becoming famous in a year or two, like Catherine Cookson. You have the ability to portay good Irish accents and humour. I can easily see this as a screen play. You have a great writers voice and I'm sure you have a great future in writing.
Best wishes for the future.
Brian.

Hi Olive, (return read - apologies it's taken me a little while - hectic times!)

I've read the first couple of chapters & what lovely writing!
You set the scene well, with great imagery and detail.
Ruth's voice comes through very strongly - without being overdone. It's authentic and I soon found myself reading in an Irish accent - a new experience, thank you!
I love your characters and detail (esp washing hair in stout - reminded me of my Grandma, who used to wash my hair with all sorts of strange stuff, much to my mothers frustration!)
I only have one crit - I did find all the th' sin Maeve's speech a little bit much.
This is a lovely story, written well and sensitively - I wish you the best of luck with it :)
Karen
An Ill Wind

I am back reading some more and I marvel at the way you write. I have got to get to Ruth's secrets!
Blessings, "I Am" through the Ages
LOv ROz

Hi Juliet,
Thank you for your comment and I think you are right about returning to the present. This story spans over a decade and goes back to present day Ruth four or five times. (It returns first in chapter 18.) It is still a work in progress so I haven't fully worked out the transition from past to present. It also ends with present day Ruth.
Liam's Death is important in how it effects Ruth but it is not the main event. The reason I don't start with the main event is because Ruth has kept it a secret for 80 years and is reluctant to reveal it until she builds trust with her caregiver, which takes time. Many thanks, I appreciate your time and your help. Best wishes, Olive.

I came over to return the read,Olive, and I was immediately captivated with the prologue, but then the narrative fell into a more traditional style - almost autobiographical, which I think is a shame. If you are to have to old Ruth telling her tale, then I would like to see more of this 'now' at the beginning of chapters, else I don't really see the point of having the prologue at all. The comparison of the 96 year old lady, with the vibrancy of her youth, would create an extra layer and depth (have you read Moon Tiger by Penelope Lively, this contrast works wonderfully in that). I was also disappointed that the story didn't start at the most important point - when she met Liam and instead followed a strict chronology. The nice thing about memories is we can dip in and out of them at any point, one sparking another. If I were the caregiver (name?) I would be pushing her to get to the Liam part and interrupting her memories (maybe adding in this dialogue would imbue the narrative with a sense of urgency, which for me was lacking). Anyway just my thoughts. It is well written and vivid and seems to be doing very well as it is. Juliet

I came over to return the read,Olive, and I was immediately captivated with the prologue, but then the narrative fell into a more traditional style - almost autobiographical, which I think is a shame. If you are to have to old Ruth telling her tale, then I would like to see more of this 'now' at the beginning of chapters, else I don't really see the point of having the prologue at all. The comparison of the 96 year old lady, with the vibrancy of her youth, would create an extra layer and depth (have you read Moon Tiger by Penelope Lively, this contrast works wonderfully in that). I was also disappointed that the story didn't start at the most important point - when she met Liam and instead followed a strict chronology. The nice thing about memories is we can dip in and out of them at any point, one sparking another. If I were the caregiver (name?) I would be pushing her to get to the Liam part and interrupting her memories (maybe adding in this dialogue would imbue the narrative with a sense of urgency, which for me was lacking). Anyway just my thoughts. It is well written and vivid and seems to be doing very well as it is. Juliet

Hi Olive
Really enjoyed reading the first few chapters of this - so much so that I am putting it on my bookshelf!
Your characters are well crafted and believable and I am sure readers will have lots of empathy for them and will want to follow their stories. Your dialogue is very well written and authentic without being difficult to read. I think it really takes off about halfway through Chapter 1, you seem to find the flow of the dialogue and it reads very naturally. There is a line in the prologue 'If I see the morning light...alive' that is really poignant. The prologue sets up the story nicely. In Chapter 1 I love the way you show how her dad feels by having him go off for a walk - I'm sure that's how many of the men of the time contained their feelings. You have a wonderful description of Father Thomas, and your description of the hotel not only describes the actual building but also mananges to convey her feelings, as do the descriptions of her room and the contents of her case.
Just a couple of things that might be helpful - could you perhaps reveal some of the background detail, such as her sisters' marraiges, through dialogue? Also, in the prologue your description of Ruth contains a couple of likes - looks like a queen, bed jacket like a roe - the description might be more powerful if you took the likes out and actually described her as a queen. Hope that makes sense and doesn't sound like I'm being nit-picky! Have rated this highly :)

I like the easy and natural tone to the writing. A nice story. To be backed. Marj.

Chapters 1 -14
I enjoyed reading this. I felt the prologue worked well, giving us a picture of what Ruth is like as an old lady.
The young Ruth feels real: she's bright, kind-hearted and determined and yet naive and inexperienced. You describe her first feelings in Dublin so well, I felt I was there with her, feeling small and nervous on my first day in the city. You give us some good period detail and even a little of the politics.
Ruth's sweet nature wins friends in her new job and I enjoyed the humour between Ruth and her friend Maeve and between the other characters in the hotel (eg Jack and Peggy.)Your humour feels very natural and tells us a lot about the characters and the social setting.
I especially enjoyed the details of getting Ruth ready for the night with Frederick...the Lavender talcum powder amused me because my gran used to use that ( as children, my sister and I used to make those very same clouds of powder when we played in her bathroom!)
Edward the American came across as very attractive and Ruth's ease with him shines through. I could feel the excitement of her relationship with him.
However, not everything runs smoothly. She annoys Mildred when she (innocently) borrows her dress.There are hints that Lizzie's marriage isn't strong, even if Ruth's elder sisters share secrets with each other that they do not share with Ruth. Then there's the tragic death of young Liam.
There's also suspense and mystery in Ruth's story. There's the heart break to come , when Edward returns to New York, and a night out with her sisters which ends in an event which changes her life forever. What is that event and what is the secret Ruth swore never to reveal? All strong hooks to keep your readers reading. Many thanks for an enjoyable story.
I've high star-rated "Borrowed Lights" and will place it on my shelf when I next have a spare space.
Cherry
The Girl from Ithaca

Olive, Thanks so much for this.

I love the nostalgia in this book. Everyone has a story to tell and Ruth sure fits that aptly. There is a gentle pace to your writing style which is just lovely. It’s a hard thing for a writer to find their voice and to cut free of what style appeals or feels to suit. I think your voice is clear and expressive with a great attention to detail.
The very best of luck with this I think Borrowed Light is an undiscovered gem of historical fiction.

Tornbridge
The Washington Adventure

Okay, Olive, just looked in on that prologue again, MUCH better now, well done!

My eye only stuck on one line, it might be better to say: I call IN ON Ruth two nights a week, so THAT Grace, her niece, etc etc..

I'm still not sure about the last few lines though. The prologue should imvho end with Ruth's voice, not yours, so that there is a smooth transition into 'her' story in chap 1. Also, it is not just Ruth's 'friends' she's going to tell you all about, it is principally Liam, and all of the events of her life commencing with that important year.
In that respect, I would be tempted to go back to your earlier version, with 'I met him when I moved to Dublin in 1932. That was such an important year. Let me tell you about it...' Hope this helps!

Oh, Olive...this is wonderful. It makes me think of my Gramma, who passed at 98. I remember staying over when I was little and she'd tell me stories of when she was a girl..and my visual of Ruth is of course, my Gramma. I can see how everyone is drawn into your book by your rating. I'm sure it will be on the editors desk in a twinkling.

Linda

Beautifully written, I became absorbed in Ruth's story straight away. This is the kind of book I most enjoy reading, and I'll be back on Authonomy before long to read more.

Hi Olive,

Thank you for sharing such a beautiful story with the rest of authonomy community. It's truly a lovely story. I love very much the way you tell it ---- it's effortless, charming, reviting, whimsical and engaging. I love the language. You've decorated this story whith a sense of humour. The sotry is short but it packs a Mike Tyson punch. The narration is good. The description of scenes are carefully crafted and you make it easy for the reader to imagine every thing.

Ruth is a lovely girl. Once she was in Dublin, things seemed to work for her good. She wins Mrs. C's good side, her fellow workers seem prepared to bend over backwards to help her (as she too for them), the hotel patrons that hailed from America had taken liking in her. Her association with them lands her in a whole new world for her. She meets, even though by accident, a love of her life ---- Edward. The fling does not last long, alas.

6/6 is what you're getting from me. Thank you very much, once more.

Dear Olive,

This is a masterpiece! Truly, it is. Your writing is gentle and fluid and evocative in every way. I normally don't read a lot of fiction, but your rich, authentic story is full or real humanity. I love it! Ruth is beautiful and charming and real right from the start. The little details (like her old, worn hands, etc.) just captivated me. I felt like I was right there with her caregiver. This is remarkable. I will definitely read more for the simple pleasure of enjoying a great story. Giving highest stars and holding on my WL with every intention of shelf time soon!

All the very best,
Faith Rose
Now To Him