"It just has to do something to me." Yes this is the writing I like best too! I enjoyed the way that even though this seemed like a more straightforward piece from you, you still leave us with that sense of mystery at the end with the last lines.
Thank you so much, Stephanie! Yes, that line is very dear to me. It's true, it has to do something. And that something is undefinable, as it's person-specific, in my view. The sense of mystery is a common thread I strive to weave into my pieces. I'm glad it comes across in this one too.
I'm with Tai. There is definitely a signature "classic Silvio" thing going on, but it seems mostly unnameable. Which goes right along with the mystery tone of much of your writing.
Thank you so much, Tai! You've read all of my pieces, I think, so who better than you to say whether it reflects my voice or style or what have you. But "Classic Silvio in pleine forme" is all I need to hear! :)
Another magical tale, Silvio, layered with much meaning here. You've wrapped thoughts on writing and reading, along with the indefinable nature of personal taste and pleasure, in (once again) the Castellettian style that is becoming so apparent and wonderful.
Besides some exquisite phrases, there's lot I relate to here, this especially: Something I’ve come to know about myself over the years is that, in the presence of another person, I could stay silent for hours without feeling the slightest hint of embarrassment.
Your comments are always such a blend of beauty, wisdom, careful analysis, and sensitivity. Thank you so much, Nathan! I'm humbled by "the Castellettian style"! What a wonderful way of putting it! And about that phrase that resonated with you, I have to confess, I'm not surprised for some reason! :)
"Yes, I agree – it was ironic understatement. I’d like to blame the early hour and lack of caffeine, but there’s no argument about Modiano’s literary depth and thematic richness. I rather thought that was a given…"
...something romantic about driving alone...the mystery of where you might end up what you see while you get there and what you might do along the way...I prefer a navigator but have had great long thoughtful excursions into the wild going solo on wheels...was surprising and fun to hear that idea in here...
Thank you so much, CansaFis. Yes, there's something romantic and elusive about driving alone, especially at night, as far as I'm concerned. I'm glad you liked this one!
“When she said to me, after a very long pause during which there was no discomfort, I am Claudia, the train had already departed.” I love this sentence and the whole paragraph that follows and the one after that, and especially the last sentence, she knew nothing. Like all of us. Excellent, Silvio.
I feel like I’m a passenger in the backseat, dropped into this moment with you and Claudia, catching snippets of good writing advice in between minutes of silence. I laughed a little at the beginning, of course you like silent car rides! It’s nice to see someone was worth breaking the noiselessness for. Great piece!
The universe is full of messages. I am always amazed from where they come & they seem to come when most needed. We only have to be open & perhaps somewhat willing to hear them.
I love these brief encounters - so much intimacy and strangeness at the same time. I feel like a lot of people I've met over the years are like this. Maybe it's part of being a writer or part of being a migrant, I don't know. Always so wonderful to read your work, Silvio.
Thank you so much, Kate. Yes, random encounters are mysteriously eye-opening, I’ve found in my experience. I wouldn’t know what to call them but messages from the universe. I had a bunch of those and they invariably communicated something to me that turned out to have a certain importance.
"It just has to do something to me." Yes this is the writing I like best too! I enjoyed the way that even though this seemed like a more straightforward piece from you, you still leave us with that sense of mystery at the end with the last lines.
Thank you so much, Stephanie! Yes, that line is very dear to me. It's true, it has to do something. And that something is undefinable, as it's person-specific, in my view. The sense of mystery is a common thread I strive to weave into my pieces. I'm glad it comes across in this one too.
I find this piece so amusing on a variety of levels, though I find it tricky to articulate precisely.
Perhaps it’s the aesthetics, a kind of dramatic irony, or the synchronicity of it all.
I chuckle at how you portray your social politeness.
Hard to put a finger on it, but it’s classic Silvio en pleine forme.
I'm with Tai. There is definitely a signature "classic Silvio" thing going on, but it seems mostly unnameable. Which goes right along with the mystery tone of much of your writing.
Thank you so much, Rick! Glad to see alignment on this. And glad to see my stuff isn't so immediate to categorize (I take it as a compliment).
Given the nature and message of the piece itself, this comment is so perfect! :)
So glad to see you agreeing with two of my earliest readers here, Nathan! Thank you for chiming in!
Thank you so much, Tai! You've read all of my pieces, I think, so who better than you to say whether it reflects my voice or style or what have you. But "Classic Silvio in pleine forme" is all I need to hear! :)
Another magical tale, Silvio, layered with much meaning here. You've wrapped thoughts on writing and reading, along with the indefinable nature of personal taste and pleasure, in (once again) the Castellettian style that is becoming so apparent and wonderful.
Besides some exquisite phrases, there's lot I relate to here, this especially: Something I’ve come to know about myself over the years is that, in the presence of another person, I could stay silent for hours without feeling the slightest hint of embarrassment.
Your comments are always such a blend of beauty, wisdom, careful analysis, and sensitivity. Thank you so much, Nathan! I'm humbled by "the Castellettian style"! What a wonderful way of putting it! And about that phrase that resonated with you, I have to confess, I'm not surprised for some reason! :)
Hehe yes, I was almost going to say "but I doubt you're surprised I feel the same way about being silent." 😄
love exploring Paris with super sleuth Modiano
Thank you for reading, Jaap. Although I'd say that calling Modiano a sleuth might be a bit reductive :)
"Yes, I agree – it was ironic understatement. I’d like to blame the early hour and lack of caffeine, but there’s no argument about Modiano’s literary depth and thematic richness. I rather thought that was a given…"
...something romantic about driving alone...the mystery of where you might end up what you see while you get there and what you might do along the way...I prefer a navigator but have had great long thoughtful excursions into the wild going solo on wheels...was surprising and fun to hear that idea in here...
Thank you so much, CansaFis. Yes, there's something romantic and elusive about driving alone, especially at night, as far as I'm concerned. I'm glad you liked this one!
“When she said to me, after a very long pause during which there was no discomfort, I am Claudia, the train had already departed.” I love this sentence and the whole paragraph that follows and the one after that, and especially the last sentence, she knew nothing. Like all of us. Excellent, Silvio.
Thank you so much, Alexander! Well, you never miss anything. Most of all, our tastes seem to align somewhat. :)
How refreshing to have a conversation about writing and writers! They were never all that common, but now they're the rarest of experiences . . .
I totally agree, Chris. Thank you so much, my friend! I always cherish your presence here. :)
You’re thoughts and words create a wonderful atmosphere here, Silvio. All we need is a fine Brunello to sip . . .
I feel like I’m a passenger in the backseat, dropped into this moment with you and Claudia, catching snippets of good writing advice in between minutes of silence. I laughed a little at the beginning, of course you like silent car rides! It’s nice to see someone was worth breaking the noiselessness for. Great piece!
Thank you so much, Michelle! Awesome to see you back in comment-dome! And so glad you liked and immersed yourself into the piece! :)
Finesse! Bravo. 👏🏻👏🏻
Grazie Amico! :)
This was one of my favorites.
Jisoo! Thank you so much dear.
What an intriguing story! You wrote it beautifully. Daniel
Thank you, Daniel!
The universe is full of messages. I am always amazed from where they come & they seem to come when most needed. We only have to be open & perhaps somewhat willing to hear them.
Listening is paramount, it is how we grow.
100%, Tom. Thanks for sharing this thought!
I love these brief encounters - so much intimacy and strangeness at the same time. I feel like a lot of people I've met over the years are like this. Maybe it's part of being a writer or part of being a migrant, I don't know. Always so wonderful to read your work, Silvio.
Thank you so much, Kate. Yes, random encounters are mysteriously eye-opening, I’ve found in my experience. I wouldn’t know what to call them but messages from the universe. I had a bunch of those and they invariably communicated something to me that turned out to have a certain importance.