Just Another Friday Night in Memphis by Mississippi
Sun, 2002-03-10 23:30
#1
Just Another Friday Night in Memphis by Mississippi
Mentioned on the ABCtales homepage today, this really is an excellent read. It's impossible to put down. George's descriptions of post-war poverty and hardship are enthralling - probably for all the wrong reasons. One feels slightly voyeuristic watching a seven-year-old, who takes hot bricks to bed with him to ward of the cold and who is abandoned at the bottom of a well by his brothers, grow up.
Well done, mate.
lisa_gibson
Excellent writing. Compelling story.
Btw, been through Miss quite a bit myself.
justyn_thyme
I agree. This is very well done.
Ralph
A real gem.
Ralphie
mississippi
If it's that good I'll have to go and read it myself!
Thanks guys, you're making and old man blush!
Andrea
Yep, agree with all above comments. Excellent stuff, Missus!
andrew pack
It was very good Missi, and I've enjoyed later installments too. And this from someone who really does not like autobiography.
Tom Saunders
Or cider. Or Rosie.
Well done, Missi. Excellent read.
e-griff
Am I allowed to like it too? Because I did!
Liana
i think everyone is finding it compelling reading. glad you put it up missi!! glad you put it up missi?
:o)
e-griff
But quite sad, I guess.
mississippi
Since Liana has asked as to whether I'm glad about posting the story, and I've had a couple of hours to think about it, I feel obliged to confess I have very mixed feelings about it. Had it been a fictional story I would have been elated and humbled by everyones plaudits. As it is I feel vulnerable and exposed, it is very hard to draw back the veil and allow others to see me bleed in public, especially people who have met me. There was never any intention on my part to put this in a public arena, it was mainly a means of helping me come to terms with the passage of the last few years (the events of which are in the latter parts, as yet unposted). I mailed the original story to a very small circle of friends, not really for critical assessment, but I suppose I wanted them to know how hurt I'd been, and I needed some support, this they gave with unfailing loyalty. I won't embarrass them here but they know who they are and I'm grateful, and proud to call them my friends.
Andrew seemed to be curious about my user name; I can tell you I use Mississippi because it is a place I feel I know quite well having been there a couple of times and driven the length and breadth of the state. The title of the story was a phrase used by a Memphis police officer in answer to a remark made by another officer at the scene of an accident. It is documented in a later part of the story.
Ralph
George
I understand what you mean, but what has impressed me, and no doubt many others who have read it is the quality of the writing.
You should be very proud of that. at the very least.
Ralph
hovis
Your quality of writing is arm in arm with any intended 'therapeutic' writing - and your very real talent is so appetising you've nothing to feel insecure about - although I know how 'naked' writing from the heart can feel. I've only read the first instalment but will definitely be reading more - great title by the way.
auntie_jackie
Hi friend,
I knew you could do it. Go on G give 'em some welly and show 'em what real writing is about. Reality, feelings, humility, love etc etc etc.
You ain't the hard man you make yourself to be. I've always loved your writings, small until now, but quality will always over-ride quantity.
An ardent fan. xx
Andrea
Well said, Ardent...and nice to see you back.