This is such a fantastic read, Sylvia; what a metaphor for the mess our species has found itself in (again) as of late. Have you ever read the Mabinogion? The Welsh epics and the Cauldron Born?
Thanks Tony! So happy you enjoyed reading it. I’ve not read any of the Welsh epics but I know of them in brief passing. I still have a long way to go in building up my medieval folklore knowledge and will definitely be adding these to my list to study!
This particular piece takes some inspiration from philosophical thoughts, like Hobbes’ Ship of Theseus.
Thank you! I knew I wanted the opening to be as immersive as possible which first person suited perfectly, and then slowly strip it back each replacement cycle. The question I posed for myself with the opening scene was “seeing through the eyes of a 17 year old draftee about to climb over the top for the first time”, the actual experience, I imagine, is indescribable but I wanted to give it my best shot to do it justice.
Since I was recently reminded by another substacker, I should leave more specific comments than " I liked it." So... The first few paragraphs and the opening line were excellent - drew me in. Great descriptive environment. I think first person POV was the right choice. More personal. The slow crawl of replacement parts - the loss of humanity. The fear of one battle replacing another.
This is such a fantastic read, Sylvia; what a metaphor for the mess our species has found itself in (again) as of late. Have you ever read the Mabinogion? The Welsh epics and the Cauldron Born?
Thanks Tony! So happy you enjoyed reading it. I’ve not read any of the Welsh epics but I know of them in brief passing. I still have a long way to go in building up my medieval folklore knowledge and will definitely be adding these to my list to study!
This particular piece takes some inspiration from philosophical thoughts, like Hobbes’ Ship of Theseus.
Brutal, Nasty, and Short…Oi. Great story, and hope you’re well…!
Very much enjoyed this. Thank you.
Thank you! I knew I wanted the opening to be as immersive as possible which first person suited perfectly, and then slowly strip it back each replacement cycle. The question I posed for myself with the opening scene was “seeing through the eyes of a 17 year old draftee about to climb over the top for the first time”, the actual experience, I imagine, is indescribable but I wanted to give it my best shot to do it justice.
Thanks for reading! Appreciate your support 😊
Since I was recently reminded by another substacker, I should leave more specific comments than " I liked it." So... The first few paragraphs and the opening line were excellent - drew me in. Great descriptive environment. I think first person POV was the right choice. More personal. The slow crawl of replacement parts - the loss of humanity. The fear of one battle replacing another.