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E.P. Hart's picture

In the Beauty of the Lilies

By E.P. Hart in Scare Us

How It Rates

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Description

Some people will do anything to ensure their side wins the war.

Comments

WesFord's picture
WesFord from America (CO, NE, NC, AK, NY, WA) is reading We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson, Portable Atheist by Hitchens, 20th Century Ghosts by Joe Hill July 2, 2012 - 1:46pm

This was interesting. Not what I was quite expecting which is always fun.

I didn't get that it was a civil war era story until the end of the third page. That may be me not picking up on it (like your "Northerners all" line which made more sense on the second time through).

There was some good overall writing and I think if we got inside of John's head a little more (fears, hopes, dreams, etc.) that this story could be even better.

Jane Wiseman's picture
Jane Wiseman from living outside of Albuquerque/in Minneapolis is reading Look to Windward by Iain M. Banks July 5, 2012 - 11:33pm

Wow, a Civil War story. Dern them Southerners, anyways!! I liked it. It was kind of weird, though, hearing this crazy Reb recite lines from The Battle Hymn of the Republic. I guess I was a bit confused--he seems to find inspiration in it, but it's a Civil War song from the other side, isn't it? Am I misreading something? Is he taunting them with it?

Emma C's picture
Class Facilitator
Emma C from Los Angeles is reading Black Spire by Delilah Dawson August 2, 2012 - 9:57am

I liked this story, even though I wouldn't call it horror. It differentiates itself nicely from a lot of other pieces in this contest in its setting. I initially had a hard time keeping the characters straight but that ceased to be a problem halfway through. 

 
sean of the dead's picture
sean of the dead from Madisonville, KY is reading Peckerwood, by Jed Ayres August 15, 2012 - 5:21pm

I think this story is great!  I love the setting and the time period.  Not many stories have been set "somewhere else," so thanks for the refreshing change of pace.

I like that it is all realistic.  Your "monsters" are human beings who have figuratively become monsters.  I love it.  War breaks people down, ruins them, makes them lose their minds, and you show this very well.

I just really like this story.  You're getting a last minute thumbs up from me!

d_s98u98's picture
d_s98u98 October 26, 2021 - 3:13am

anv