- Romance
- Prussian Blue
- Comments
All Comments on 'Prussian Blue'
by Thefireflies
- 82 Comments
This and your story Armistice are absolutely brilliant. Thank you for sharing your writing with us.
Unlike many submissions this one is more than a couple of loosely connected paragraphs passing themselves off as a story. It has length, depth to it’s characters, is well founded in the horror of war and it’s aftermath whilst developing the romance and relationships growing from that. It also successfully combines the different themes it raises; the horror of war for those in action and their subsequent trauma, the effects on those left behind whilst their kin fought half a world away, etc,etc,etc. At age 67 I left English class behind 50 years ago and rarely think about why I have enjoyed a read but I did this time and concluded that I enjoyed it because it ticks all the boxes.
Having visited Australia and Tasmania I have really enjoyed many of your stories. Keep on writing, your "self edited" work is outstanding!
Great story. You Interweave romance and history beautifully. As a former soldier with an additional duty as a nuclear, biological, and chemical defense NCO you describe the grim nature of chemical warfare well.
Outstanding story. Thank you for treating us. Had to chuckle as it was like you were telling the story of my family at times. I come from those German Australians who settled in QLD and my great-great grandmother was Martha Weber. I also mirror your own history in that Martha had her first child only 4 months after she married.
A great story, worthy of more than 5 stars. With a little editing it should be compulsory reading for all school children.
I read this and the prequel on Remembrance Sunday, is it had a lot of poignancy for me. My father was a very young bomber pilot in WWII. War is a nasty business, these days too often waged for rich men to become richer.
All politicians that make the decisions to go to was should not be able to make that decision unless they had served in the low echelons of the armed forces. “Lions led by donkeys”. Still applies today.
Outstanding piece of writing. I was hooked from the beginning. Looking forward to seeing more of your work.
Absolutely brilliant! This and the Armistice Day story are incredible. You have a true gift. There are not enough superlatives in the English language to honor these stories. Just brilliant!
First of all, brilliant story, lots of truths in there and as a Brit, and having worked around Europe, the Germans and the British have by far the most in common of the Northern European peoples, I’m guessing that was the reason the German immigrants slotted so seamlessly into Australian (& American) life, sadly politicians have not changed one iota in 100yrs.
Secondly, congratulations on tackling a difficult subject for this site, you drew the characters large and they glowed with life on the page, it was well written and moved at good speed, I’d have liked an epilogue 5yrs on, but hey, I nearly always want more. Many thanks for writing and posting, cheers Ppfzz.
Absolutely brilliant. Thank you so much for your wonderful story and history lesson. It was told with such compassion when describing the interactions of your characters and the feelings you invoked as the end of the story approached.
I’ve just discovered your stories, and now must read everything you have written.
Please keep writing, you have given my day much enjoyment.
Thanks to all who’ve read, voted and commented. I appreciate all feedback. Like my previous story, Armistice Day, I offer an extra heartfelt thank you for those with personal connections to aspects of this story. It's difficult to gauge how people will perceive a story and I know I've dealt with difficult topics in this one, and so I'm glad for the positive responses thus far.
I also offer my sincere thanks to the reader who pointed out I wrote ‘Boar War’ instead of ‘Boer War’. This is a genuine and unintentional typo, and has nothing to do with the management of feral pigs ;-)
There are other typos and since publishing I’ve spotted at least two more. I try my best but they get past me and I apologise, I hope they don't detract too much.
It was a long story, I just wish it was longer! Seems to me there is a lot of room for more stories.
I enjoyed this one very much. Your characters are deep, well-developed, and likable. The physical and historical setting is rich and well described. That is what I love about good historical fiction, and it makes this story great. I was so afraid that you were going to kill off some characters in the influenza pandemic!
Thank you for writing and thank you for sharing your work. Now I’ve got to go look up your earlier work!
Awesome, completely enjoyable. I could not put my iPad down. I look forward to your next ….story keep writing ,
I enjoyed the read. I live near Brisbane and ride the rail trails (a lot of the disused rail lines are now Bike, Horse & Hike Trails). While I ride these trails and camp in these areas I will now think more of the residents of the past as I enjoy the country side. Thank you
I have read many, many stories on this site and this one is the best that I have ever read. The characters were believable and the story itself spoke to the emotions regarding the aftermath of the war and the love story between the two main characters. Bravo to you!!!
Another excellent story. I really thought I was in 1918 Queensland. You write very good historical fiction. The story of the treatment of Australian's of German origin in WW! tends to be overlooked, but needs to be told. I have a friend whose family came from Germany in the late 19th century, and her grandparents had a rough time in WW1.
As with Armistice Day, a brilliant account of the horrors of WW! and its affect on the soldiers and their families and loved ones. One thing, I was hoping to hear more about some of the other characters from Armistice Day, Mrs McCotter and her daughter, the disfigured airman Peter, and the other soldiers he net on the ship home. Will you also be telling their stories? You could consider turning Armistice e Day and Prussian Blue into a full length novel covering what happened to the group of soldiers returning on the ship.
An excellent, well written story, that had me gripped from beginning to end.
You’ve captured both the physical era and more importantly the spirit of the time so very well. Little things like the advent of the automobile and how it was viewed, the rampant sexism and discrimination, and the trying nature of young men returning from the horrors of trench warfare, being unable to reintegrate into society that could not conceive of the terrors they faced. It is painful to have to accept that life for widows like Mary was truly bleak and many were left with few decent options. It is a story that is easy to fall into and become one with. thank you for a lovely gift.
While this merits a '10,' I'm only allowed to give it a 'five' rating. I haven't read better romantic historical account on this site or elsewhere. In your postscript, you seem to suggest that this is based upon your own family. If so, you took on a task and accomplished so much. A mere thank you is hardly enough. Please expand it in both directions (before the war and after the marriage) and make into a real book. Your talents are obvious and they are clearly superior to the vast majority of the writers.
I'd give this a 10 if I could. You have gone to great lengths to capture the era and history. This is probably one of the top 5 stories I have read on this website, and I have read many, many good stories. This story is in the "exceptional" category. You should consider writing professionally. Well done!
Awesome, this needs to be published in real life....I could see this as a movie...another Breaker Morant or Gallipoli....envious of your real talent! Nice one.
Like the previous commentor, my 1st thought was Movie or perhaps better as a Mini Series. I felt like I was there and in the trenches, as my GrandDad who went supposedly to be a Dentist ( he was a Dentist ) who returned a semi-alcoholic because he was used as a Field and Field Hospital surgeon , removing limbs rather then teeth !!
Well written, well thought out and wonderfully human. Thank you !
Didn't want either story to end.
Might you let us share the further lives of these oh-so-real people? It would be wonderful gift.
In a word: Outstanding pair of stories. Characters were well developed and realistic to my mind. Interesting postscript - After 45 years of researching, recording oral history and documenting genealogy efforts, I often tell people I'm helping to always be prepared for the random serendipity that comes along. Like a relative having a shoe box of old photographs. Like A_Bierce, I think a follow on story would be welcome if the inspiration flows.
Wonderful romantic and authentic story. Started reading and couldn't stop till i finished at 354 am. Gave it 5*, Should be 10.
Any one knows the first can come at any time - others take 9 months. story reflect values love & respect. Great
Absolutely one of the best stories I've read, Literotica or not. Definitly in the top 10 here! Thanks for sharing your talent! Turn it into a book and I'll buy it!
Thank you for this, so rare to read an Aussie based story. I'm of Anglo-German lineage and my Grandfather's uncle was given land after being gassed in the Great War, by way of compensation and as a way to earn a living. On my other side, two of my grandmather's brothers were interred - being of German descent they were deemed to be a risk. My grandmother never taught German to any of her children. And so the effects linger on even 100 years later. War was incredably hard on the Anzac soldiers, they had some of the worst of it of any of the "colony" troops. Remember and honour them all. Thank you for reminding the world of this. Corker of a story. Please write more!
Your plots are intriguing, you characters are detailed and compelling, and your descriptions make the scenes come alive for the reader. You are a very talented writer -- one of the best on the site. Absolutely a 5*
Beautifully written, clearly well researched, realistic in all ways. You made me care deeply about all the characters. As others have said, I would love to read more about them: especially Alfie & Gisela.
And it’s as Australian as a drizabone too! Great job mate.
Fantastic, beautiful bitter sweet story and great to find something set in my youthfull stamping grounds around Harrisville/Boonah. I throughly enjoyed this, also appreciate your telling of the way germanic family and town names were changed and kept true to the views and attitude of the time. Thank you, first of your stories I have read & will be reading more.
A lovely story - many different characters each with their own burdens, sensitively portrayed. The two central characters who become lovers, in spirit as much as in body. Well done.
Like me aunt how is a 2 months child born in 1914! Where is nothing in the world it hasn't been before.
One little thing it is difficult to read slang so plese stop it.
A great story, the way it rolls into print is exceptional.
The slang is genuine Australian lingo and as an Ozzie great to read like it was when I was a kid. Must be hard for non Aus people to understand but that is how we Ozzies live. Is there a sequel in the future? If so I will be waiting with baited breath.
Great read both this and Armistice read both back to back as good as any no 1 novel out there
Wonderful story but a little slow to start. Loved the details of the war and the details of the hostility against Germans as Austrians, as well as some of the old "British" language like todger. Haven't heard that for a very long time.
I can’t believe I’m just finding your stories. Binging these WWI pieces. So we’ll written, the character development, dialogue, story, just so well done. Really, just great 5-stars.
wonderful story as a fan of australian military history as well the sad way families of immigrants were treated during both world wars. as well as being set in south east queensland were i was born and still live adds a great flavor to this story.
I've spent my long life in and around the military. These men are universal in their love for their fellows, "mates" or "battle buddies" or whatever, and sometimes their women. You have written this homecoming story beautifully. Thank you.
Wow …. This was a roller coaster ride par excellence …… WAR what is he good for, absolutely nothing ……. But its 2023 and the humanity learned nothing about loss pain horror or just name it ….. im so sad so speechless ……. Back to your lovely story or better romance …… Happy Ending, thank yo …… all the real tragedy is buttered and now we can hopeful looking into a bright future for all head acts …… definitely 5 stars
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I can identify with Alfie,I was hit with phosgene gas in a steel plant while waiting to get my truck loaded.im currently on two different medications for itt and can confirm their are times it is not good.phosgene is so unstable,it hs to be mixed on site,it cannot be transported.while they were mixing a batch a cloud of it blew out of the stack and settled down into the truck park area
Superb - 14 pages and we wait until page 12 for the action to start!
What a wonderfully written story which dovetails so well with 'Armistice'
Carroll was an asshole....only an asshole policeman will flex his muscles and hit drunk men!!
Alfie and Gisele 5*
Alfie and Gisa 💫💫💫💫💫
Ended too soon.....maybe a part 2 of the apprentice, the shop, their kids and Jack
Freakin awesome read. Not my typical “excitement material” that I usual look for in literotica. But so glad I stumbled upon this story!
After reading this 5* story and the Alfie-Gisa fab relationship, one can easily dislike Mrs MacCotter amd the slut Susan!!
Excellent story and the way you tied up the end was fab
What an amazingly warm surprise romance story. So complete and beautifully written. An outstandingly good read, thanks for sharing...!
What a fantastic story. You are very gifted! Would have liked to give it a higher than 5 rating!
Odd that Alfie would not at least go by and say hi to Carmel. Would have been nice to tie up that loose end happily somehow.
Hard to imagine the couple in Brisbane who hosted Alfie and Gisela would have tolerated any sleeping arrangement with both in the same room, knowing they were not married.
Several phrases used in conversation were just not part of the vernacular in 1918:
'personal space'
'use lethal force'
'closure'