Liminality - The Fox Woman's Child

Mary, this is beautiful. I revelled in your rich vocabulary, the rhythms of your phrases, your colourful, painterly language, and the originality of your expression. This is a treat.

I started to mentally underline phrases, but then found that I was underlining everything. The sentence, ‘The potency of colour…me’ stopped me in my tracks. I smiled at the phrase, ‘a clipped streamer of sunshine yellow Post-It notes.’ I loved the paragraph where you repeatedly start the sentences with ‘It sold…’

This feels craftsmanlike but also instinctive.

Luscious. And on my bookshelf.

Mary - Wonderful, another chapter to savour! The parallel developments of past and present continue with the same formal structure from chapter to chapter, and the development of each strand is steady and enthralling. The imagery (the occurrences of red, the monochromes) and the reflections on religion criss-cross the evolving tale, binding it all together. The characters are lovely. The language, needless to say, remains magical. (And of course I keep asking "What about the fox?")

I've been working hard at various tasks, including fulfilling promises to read other Authonomy entries. But I saw that you'd uploaded chapter 5, so I saved it up as a treat for when those duties were completed!

Mark.

Dear Mary, The first effect your very special book had on me was that it forced me to good to my dictionary. But the most helpful definition of “liminality” isn’t in my dictionary: it comes early in Chapter 1—a state of “in-between-ness.”

Having read three chapters, I also know you’re deftly, ingeniously playing upon this definition. In Chapter 1, Jasmine’s mother is talking specifically about Adams’ relation to his famous photograph, but, as you write in Chapter 3, Jasmine’s Detroit neighborhood is “in-between the two factions, with whites to our north and blacks to the south.” Her childhood, like every childhood to some extent, is itself a period of transition, and, as you indicate in your pitch, it parallels a cultural transition: from post-war to what some call “post-modern.”

You also say in your pitch that her journey in Japan “becomes increasingly surreal”: at this point, I can only guess, but I can’t help feeling you mean yet another form of “liminality”—this is, after all, a “Japanese ghost story.”

Besides the fascinating characters (even the father, in his way) and the compelling narrative with its delicate interweaving of past and present, I also admire the precise, evocative physical description: the photography motif reflected in the pictorial sentences.

(My only suggestion is very minor: consider dividing your pitch into paragraphs.)

You’re a wonderful writer, and your amazing book certainly deserves a readership beyond authonomy. On my shelf. Maria, The Pharaoh’s Cat

This is a lovely book, and I enjoyed it a lot, even though we have very different approaches to prose. I prefer a pared-down style in which metaphors and similes make only minimal appearance. You are much more of a poet. And you really do write like a poet, evoking atmospheres and ambiences seemingly effortlessly. “I reflected her tastes and her desire, like a full moon rising dimly reflects a setting sun.”

I must admit I thought at first that some of this was a little overwritten, but I soon stopped noticing, and began to appreciate your writing for what it was. And before long I was thoroughly grabbed. I think I first sat up when Jasmine’s Dad comes home from work and explodes over the racial tensions at work. I could suddenly see how the promise of a kind of historical retrospective of US social currents during the years 1953 and 1971 was going to play out.

I thought your pitch was superb, by the way, although it does need splitting up a little into smaller, more manageable blocks. The idea of a mystical trek through the Japanese countryside combined with a cultural-historical review of seminal movements in modernity struck me as the very stuff of Literary Fiction. The sort of thing it SHOULD be about.

Only one typo I could see:
“A dichotomy of permanence and transitory” – I think should be “permanence and transience.”

You’ve produced a fabulous book here. I’m sure it’ll do very well indeed.

Bookshelved.

Bren Verrrill.
The Weird Problem of Good.

Mary, it's taken me a long time to "check out 'Liminality' ", as you phrased it, but I've now done so. If the rest of the novel sustains this level of sheer writing quality, subtlety, haunting beauty and multi-layering, it will be one of the best books I've read for years. I'm staggered that this wonderful piece hasn't been more highly rated. I read some of your sentences over and over again to enjoy the sheer loveliness of them, and more than once there were tears in my eyes. I wish I could bookshelf it twice. I can't offer a single critical comment. I'm simply stunned.

One of my favourite present-day novelists is Kasuo Ishiguro. If your work compares with anyone's, it's his; the collision between Japanese and Western cultures informs his novels, too. Another favourite is Khaled Hosseini, author of "The Kite Runner", which is set in Afghanistan and America. Maybe this kind of cultural cross-over is what appeals to me; but in all these cases, the impact comes from the brilliant quality of writing. Just as it does in "Liminality".

I wish I could write like that.

Mark.

There is some great lyrical writing here so it is no surprise to find that you're a poet. You create a good sense of the two opposing cultures in the mother and father. I've only read the first chapter but I will read on.

There is some great lyrical writing here so it is no surprise to find that you're a poet. You create a good sense of the two opposing cultures in the mother and father. I've only read the first chapter but I will read on.

Liminality

Mary this is wonderful, I can see the photos and feel the language.
many stars.
wonderful,
thanks for sharing this.
a zoomer

Liminality

Mary this is wonderful, I can see the photos and feel the language.
many stars.
wonderful,
thanks for sharing this.
a zoomer

Mary,

I've looked over your book again, having backed it in the past. We share one of Pia's lists on the forum, which gives us common ground.

I checked Chapter 2 this time. Aside from the descriptions of the wedding, your writing is evocative of the time in Japan. I'll give you my reader reacrions in the hope that you can use them to good effect. For my taste, the bridal party scene went on too long with descriptions.

I found a couple of nits:
Among half a dozen [...] sharp black suits [lead] ... (should be led.
In the sentence beginning: Falling on Sunday ... I think you should break the sentence up. It is too complicated.

That being said, I'll back your book and give it a star rating. I'm sure it appeals to a niche group.

Francene. Still Rock Water.

Dear Mary,

I remember this as one of the first stories I loved here. So I pulled up my comment.

The in-between-ness I know well, and many people today know it well and will be drawn to your excellent exposition of that most creatively inspired state.
There are so many sparkling jewels hidden in your observations. I love the paragraph about the Brownie camera ... to isolate the beautiful from the ordinary ... to magically make another world. What a lovely summing up of photography. The exposition of a difficult marriage, brilliantly told in a dialogue, is very moving. And such scenes make me want to read on and on and on.
You are also a poet, which brings a wonderful touch of the surreal to the very earthy conflicts you address in your writing. Love it. And my WL again :)

Pia (Course of Mirrors)

Liminality
ML Miller
I chose this book because of its pitch as well as its possible revelation about artistry in photography. As a journalist, working with words, I have always been fascinated with how others display their gifts and how photographers connect with those who try to absorb the meaning behind their creation. The author delivers this nicely, meshed within the interpersonal relationship with the husband/father and the adjustment to the American culture, yet retaining in spirit, the attitude and beauty of her homeland, her confusion during the riots and in the face of prejudice against foreigners in American culture, born of fear and ignorance. ( I lived in Flint during the Detroit riots which spread to our city. It was such a frightening time.) This is beautifully done. Even the symbolism of the mother's first wedding assignment, her own wedding, and now our narrator seeing Japanese weddings is meaningful.

But I admit feeling the three chapters have not yet delivered what the pitch promised, or possibly i did not read thoroughly enough. The timeline confused me at times, but but decided to simply read as the author might be thinking and feeling. It is a comment directed at my book as well, since I use many flashbacks on my "journey." I just feel there is so much more than can be done with this, making the here and now narrator/daughter more outspoken about what this journey means to her and what questions she has about the two cultures she represents and why she must decide which one should be rated higher than the other.

I would suggest some changes: shortening the journal entries in the beginning, choosing one or the other, then integrating others as the narrator visits Japan. You can tell this book and its potential interests me. I wish you well - now I'm off to my local writers' group. I'll back during the next 24-hour cycle. Good luck.

I really enjoyed reading this. It gets better as it goes along and some of the prose is exquisite.

A beautiful book with an inspiring tale that educates and entertains. The premise is different and enlightening. The story of the fox woman is unusual. This has a unique presence that is enhanced by the wonderful style of writing. The cultural and historical aspects blended with the mythology make it a page turner.

Backed easily,

Lisa

Hello Mary - this is such an interesting story, you have a lot to tell and you do it beautifully. Backed with great pleasure
Vall
Midwyf

You've given us a breathless story with believable characters and vivid settings. Smooth dialogue. Magical use of language. Razor sharp writing. Backed.

Mary
Beautiful Story. Engaging characters and very believable locales. You have a very clean writing style and the subs surface tension between the mother and father set up a must-read-on story. I love the Japanese culture Touches. I believe this story will do well with the 18-35 year old female group. Well done!

Backed.

If you can, please give The Secret Snow a read.
RIver

Dear M.L.
cannot believe I passed this book by the first time, really cannot. But your book cover just grabbed me this time and your long pitch sold it to me, this is exactly what is desired. Brilliantly written, almost poetic and certainly flows like melted chocolate for me. You have 306 comments and i feel sure they have all said it all a thousand times, but I wonder is this book published, i really wish to know this, as it should be. if any book on this site should be it is this read. You have painted a picture for me in my mind, where your animated characters play out a movie. CONGRATS
I would really love you to look at my book and if you have time comment on it and back it. I should say I am not a natural writer, but wrote my book because of a journey, and i had to log it as best as possible. please be kind
Denise
The Letter

This is a hauntingly beautiful piece and extremely good writing. I;m backing this one, it deserves it and so much more.
Helen
The Last Dream

LIMINALITY - THE FOX WOMAN'S CHILD by M.L.Miller.

Mary - It would be futile to argue with the 306 Commentators about the merits of you book. So, count me in as the appreciative number 307. Backed.

Tony Brady - SCENES FROM AN EXAMINED LIFE - Books 1,2 & 3.

Thanks for backing King Solomon's '13'!

Sammy Sutton
King Solomon's '13'

Thanks for backing King Solomon's '13'!

Sammy Sutton
King Solomon's '13'

Thanks for backing King Solomon's '13'!

Sammy Sutton
King Solomon's '13'

Thanks for backing King Solomon's '13'!

Sammy Sutton
King Solomon's '13'

I seem to remember a legend about a fox woman whose name was Kitsune. I wonder if it is a coincidence. Reminds me a little of 'The Jade Fox' and some of the mythology of "imperial Lady." Fascinating premise.

JMC

This beautiful, picturesque, rhythmic and highly intelligent story - is not only a tale revealed with taste and elegance - just like a kabuki dancer - Mary, the skillful writer, takes the reader on a journey, that is deep, profound, enchanting and very wise.

Life worth living, is life worth dying for.

A profound story of a human journey, self-exploration, and self-discovery.

My highest complements.

Backed with pleasure.

Johanna Kern
Master and the Green-Eyed Hope

Hi, What a great story! It is well written and paced with brilliant descriptions and a smooth dialogue. You are a great storyteller and the narration is so easy to understand and read. I’m looking forward to reading more - when you post it hopefully!!

Joyanna

The Prince and The Sorcerer

goodness, came across this quite by chance. In a terrible rush at the moment, but will come back and read more. Meanwhile, BACKED BACKED BACKED.

I enjoyed this very much and read it all. As an Englishman I found to my surprise that the Japanese sections, and Kitsune seemed less alien and distant than the USAmerican locations and characters. This has been up in Authonomy more than a year now, but is still only a third or a quarter of typical book length, with much of the plot outlined in the pitch not yet accomplished; will we be seeing some more soon?
RT

I only have time for three chapters usually but you could have tempted me with more. Your writers voice flows beautifully like warm honey. Your charachters are rich and sustainable and you depict the troubles of those times with great accuracy. An impresive read and one I have enjoyed.
Sue Mackender
knowing Liam Riley

Okay, three chapters is nothing more than a tease (LOL). This is very well done and beautifully written. Seriously, do plan on adding more chapters. I really hope you do, I would definitely read more if you did.

Backed and the best of luck with this teaser of a novel.

Natalie

If Chapter 1 is at all indicative of what's to come and of the quality of writing that awaits, then Liminality will one day be a bound book with an official ISBN #. If not, then the literary terrorists have will have won.

This is some of the cleanest, most eloquent -- at times poetic -- writing I have seen on this site. And what a premise! Intense family emotions, memories and intrigue, with art/photography working as a driving force throughout. Jasmine is an indelible protagonist.

Rather than babble any more, I'll simply say...

backed.

Best
Notes on an Orange Burial (a tragicomedy)

Oh, M.L. Miller,

Liminality - The Fox Woman's Child - is a gorgeous piece of literature, beautifully written and praise worthy.

I was attracked to it because you mention the race riots in your pitch. Forgive me for mentioning my own, but this is close to my heart. My story opens in the 1970s with a race riot at school that traumatized me throughout four years of high school and beyond, so I know that you'll understand and excuse me.

All best wishes and backed.

Please have a look at CBGB Was My High School.

GK Stritch

Something about this story appeals to me on a very deep level. The thought of a woman reliving events from her childhood, her mother's diaries in hand, just gives me chills. I like the idea of history, written and orally shared, being held up to the light. I like the idea of your use of photographs to show truth and distortions of it. I like the whole exploration of memory and the fact that your character will discover another culture while doing it. As for the writing, it's evocative and beautiful. Wonderful imagery--you deal a lot with color and the visual, as I do, so it appeals to me in that way. Your phrasing and pace are expert. Nothing to critique here; loved this! It's a story idea that will stay with me for some time.

---Mary
The Qualities of Wood

Divine prose and words that really transport the reader into the world of Jasmine and her family.. your turns of phrase are original and breath-taking.. what I particularly like is the ease in which I found myself reading the story - superb! Backed and best wishes
Diane
Good Blood

This is just so unusual. It has so many levels that I can't do it justice by a review at the moment. I've backed it.
Rick

Dear M. L., I got so excited when I saw that you had backed, "He Loves Me." :) Thanks so very much. :) Since I have already "backed" your book, I will also put your book on my "watchlist." Could you please take a moment to "back" my completed unedited memoir version? "Tell Me True Love Stories," which at the end tells of my illness now & 6th abusive marriage. I'd be ever so grateful. :) Thank you. :) Love, Susie :)
p.s. Remember: Every time you place a book on your bookshelf, your recommendation pushes the book up the rankings. And while that book sits on your bookshelf, your reputation as a talent spotter increases depending on how well that book performs. :)
When you back a book, it only improves the ranking of that book, not yours. However, the author whose book you are backing may decide to back your book also, in which case yes, your ranking would be improved...authonomy.

Dear M.L., I love your reminiscing/traveling to re-trace your Mom's steps & feelings - & your sharing them all with us - what a wonderful story. :) Before I began to read your book, I was prepared by your recap/pitch,which was very well done. :) Your story is good because you create interest by having short paragraphs & lots of dialogue, which makes me want to keep reading to find out what's going to happen next. I'm "backing" your book: When you back a book, it only improves the ranking of that book, not yours. However, the author whose book you are backing may decide to back your book also, in which case yes, your ranking would be improved...authonomy. :) Please "back" my TWO memoir books, "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not" & my completed memoir unedited version? "Tell Me True Love Stories," which tells at the end, my illness now & 6th abusive marriage." Thanks, Susie :)
p.s. Remember: Every time you place a book on your bookshelf, your recommendation pushes the book up the rankings. And while that book sits on your bookshelf, your reputation as a talent spotter increases depending on how well that book performs. :)

Really, really good...written by a writer.
Backed with pleasure! Good Luck!!
A look at Sicilian Shadows would be greatly appreciated.
Frank.
If you back my work, you may also want to approach BJD (a big supporter of Sicilian Shadows) for a further possible backing of your book
Could you also have a read (if you haven't done so) of 'Moonbeam Highway' by Tim Chambers, a wonderful book that at present sits on the Ed's desk.

You paint a beautiful picture with your narrative. Nicely done and easy to back.
Please consider taking a look at my book, The Job.
Craig

You have an excellent command of the English Language and use it well - this novel is beautifully written. I especially like the way in which you contrast the present and the past. Your use of imagery is superb. Backed with pleasure.

Andrew Burans
The Reluctant Warrior: The Beginning

Hi ML.
I have put your book on my watchlist. In my book Going Out In Style about an exit cruise, I named the ship Luminous Liminality so I look forward to reading your Liminality. I don't come across many people who use the word. Will you check my book out.
Thx,
A Zoomer

Liminality

I very much appreciate how you have layered and structured this book. You have an absolutely fantastic way of using words and this strong style echoes through all that I have read. Your use of language such as the reference to ‘the vermilion womb’ creates almost magical imaginative scenes in the reader’s head. This is a very good book.

I lost my mother last year, and would give my proverbial right arm to have a journal that told about her life. She never talked much about herself. Your writing is haunting, beautifully done. Backed.

Catherine (The Golden Thread)

This is excellent writing! Well crafted prose and vivid descriptions. BACKED with pleasure.

Liz
The Cheech Room

Hi Mary, I don't know if that first preamble was added later but it felt a little clunky for a beginning. I much prefer your next section "I remember the day we saw moonrise..." as an opener. From here on in the book flows well. Your descriptions are rich but not over done. I found it delightful to fall into this world. Your narration is of the familiar kind like being relayed a story from the lips of a friend. I zipped through all posted. Loved the ranting of the father in Chapter three. His language my not be PC or too pretty, but he is surely a character I could gladly read more about.
Backed
David
Bailey of the Saints.

Liminality - Very clean and well written. My only criticism is some of the dialogue seems too perfect, maybe contrived, for my taste, which may not be a criticism at all but merely a reflection on the quality of the company I keep. Shelved.
G.
Einstein's Road Trip [ I would be very interested in seeing your take on Einstein if your time allows. Thanks.]

This is an interesting story. I've never been to Japan so really enjoyed the way this story takes a reader into the country, not only to visit its sights, but to sink into it's culture. Your writing style is good for this type of story; you describe enough details I can picture what things look like, yet not so much you bog down the story. Makes it a good read. Burgio (Grain of SAlt).

M L, I've looked at your first two chapters. Good description and dialogue. I also like your narrative style. Nothing to nitpick in these two sections.

Happy to back your work.

Joffrey (The Silver Spoon Effect)

This is a wonderful piece of writing, full of intricate relations between things and people, done in a sort of Japanese parallel perspective space and even Japanese colours. There are wonderfullly evocative passages - when father and daughter look at his photographs, for example. How good the whole book, as a whole is, I am not sure. I feel that the form may be overcovered , overencrusted by the amazing detail to make a good conventional novel, but because it is so original, it hardly matters, What is a good novel anyway. And what, for heaven's sake is a target audience. One tries to make a verbal object that is perfect in its own right - and this, the author is trying to do.

There are a number of `fox' themes on this site - this is by a long way the most impressive. DB ALL THESE ARE MEMORIES OF MY VOYAGE

Excellent historical account and fine writing makes this a winner.

Backed! Joss Morris (A Bore No More)

Sorry this has taken me so long to return the read. I've been doing very few reads the past few months. I like what you have here and it's on my shelf. The only recommendation I have is that the use of "Mother" seems too formal to me, and is a little jarring. I've only read a bit, though, so maybe you have your reasons for that. If not, I'd make it a bit less formal. Good luck with it!

Beautifully written with sharp dialogue and a good pace. I think it would benefit from an edit of long sentenecs with too many commas, otherwise the tale grips well and characters are nicely drawn. Backed. Colin

Now I love this poetic style of writing, not the kind of book you can skim, it just calls out for a shady spot on a summer day and peace to just immerse oneself in it. A refreshing change from the modern 'tightened-to-death' manuscripts that we are led to believe is all people readers will tolerate these days. Well done, lovely book, Maggie P.