The story of Louie remains incredible, even after having read an earlier draft and knowing what's coming! I do think there is room for more about Louie. You tell the story as an amusing anecdote, but there is so much pain and pathology in the story as well. Another incidence of your mother's deeply troubled nature (in case there was any doubt that her scheme regarding your father's identity might be an anomaly); potentially putting her children in danger-- she didn't know who this Louis was. There's your father's withdrawal, your shame and social humiliation; and at last, Louie as a psychological mirror. There you all were, living in your future fantasies (you do speak to that.) Not to mention, of course, the racial politics, which is dealt with somewhat in the parallel with the Amistad story... So much here!
You might consider fleshing out when Louie comes up stairs for the first time and meets you all (your dad having escaped upstairs). What was your impression, what was said?
I smiled thinking that it was so Matty-like to initiate smoking pot with Louis. With no disrespect toward Louis, for Matty, Louis in the basement was just another non-Matty species like all of the other friends Matty had in his various aquariums, terrariums, and cages. Just a year younger than us but his make-up was so different and unique.
Looking forward to the next episode when I hope you finally get the tide right.
So interesting!!! Great job!
The story of Louie remains incredible, even after having read an earlier draft and knowing what's coming! I do think there is room for more about Louie. You tell the story as an amusing anecdote, but there is so much pain and pathology in the story as well. Another incidence of your mother's deeply troubled nature (in case there was any doubt that her scheme regarding your father's identity might be an anomaly); potentially putting her children in danger-- she didn't know who this Louis was. There's your father's withdrawal, your shame and social humiliation; and at last, Louie as a psychological mirror. There you all were, living in your future fantasies (you do speak to that.) Not to mention, of course, the racial politics, which is dealt with somewhat in the parallel with the Amistad story... So much here!
You might consider fleshing out when Louie comes up stairs for the first time and meets you all (your dad having escaped upstairs). What was your impression, what was said?
I love the story of Louie and his photos of the South Pacific and what he added to your family when your mom gave him shelter for several years.
Good read ,Greg.
I smiled thinking that it was so Matty-like to initiate smoking pot with Louis. With no disrespect toward Louis, for Matty, Louis in the basement was just another non-Matty species like all of the other friends Matty had in his various aquariums, terrariums, and cages. Just a year younger than us but his make-up was so different and unique.
Looking forward to the next episode when I hope you finally get the tide right.