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#frances fernsby
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In the coming month, a blanket of snow settled over Moonwood Mill. It was the first snowfall the Scholl family experienced in their new house. The crops went into dormancy and there were suddenly not as many chores that had to be done.
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The house was drafty and cold so they used the fireplace to the highest capacity. As winter became more prominent, it was difficult to be outdoors. Mostly, the family chose to stay in most of the time and tried to come up with different activities to keep the children busy. The living room quickly became the place where they spent most of their time - with the fire making it the warmest room in the house.
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Aph England: friend from long ago.
England: “Ah! Mrs. Fernsby Why, I haven't seen you in what feels like ages, You’re looking as beautiful as ever, how are you this evening?
Mrs. Fernsby: “Oh Arthur enough with the flattery. It’s nice to see you again, I’ve been well, much better now that I'm no longer sick.”
England: “That’s wonderful to hear! Although... my dear you still are rather pale are you certain you’re alright?” Mrs. Fernsby: “That’s just because I haven’t been out in the sun, my... I haven't been out in a long while”      *She lightly Chuckles while sheepishly putting a hand over her mouth* "I suppose I've become quite the homebody." England: *Chuckles as well* Mrs. Fernsby: “But you need not worry about me anymore. I believe I've told you this last we spoke” She smiles and waves a finger at him playfully, as he scratches the back of his head and glances to the ground, feeling silly for forgetting what she told him, And even more so for forgetting the reason as to why she told him not to fret. England: “My bad Miss, I can sometimes be stuck in the past and uhh.. well,  it takes me a while to return to the proper era” *another small chuckle*  Mrs. Fernsby: It’s alright Arthur, I know it can be difficult for you to let go of the days that are long gone. And to say farewell to the people of the past, who can only return to you at times like these. May I ask....Am I easier to see when you wish to escape? England:  *He pause's for a moment, taken a back by her words, then a sad smile forms as he speaks.* "No my dear. it may seem as though You are all more visible when I'm upset, perhaps because I speak to you more, However, no matter my current emotional state, I can see you, and everyone else all the time. I can even see the phantoms of the buildings that once were, as if they too once lived and are haunting me along side the rest of you. England: “No my dear. I’m just simply a damned old man in a young looking body, who's lived for far too many centuries, keeping friends with those of whom father time has long taken from me. However-” France: Angleterre! mon ennemi! Can you stop your monologue to absolutely no one!? England: *Annoyed* “Damn frog” *He turns his attention back to Mrs. Fernsby as he raises a hand and places it on her shoulder*  “You should go back and rest love, till we meet again” With that she disappears, and he turns to yell at France, but before he is able to say a word, he is interrupted by a sudden fit of coughing. France walks over to him and places his hand on England’s back, to which it’s quickly swiped away and a look of defeat and offence is plastered on the frenchman's face. France: Fine! I won’t provide you comfort while you cough hysterically! England: I don’t need your damn comfort!!!  Anyway, I’d like to leave from this area now I've been here longer then I wanted. *He puts his hands in his trouser pockets and starts walking down the street* France: *walks beside him, Hand gestures galore  * Ah oui, talking to air- oh pardon! my mistake, one of your imaginary mint bunnies?. England: Actually it was an old friend of mine.  Mrs. Fernsby  remember her? AndFlyingMintBunnyIsRealYouTit France: How could I forget her, She was so lovely~ but.... you know she passed away in the 1880s right? England: Of course I know! Ever heard of a thing called ghosts? France: Oui! I have had my own experience's! And I- England starts another coughing fit, This one more violent than the last and it causes him to double over. This time he allows France to led him comfort, not that he could stop him anyway. When it was finally over England shakily raises back up with Frances assistance. France: That was pretty bad, Angleterre, and my goodness, you’re awfully pale Are you sure you’re alright? England: you need not worry about me anymore. I believe I've told you this last we spoke” France: *with a sad expression* Ah..Oui. How could I forget. (note: Mrs. Fernsby is someone I made up. And the endings meaning is a mystery that is left to the imagination, but I hope it made sense at the same time. )
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readitreviewit · 2 months
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Are you ready to be taken on an emotional rollercoaster? Look no further than the latest novel from New York Times bestselling author John Boyne, All The Broken Places. This powerful and devastating tale will leave you reeling long after you turn the final page. The story focuses on the life of 91-year-old Gretel Fernsby, who has lived a quiet and comfortable life in a well-to-do mansion block in London. Despite her past haunted by tumultuous memories, Gretel has kept her secrets tightly locked away. She didn't talk about her escape from Nazi Germany when she was just 12 years old, nor did she speak of the grim post-war years in France with her mother. But most of all, Gretel never talked about her father, who served as a commandant in one of the Reich’s most notorious extermination camps. Everything changes when a new family moves into the apartment below Gretel's. She finds herself forming a bond with the little boy in the family, Henry. But as time goes on, Gretel witnesses a violent argument between Henry's mother and father, causing her to confront her own past sins and decide whether to act. Through powerful and vivid storytelling, Boyne transports us from Gretel's girlhood in Germany to present-day London, giving us an unfiltered look into her painful past. All The Broken Places acts as a reminder that it is never too late to confront and atone for one's past, even if it means sacrificing one's comfort and security. Not only does the novel tackle heavy themes of guilt and redemption, but it also has a remarkable ability to take the reader on a thrilling, emotional journey. John Irving, bestselling author of The World According to Garp, rightfully calls the novel "powerful." Amy Bloom, author of In Love, calls it "exceptional, layered, and compelling…This book moves like a freight train." Boyne's talent for weaving together complex characters and intricate storylines is on full display in All The Broken Places. The novel is both heartbreaking and deeply satisfying, leaving readers with plenty to think about long after they finish reading. At 399 pages, the novel is a substantial read, but its gripping plot will keep you turning the pages until the very end. The language is clear and evocative, making it easy to become fully immersed in Gretel's world. The enhanced typesetting and enabled text-to-speech features make the e-book version of the novel particularly accessible to all readers. All The Broken Places is a must-read for anyone looking to be moved, inspired, and left in awe. Whether you're a fan of John Boyne's previous work or a first-time reader, this novel is an experience you won't soon forget. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey with Gretel Fernsby and discover All The Broken Places that exist within us all. Don't miss out on the transformative insights and captivating storytelling of this must-read book. Get your copy today or start your 30-day free trial of Audible and listen to it on-the-go! Don't wait – unlock the power of this book now. Price: [price_with_discount] (as of [price_update_date] - Details)
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Norma had really started to enjoy school. Although it was only a small village school, she loved going there every day and stood out among the other students as she often knew the answers to the questions the teacher asked. She loved to learn new things about the world and particularly excelled in English and History.
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Norma's only friend was a boy named Warren whose mother worked in the general store. They had met one time before when they were toddlers and now they walked together to school every morning and she appreciated having someone her age to talk to.
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When she got home from school she immediately did her homework so she could spend the rest of the day taking care of her little brothers with her grandmother Frances. It wasn't as much fun as being at school, but she still enjoyed spending time with them.
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The list of what needed to be done on the farm was always long and unattainable, especially when Ruben was away all day looking for work. Norma was not an issue - she always behaved in an exemplary manner. The boys, however, kept Esther busy all day with their shenanigans.
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Most of the time she felt overwhelmed and fell asleep exhausted on a couch as soon as she sat down. She often found herself getting tired over the easiest tasks, probably because she never got any proper rest.
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On such occasions, it was therefore fortunate that Frances was available. She didn't mind taking care of the children. On the contrary, she felt that she had a great responsibility for the upbringing of the children since she couldn't contribute to the household in any other way.
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Bertie became a toddler. He was a gentle child and hadn't grown as much as the other siblings had at the same age. He kept close to his grandma and she always thought it a blessing to take care of him, as his soft and quiet demeanour was so different from his older brother.
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Edwin turned eighteen and thus became an adult. At last, he felt he could take control of his own life and his plan to leave Moonwood Mill had taken shape. There was something he had to do, and now was the time to do it. He intended to make his departure in the coming week.
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"I've made up my mind," Edwin announced to Silvia a few days later. "I'm leaving tonight. Are you coming with me?"
"Are you sure about this?" said Silvia. "Your mother will be devastated when she finds out you snuck off in the middle of the night without telling her."
"It's the only way, or she'll stop me," he explained. "But don't worry, I'll leave a note explaining everything."
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Despite Silvia's concerns, she decided to come along. They set off in the middle of the night in all secrecy, heading to the nearest train station.
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That night Frances felt an uneasiness that made it difficult for her to sleep. When she got up in the early hours and went downstairs, she was met by a note on the kitchen table. Much to her shock, she learned that Edwin had left together with Silvia. In his note, he made it clear that he would return to Brindleton Bay - to seek out Charles and avenge his father.
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Billy grew up and immediately started to cause trouble. He was a mischievous boy who took every opportunity he could to wander off on his own. Since his parents were busy it was up to Frances to try and keep an eye on him.
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One day Maggie came to visit and told Frances that she had a letter for her. When Frances got the envelope in her hand, she immediately recognized the handwriting. It was from her brother and she immediately tore open the letter. Years had passed since they said their farewell back in Brindleton and she hadn't heard from him since then.
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In the letter, Harry wrote about his new life in America. The journey across the ocean had been long, but they had finally managed to acquire a shabby ranch in Chestnut Ridge where he and Nina settled down with their two sons. Life was very different for them, but despite that, they were enjoying themselves and had begun to get used to a simpler and calmer life.
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Their eldest son Frank had found a girl and married almost immediately. They were now expecting their first child. Their youngest son Leon on the other hand was a contrast to Frank. He was a real troublemaker but was good with horses and recently got a job as a ranch hand.
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In addition to the letter, Harry also sent a photograph of the family and his new address. From now on they would be able to keep in touch and even if it still was impossible to visit each other it was still better than no correspondence at all. Frances held the letter close to her chest and felt her heart yearning for her brother. She was pleased to know that he had made it to America safely and his family was thriving.
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The arrival of the newborn created new routines in the household. It also involved a lot of new learning, but with Frances' help, the new parents grew more confident as the days passed. Fortunately, Norma was a happy baby, who always smiled at whoever held her.
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Since there were still no jobs to be found in the newspaper, Ruben started going into a neighbouring town to find work that way. It was a long commune, but he felt he had to do everything he could to provide for his family.
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At the same time, Edwin and Silvia's dissatisfaction began to grow. They were delighted that their respective siblings were doing so well here with their newborn, but to them, Moonwood Mill was just a desolate town with no future.
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Despite the disappointment that Edwin and Silvia left, life continued on the farm. Norma grew up into a toddler and continued to charm everyone around her. She loved to explore the yard and was always up to mischief, keeping Frances busy trying to keep tabs on her.
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The photos from Esther and Rubens wedding, ca 1930.
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Shortly after the move to the new house, a wedding was held between Esther and Ruben. There was no money to spend so the ceremony was held on the farm outside. The small wedding was modest, but the bride and groom couldn't care less. They only had eyes for each other.
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Only their family together with Maggie and her daughter were present, but even so, it was a joyful event. After all, they had been through a lot recently and were grateful to have something to celebrate. Frances was moved to see her daughter get married and any doubts she ever had were gone. Ruben was a great man and it was apparent he would do anything to make her daughter happy.
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But the ones who were most satisfied were the newlyweds. Despite everything that had happened, they were finally united in marriage and ready for their new life together.
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With a heavy heart, Frances told Esther and Ruben what had happened when they woke up that morning. Ruben became enraged, questioning how his sister could do something like this. Esther was quiet and instead wondered when she and Edwin fell so out of touch with each other. She had always assumed they were close and that he would have told her of something like this. But instead, he had left without a word.
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For the next few weeks, a heavy atmosphere spread through the now much smaller household. Even though they knew where Edwin and Silvia were headed there was no way to follow them. They couldn't possibly leave the farm and ruin everything they had built - especially when Esther realised, a few days later, that she was once again pregnant. They would have to stay and hope their siblings would return unscathed.
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Frances also wanted to return to Brindleton but age had caught up with her. She knew she probably wouldn't be able to travel on her own. Besides, she was needed here as a babysitter for Norma now that Esther and Ruben had to manage the farm on their own.
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For the past few days, Esther had felt different. The work on the farm was more strenuous than usual and she did not have the same energy as before. At first, she thought she was coming down with the flu, but then remembered that she hadn't had her monthlies in a while.
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Esther went out for a walk with her mother and told her about her recent exhaustion. She had her suspicions but still wasn't quite sure what it might mean. "You're pregnant," Frances said, unable to hide her joy, hugging her daughter. "There is no doubt about it."
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When they returned, She immediately approached Ruben to tell him the big news. It was her first pregnancy and a completely new experience, but she felt calm since she had her family to support her.
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Ruben was overjoyed at the news and lifted Esther up into his arms. As Frances watched the happy couple in the living room she felt better than she had in a long time. She was looking forward to life continuing and the fact that she would soon become a grandmother.
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The pregnancy had brought the young couple even closer together. Esther and Ruben were equally excited for their firstborn to arrive and for them to create their own family together.
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One day when Ruben was away on an errand, Esther felt that it was time. Luckily, Frances was there to help out. She was well aware of how to help her daughter since she'd been through three births herself.
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When Ruben returned home in the evening, he was greeted by a surprise. The birth had been demanding but at last, Esther had given birth to a healthy baby girl who they gave the name Norma Cecilia Scholl.
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