Comments on: The Gentle Author’s Coronavirus Diary

By: Christina Mattocks

Christina Mattocks — Sat, 13 Nov 2021 23:22:37 +0000

I have loved reading your articles, my family having left Suffolk on the very early 1800’s. They ended up in the East End like so many others. It has been interesting but sad at the same time to see the struggles they went through. Interestingly they had passed away by the time they were 50. The ones who stayed in Suffolk were in their 70’s. Thank you for what you have done and stay safe.

By: Suzy

Suzy — Sat, 04 Jul 2020 15:54:53 +0000

Ahhh flippin’ ‘eck! I’m just catching up on some of your posts and was utterly enthralled with this offering and then you say you’d actually been felled with the cursed thing. :o( Ahhh I’m so sorry to hear that. I bet the fatigue has been wretched! You go gently GA. Would it be very inappropriate to say that despite learning of your horrible malady this is one of my most favourite of all your posts? ?

By: Margaret Mcdermott

Margaret Mcdermott — Mon, 29 Jun 2020 16:45:04 +0000

Very glad you have recovered but take it easy we don’t want to lose you, you mean too much to us.There is a Mosque at the end of my street and one of my abiding memories of this terrible time will be worshippers not going nightly to pray during Ramadan.Another is reading Michael Rosen’s account of his near death experience and my enormous joy that he is still alive.I hope we learn from this experience but I’m not optimistic.

By: Bailey Jones

Bailey Jones — Wed, 24 Jun 2020 17:40:46 +0000

Thank you for sharing your observations and experiences with us. I had planned to write more but working from home zapped that. I am glad you are on the mend.

Samuel Pepys was both candid and selfish. Whether he lacked self awareness or was committed to true authenticity, we will never know. I love how his voice has lasted, though.

By: Annella

Annella — Tue, 23 Jun 2020 10:59:12 +0000

Thank you Gentle Author for sharing this diary – wonderful writing as always. So happy to hear that you are well again

By: Mary

Mary — Tue, 23 Jun 2020 10:37:00 +0000

Thank you GA for such an eloquent blog, I think it resonates with many people. One of the messages that has emerged from this dreadful pandemic is the desire for a better world, and we all have a part to play in that.

Saba, I agree with your comment and I have found that Jonathan was quoting from “When you are old” by William Butler Yeats. It is such a beautiful poem and perfectly complements GA’s blog. Thank you Jonathan.

By: Juliet

Juliet — Mon, 22 Jun 2020 14:31:07 +0000

This is exactly what I’ve needed to read. Not that I needed you to indulge me by catching Coronovirus.
A gentle meandering, no fighting, no victory and thank goodness no defeat. I loved every considered word. Thank you

By: Mike Brown

Mike Brown — Mon, 22 Jun 2020 11:52:08 +0000

A very warming and interesting recollection of these terrible times. It must resonate with many people in lockdown circumstances. Thank you GA for your thoughts

By: Saba

Saba — Mon, 22 Jun 2020 11:21:57 +0000

First, Jonathan van Halbert — Is your post a quotation? Would love to know the source.

GA, Yes, your pilgrim soul fortifies me every morning. And, your experience of peacefulness during the epidemic is like my own, although mine is coupled with flashes of the existential terror of life in the USA right now. I’m grateful to you and your allowing me to understand a bit about your passage through this dark time.

By: Libby Hall

Libby Hall — Mon, 22 Jun 2020 09:11:49 +0000

Well you may find it impossible to force yourself to write now, but when you are able to write, the result is just as wonderful as it ever was.