BootsnAll Travel Community

RE: http://www.bootsnall.com/articles/06-06/photos-from-a-flea-market-france.html

However well-deserved, The disdain the author feels toward her sister's sensibilities, and her own sense of superiority, make it impossible for me to enjoy this piece. It appears from beginning to end. (The distinctions in outlook aren't unimportant, especially given that the writer wants to emphasize the bond she feels with French culture, just make the point and move on.) Too bad, because it's not poorly written, and I think there could be an interesting piece written about traveling vicariously to France through an old photo album that was given to you, all in anticipation of finally being able to go live/study there.

I was wondering why I was sensing a feeling of discomofort after reading an article that was so well written. Yes, you are right NTFT, it did leave me with a queer aftertaste.

I have to agree with both of you. It was a good piece, but hard to enjoy.

I'm glad you guys posted and relieved you had a similar reaction. I was beginning to feel badly about posting the criticism (especially in light of the recent "When others trash your writing" thread). I tried to make it constructive, but you never know how it'll be received or even whether or not the writer wants to hear feedback at all when they put up an article on BnA. I just re-read the piece to see if I was over-reacting, in a bitchy mood that day, or being uber-sensitive to that particular issue. I don't think so. There's a lot of good stuff in it, just that one aspect drags it down. For me, anyway.

I think your previous criticism was valid.

Didn't like this piece at all -- there was some unnecessary mean-spiritedness towards the sister which I didn't like.

I really enjoyed this piece.
It's mainly about the struggles to shake off the pretty older sister (those of us who've been there will relate)while at the same time trying to find herself.So dont hate it because its different look at things from another view.