Review: A Thrilling and Emotional Short Story
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 4, 2013
John McDonnell's Rose Of Skibbereen is a thrilling introduction into what promises to be a truly riveting and moving literary series. I received a promotional copy of this story from the author, and at first, I was wary given its length, but I was quickly reassured. This short story is an extremely quick read, and yet, in only a limited number of pages, McDonnell manages to captivate readers, pulling them into the action and emotion of what is sure to be a romantic drama one won't soon forget.McDonnell introduces readers to several main characters, each with a fully developed, meticulous, and well-communicated personality that makes each character so wonderfully endearing and boldly individual. The primary character, of course, is Rose Sullivan, a 16-year-old young lady from Skibbereen, Ireland, who cherishes, above all else, her family and country. The story begins with a celebration--the beginning of a journey, an adventure. Rose is set to leave for America in 1880, the land of promise and progress at the turn of the century, where she plans to stay for ten years, earning wages to send back to her ailing and starving family in the dwindling economy of her home country.Just prior to leaving, though, Rose meets a young man by the name of Sean McCarthy, whose handsome features, lively spirit, and tender, seductive kiss threatens to unravel her ambition. While love may blossom in that one fateful night, though, Rose holds steady in her promise to her family and leaves for America, never losing hope, though, that she may one day encounter young McCarthy again.Once Rose arrives in America, she gains employment as a server for a wealthy family in Pittsburgh, the Overtons. Mr. Overton, the head-of-house, is an overbearing, sexually-charged, and forceful man with an inappropriate fondness for the serving girls. He takes particular liking to Rose, which proves to be a serious threat to Rose's livelihood in America and in turn, that of her family back in Ireland. The cliffhanger ending will leave you breathless and practically begging for the next installment.The narrative of this suspenseful and emotionally-driving short story is pure elegance. McDonnell's expression of character and scenery is nothing short of spectacular. The imagery in the story is wonderful, bringing faces, scenery, and senses to blazing life with each turn of the page. This is a story, and a series, you won't want to miss out on.