Review: The Scream by Billie Sue Mosiman
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 03 11, 2012
I have to admit when I saw the title to this short story by Billie Sue Mosiman it made me think of the painting of the same name. A man with his face distorted in pain and horror screaming. After reading the story it seemed even more aprapos to me.Joey is his parents whipping boy and resident farm hand. Unwanted and unappreciated he does all the work around the farm without any of the benefits. He is verbally berated and physically abused on a daily basis by parents who have no regard for him. Stuck in a never ending cycle of abuse Joey doesn't see a way out. But he does dream. He dreams of one day getting on the train that passes by and leaving it all behind.Things in this world do have a way of changing and Joey's life is about to turn 180 degrees. Suffering from a bite from an animal he never quite saw in the twilight as he returned home one night, he is becoming ill from the wound that won't heal. But for Joey the wound will become a blessing in disguise. The power balance in his household is about to change in his favour and he is going to take full advantage of it.I really enjoy everything I have read by Ms. Mosiman and this short story is no exception. She weaves believable characters who find a place in our imagination and slip into our hearts with sympathy. I will keep reading Ms. Mosiman as long as she keeps writing and I hope that is for a very long time.Karen Bryant Doering