Reviewer: Marzee Doats Signed [
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Date: 08 Aug 2008 9:36:37 AM
Title: Morning
Oh Penny!
You've got me in such a muddle as I contemplate your story that I really have no idea what to think! "As a day progresses, these characters face both...." But is it the same day, or different days? f I see evidence for both, and I can't stop trying to figure it out. Very cleverly done. :-)
Just a few of the details I really like:
- Stanley's dilemma, dealing with both his continuing grief over Bonnie and his need to keep living, and how that comes out. I love that Stanley is so happy about his coming child that he's out bragging to all the little old ladies in town.
- The founder's day play, and the fact that the organizers have added the war and all its aftermath to the play. I have to agree that Johnston would be offended if he hadn't been included.
- The kids reporting for border patrol. One of the things I love about your universe is that the recovery is slow and the world is not a perfect place. Even a few years -- maybe years later? Sam was 7 or 8 when the bombs hit, and he's at least through the 8th grade. This is one of my pieces of evidence for the idea that this is not all on the same day -- after the war they still have a border patrol, and the recruits are getting younger. Their views of Jericho and what's happened in their world are interesting and unique. Your "ghosts of Jericho" were interesting choices, and you'd think that Dale Turner was 70 years old, chasing kids off with a broom, the way you describe him! I was thrown at first by the idea of "Mrs. Richmond" and am still cracking up over Mimi yelling at kids who track mud across her porch.
- Emily not wanting to mourn Jonah, and trying to convince herself that she has nothing to mourn. Jonah and Emily have such a muddled relationship. It's not complex, really, just both love and hate, but it's real and her response to his death is real. She doesn't want to care, and I'm sure she can't figure out why the hell she's feeling so out of sorts. I also love that it's Kenchy who comes after her. And that Emily takes in boarders! (This might be the one piece of info that I had the hardest time wrapping my brain around!)
This piece really intrigued me, and I'm enjoying mulling. I've got all kinds of questions, but I enjoy that about your writing, so thank you!
And, thank you for sharing.
Author's Response: Thanks Marzee!
You're right, it does takes place on different days. It's more of a metaphorical day, I suppose. I enjoyed reading all your interpretations! Thank you!