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Fruits of the Famine*
A Historical Novel by
L. Katherine
Dailey
published by Edit et Cetera Ltd.
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For the briefest of moments, Clarice stared at the
coach in front of her home, unable to recall the last time
she had seen anything on wheels pulled behind a horse. An
instant later, she closed the door.
They stood in uncomfortable silence for several long
moments while Lorna Grayson inspected her and the room
around them. Chills of uneasiness climbed Clarice’s spine.
What must she be thinking about the barren chamber cloaked
in shadows—its lone table, the splintered flooring, and the
hearth that stood lifeless and dark? Clarice found fresh
reason to keep the light dim.
Neither party greeted the other. No smile graced either
face. Though each looked upon a stranger, no introductions
took place.
“I’ve brought blankets and fresh
produce.” Lorna finally broke the silence.
And a winter wind in your icy voice, Clarice thought as
the woman motioned to the coachman, who stepped back outside
and lugged a heavy trunk across the threshold. He stared at
Clarice for a moment before placing his open palm across his
nose and mouth and leaving once again, pulling the door
closed behind him.
Offering no thanks for the provisions, Clarice
continued to stare at the stranger. Taller than many women
and probably ten years her senior, Lorna was pretty in a
cold sort of way and exuded an air of boldness. Above all,
she appeared well-situated. Clarice could not help but
compare the light woolen cape she wore to her own tattered
shawl and frayed dress. Black leather boots, pointed at the
toes, almost hid underneath the heavy brocade cloth of
Lorna’s skirt. Clarice felt the woman’s judgment upon her.
“Where’s the child?” Lorna demanded.
* This delightful journey into the last half of the
nineteenth century is equally well suited to both young
adults and historical fiction buffs, as well as anyone else
who enjoys a great read.
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Ragamuffins of the Fifth
Ward*
A Collection of Vignettes by
Charles S.
Novinskie
published by Edit et Cetera Ltd.
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For me, kindergarten was a
nightmarish experience. I’m not ashamed to admit that I
started to cry soon after Mom dropped me off, and not all
the promises in the world that it would be okay were going
to appease me. Now I’m not talking about those fake
crocodile tears that all kids learn to shed until Mom or Dad
is out of sight. These tears started early in the day and
didn’t stop! Not even for recess!
Conventional wisdom would suggest a call to Mommy.
Instead, a small miracle happened that day. The layperson in
charge of teaching kindergarten had no idea what to do with
me, so she took me over to the first grade to have a seat
while she discussed the situation with one of the nuns who
was in charge of the school—and I immediately stopped
crying!
Now my recollection is a bit fuzzy from that point on.
I don’t know whether the sisters actually forgot that I
wasn’t really in the first grade, or they figured that my
absence of crying was a sign to leave me there. All I know
is that, just after turning five, I had gone from
kindergarten to the first grade!
No more morning naps, cookies and milk, and playtime
for me—I was now in the first grade! Looking back, I’m
pretty sure this five year-old was nowhere near ready for
the rigors of first grade. Hey, if they’d understood my real
reason for crying on that first day, they probably would
have concluded that I wasn’t even ready for
kindergarten—forget about first grade! I guess it all turned
out okay, but I still have this recurring dream where the
police show up at my door, arrest me for fraud, and take
away my college degree and high school diploma, stating the
indisputable truth that I never graduated kindergarten!
* These wonderfully nostalgic bits from the memory of a
man who treasured his childhood take us all back to a time
when growing up was simpler and childhood innocence was the
norm rather than the exception.
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Title: Fruits of the Famine
Author: L. Katherine Dailey
ISBN: 0-9746122-5-1
ABOUT THE
STORY...
Amanda Darby's father dies, leaving
her to live in poverty in her beloved
Ireland or sail to America with
her sister—using a stranger's travel documents. Opting to
emigrate,
she finds her new life threatened
when she learns that the woman
whose name she borrowed has been accused of a crime, and Amanda
is now the prime suspect.
Will she lose her new homeland
and the life it promises? Could
she really go to prison just
for borrowing someone
else's name?
Reviews
Title: Ragamuffins of the Fifth Ward
Author: Charles S. Novinskie
ISBN: 0-9746122-4-3
ABOUT THE
STORY...
Growing up in the sixties meant that
summer was king. The ringing of the
bell ending the school year—a
sound unlike any other—signaled the
start of a giant race that lasted
until Labor Day. The last day
of school ushered in the start
of the lazy days of summer. And
they were just that—lazy—but
a kid never had more fun nor
expended more energy doing
absolutely nothing!
Is it really possible to relive
these good ol' days?
You may be surprised....
Reviews
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