‘He’s one of ours ... and we should give him at least a second chance!’Thus ended Bill Jenkins’ impassioned speech to the assembled villagers – forty-three of them, a 70% turnout. Passion sufficient to swing the vote to 52:48 in support of his plan to take back the lad who, ten years ago, was jailed for the manslaughter of his own father.
Narrow, but his mother needed him: would he care for her as he ought?
Too narrow for the girl on whom he’d fathered a daughter: her father and three brothers had declared they’d see him in hell first.
The minister and the church congregation likewise flew in the face of compassion, declining to forgive, while without exception his former teachers were unanimous in offering practical help and a chance to prove himself – and even to clear his name.
Who wins – and is the result deserved?
[147 words]
Week #26’s response to Lisa Ricard Claro’s Book Blurb Friday challenge and Lyn Obermoeller’s photograph, Each week Lisa posts a photograph which represents a book cover. Participants are challenged to “Write a book jacket blurb (150 words or less) so enticing that potential readers would feel compelled to buy the book”
He's facing an uphill battle with so many against him so strongly; but of course, that is what will make this such a compelling read.
ReplyDeleteDon't forget to list your link so everyone can read your terrific blurb!
Wow, what a great story idea from this photo! I sure want to find out what happens next. I'm very curious now. Did he rape that girl in addition to killing his father, or was that part mutual. Oh, to have to have him living among those who hate him. This is sure to divide the small community. You have raised many questions!
ReplyDeleteHappy BBF,
Kathy M.
I second Kathy's question. Did he and the girl love one another?
ReplyDeleteI'm most impressed by "without exception his former teachers were unanimous in offering practical help and a chance to prove himself " because his teachers would have known him well.
I would want to read this book to find out if their faith in him is warranted, and if he can get past the combination of girl's three brothers and the church's prejudice.
— K
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel
Well done Kay and Kathy - you've started wondering and I'm not going to tell you about the girl - now you'll HAVE to buy the book ;-)
ReplyDelete(what a pity I don't think I'm going to write it!)
That is a pity. I would love to read this one. You have introduced a scenario that has plenty of material to sustain a book and enough conflict to make it difficult to put down. Are you sure you don't want to write it?
ReplyDeleteOh, this sounds like one hot read...full of issues and situations for pondering!
ReplyDeleteWow. You've revived an age-old conflict with artistry and finesse. Nicely done.
ReplyDelete