As a young woman, Jonna Dunne's fast track to a successful future is decimated with the sudden absence of her powerful father. She and her mother, who is also left without a shred of security, struggle to survive by moving from big city luxury and status into rural obscurity. Jonna's identity, exclusively formed by association with her important father, is nullified as she spends her days staring out the window at a soybean field. On a whim, she saunters into the world of ne'er do wells at a small town bar, befriending an ex-con who unwittingly entangles her in a lawless scheme. In a matter of weeks, Jonna finds herself in the crosshairs of an ambitious prosecutor. Isolated and filled with apprehension, she is compelled to forge a path to self-reliance.
Assessment:
Plot/Idea: This is a compelling read, pulling the reader in as events transpire. The pace is even and the story is never rushed.
Prose: The third-person perspective suits the narrative well, and the language is fluid. Locations, in particular, are treated with detail, so the reader feels quite present and immersed as events unfold.
Originality: This interesting and original story elucidates the consequences of a series of seemingly benign choices. Although it is essentially a coming-of-age tale, Kiefer skillfully drives home the stark reality of how different Jonna’s life could have been.
Character/Execution: Jonna’s motivations are presented in such a way that the reader understands how she fell into the situation with Jacko. The journey from young adult into full-fledged adult is well-presented.
Date Submitted: April 13, 2023
