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The fourth in the author's Donora series, this historical novel brings boxer Cyris ‘the Cobra’ Mankovic back to his hometown after his mother dies after giving life to her ninth child and first daughter. Feeling the urgency to bring much-needed food and necessities into the household, Cyris takes on odd jobs around Donora. When he takes a job shoveling coal in the furnace of the prominent Hawthornes, he encounters Wrenly Hawthorne crying on the stairs. The two have known each other since childhood, and now, as adults, they are drawn to each other in a way that confuses both of them. Wrenly Hawthorne’s Protestant family is rich, while Cyris comes from a poor Catholic background, a combination that in 1923 is certainly to be the source of rumors. Wrenly’s father is absolutely against the two seeing each other as Cyris is of low birth. But Wrenly is headstrong and determined to lead a life different from her mother, who she sees as catering to a husband who is disrespectful to her. Wrenly begins to bring food and supplies to the Mankovics and falls in love with the boys and their infant sister. Cyris decides to take the place of an injured boxer, whose bout was to be in Donora, to provide much-needed money to the household. As the hometown boxer prepares for the bout, Wrenly becomes even more enamored of the entire Mankovic clan, especially Cyris. But how can a relationship between the two work in the face of her family’s stance against it?
Shoop has created a dynamic story with memorable and well-rounded characters in this historical offering. Not only is this a romance, but it is a statement on prejudice and class. Set in the 1920s, it offers a glimpse into the politics of the day through Wrenly, who aspires to be much more than a wife and mother. In fact, Wrenly already has an exit plan to ensure she can live an independent life. She invests in stocks so that she will no longer have to depend on the generosity of her father. When she is reacquainted with Cyris, she is already, in many ways, an independent young woman. Cyris is surprised and enchanted by her independence, free spirit, and stubbornness. As they get to know each other better, Wrenly becomes obsessed with helping the Mankovics. This causes many arguments with her father as he sees her actions as disrespectful, considering his wish for her not to see Cyris. She, however, continues lending a helping hand, which endears her more to the impoverished Mankovics.
Shoop not only provides her readers with interesting characters and a mesmerizing storyline, her intriguing narrative is also filled with vibrant descriptive language. Her description of the Mankovics' extreme poverty and substandard housing is heartbreaking. She describes the mill town of Donora, Pennsylvania, with its coal-dust-covered streets and mill housing filled with children who depend on charity for even a small toy at Christmas. The scenes of Cyris’ bout with the British fighter are so well-written that one cringes with each round. It’s easy to understand the author’s many award-winning books as her writing pulls one in from the first page and continues to hold interest throughout. Reading this makes one want to read the rest of the series to encounter other inhabitants of Donora. This novel is one which both delights and surprises the reader as the story builds to its conclusion. With its vivid presentation of Donora and its inhabitants, the novel is a wonderfully entertaining read that many will find delightful.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review