Published: 14th July 2014
Publisher: Self published
Format: ebook
Genre: Young Adult/New Adult
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ – 5 Stars
[Disclaimer: This is a serial novella that will be told in parts about the length of a short story (20-30 pages)]
Casey Williams and her family are poor. Her parents work non-stop and so does she, just so they can keep the trailer roof from leaking.
They’re getting by fine enough when the headaches start. Then there’s the nosebleeds. And the inevitable doctor’s bills.
Fortunately for Casey, there’s MyTrueMatch.com: an exclusive, quick, and almost easy way to pay it all back before her parents even have to know.
All she has to do is give a man she’s never met whatever he wants from her body.
Inside or out.
Note: I was given a copy by the author to review
As a novella that is to become a larger story, this is an excellent introduction. The Donor is a short read but it is also one that grabs the reader’s attention early on. Not necessarily with grand action or immense tension or suspense, but rather with intrigue and curiosity. I think the coupling of reader curiosity with vagueness and mystery in the story are brilliant ways to capture this story. There is something to look forward to, something that makes the reader keep reading, hoping for answers to questions and unprovided explanations.
Casey as a character is interesting. She is independent and loyal, willing to do anything for her family, even if that means keeping secrets from them. As we get to know her we are told about the trouble she and her family have been experiencing, and we also see how much she wants to help without creating additional burdens. I thought of her as a tad foolish in the beginning, not misguided necessarily but maybe a bit easily swayed. Having said that I also understand her actions, and even if I thought she was unwise in the early pages by the end I was more understanding and began to see her as a bit more as brave than foolish, especially after more is revealed.
Through this story Rae doesn’t try and sway readers into one particular opinion or view of Casey which easily could have occurred. A lot of how you see her comes from your own assessment of the actions and circumstances that are presented. There is no strong push to gain sympathy through language or long emotional character thoughts, though that doesn’t mean sympathy of some kind doesn’t form. Based on the information given, and how Rae seamlessly weaves it into the story, readers are free to make up their own minds and judge Casey accordingly.
What I thought was excellent was the way the story has been written and presented. In terms of narrative direction Rae leads you into thinking one thing, and even if you start forming your own alternate theories and expectations she throws you off course again with a simple sentence, something which Rae is extremely skilled at doing. There are flashbacks woven in with present events which draws out the mystery and the answers you are waiting for while also providing us with history and back story allowing the story to progress.
It’s wonderful writing, and writing that keeps you engaged while still offering surprises. This story is not written with a focus on constantly keeping you in suspense however, just under a slight blanket of intrigue as you read along. There is also a wonderful joy as you read and become caught up in clever writing and a very well laid out and very well told story.
With The Donor Rae entices you, surrounds you with vagueness, mystery, a brilliant narrative, and half given answers that leaves you demanding more.
Author Bio:
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