18 August 2017

Published August 16, 2017 by rochellewisoff

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A little teaser this week from my second novel FROM SILT AND ASHES

Genre: Historical Fiction circa 1904

Word Count: 100

LACK OF VISION

           “I’ve been reading.” Arel peered over his newspaper at seven-month old Rachel in her highchair. “There are places for people like her.”

            “She’s a person.” Havah seized the paper and ripped it in half.

            “In one of those schools she can be with other persons who are…” he lowered his voice, “…blind.”

            Choking on her anger, Havah hobbled to their bedroom where she hauled a suitcase from the closet. After stuffing it with his clothes, she shoved it down the stairs.

            “Havah, listen to reason.”  

           “I will when I hear it. Come back when you decide to be a father!”

Original Artwork – © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
Havah Cohen Gitterman -Original Artwork © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

 

117 comments on “18 August 2017”

  • Excellent 100 word story. So much visual in so short a story, but, I know you are the wordsmith. However, for those who have not read the book, don’t presume to know the finish. Get it, read it, and learn. (Smile)

    Liked by 5 people

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    • Dear Bjorn,

      The actual excerpt that I used is actually 314 words long but that would be breaking my own rules, wouldn’t it? I liked the challenge of distilling it. 😉 So glad it worked. Thank you

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

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  • I think there are still people who find it hard to accept the fact a child if it is less than perfect. And in the past having a disability was even more of a hindrance than it is today – what future was there for many blind people if they found work difficult or impossible? A depressing one for sure. A girl in that position needs a Mum on her side who’s a lioness and Rachel certainly has that! A touching story that raises many issues, wonderfully told, Rochells

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Dear Lynn, ‘

      Lioness is an apt description for Havah. Saddled with her own disability, she is a mother bear when it comes to her children. Arel’s reaction truly baffles her, though, since his own father has been blind for most of Arel’s life. But, as you pointed out, somehow imperfection is more difficult to accept in one’s child. And the world back then wasn’t as accepting of children with disabilities.
      Thank you for coming by and leaving such a nice comment.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply ↓

  • Dear Rochelle,

    Excellent choice of excerpt for this picture. I remember the scene well and agree with Lynn. Even today parents (sadly, more often the fathers than the mothers) have trouble accepting their children’s “imperfections”. My own BIL had trouble accepting his son was autistic. Took years for him to come to terms with it and realise that the boy (now a man) is a wonderful, capable, young man who just needs extra help.

    Always in awe of you,
    Dale
    xo

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Dear Penny,

      There were a few other events leading up to Havah’s explosion. Afraid Arel’s response isn’t what you’d call diplomatic either. It takes him a while. (it’s all there in FROM SILT AND ASHES 😉 ) Thank you

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

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  • Very poignant story, Rochelle, and a feisty main character!

    My thought was, it’s impossible to judge the problem of blindness in 1900 with a 2017 mindset. I suspect his suggestion wouldn’t have been that unusual for that age, so there must have been some prior dispute between them over this issue that she reacted so strongly.
    I’d like to read the whole account sometime. In an era and society where a husband’s income was usually vital to the survival of the family, she wouldn’t have been tossing him out without serious forethought. Our world and thinking have changed so much!

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Dear Christine,

      In the novel Arel has a hard time accepting the fact that his daughter is blind, which might be difficult to understand since his own father has been blind most of Arel’s life. Although, it’s true that disabilities were handled differently 100 years ago. However, I can assure you that the rest of the family sets Arel straight. 😉

      Thank you.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

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  • A touching portrayal of an immensely difficult challenge for any parent, especially in that era, when they didn’t have the resources for the blind that they do now. Havah doesn’t pull any punches with her response though, does she? What a strong character.

    Liked by 1 person

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  • Dear Dr. Drew,

    Great excerpt. This little scene certainly has a heightened level of tension and suspense. You showed us a lot about the character of the participants in just a few short words–which is what flash fiction is all about. It touches the emotions. Bravo!

    Calvin

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    • Dear Kelvin,

      I hope I haven’t spoiled it too much. I guess that’s the challenge of writing a series. It’s hard to hide certain incidents by the time you get to the second book.
      You’ll just have to read FROM SILT AND ASHES for the full story. 😉 And just because you know that Arel and Havah do marry, you don’t know the whole story.
      Thank you for your kind comments.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

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      Reply ↓

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