Abigail is an unexpected gift, not just for the short story’s protagonist Adrian, but also to the reader. This short story is a capsule of well written captivation! From the very beginning, the reader is welcomed into the world of Adrian and just when you begin to get comfortable, you are jarred from your seat as the world takes a sharp turn in the best possible way.
Daemon Manx is truly gifted at being able to lure the reader in and capture their attention. His well-written prose showcased a talent for description and characterization. Abigail ebbed and flowed and at times washed over you with heart wrenching emotion, then delighted you with a humorous reprieve, before finally leaving you astounded with a jaw-dropping reveal. A roller coaster journey of the best kind!
Manx is a master at leaving enough subtle clues that once the final reveal takes place, although surprising, as the reader, you can distinguish the crumbs Manx littered throughout the text that led to it. The ability to inject such nuance into a short story is a sign of true storytelling. This story is layered with more than plot devices, it has tiers and tiers of themes baked into its fabric that run the gamut.
As the story develops, themes of trauma, PTSD, violence, bigotry, abandonment, and identity emerge. Also injected are counter themes of acceptance, parenthood, love and hope. The elucidation of the topics subtly infiltrates the text. That said, each theme’s relevance and significance is pivotal to the telling of this story. One would think that given the importance of these themes, their imbuing would be heavy handed and emphatic but instead, the subtlety used to weave them into the story was instinctive and authentic. The gift of a Maestro! At no point is opinion or perspective forced or evangelized to the reader. The presentation of the plot is open handed and purely told which draws compassion from the reader and beckons a connection that the reader will freely give. The openness of the delivery allowed for introspection, and not just while reading. In fact, this story will linger with you after reading the last words on the page. Whether or not by design, Abigail will nest in your subconscious as you find yourself contemplating your own psyche.
In Abigail, we are introduced to Adrian, a queer bachelor in the pursuit of love that finds his life upended by a surprising event. Adrian is relatable, likeable, and unexpected. Manx excelled at developing multiple layers to Adrian where the first few pages just skim the surface of his character. As the story continues, Adrian is unveiled to be a multilayered protagonist in the best possible way. He is tortured, flawed, courageous and hopeful. As he circumnavigates the challenge he was given, he is forced to face his own demons (this is an intended double entendre, btw).
Manx shows superlative storytelling skill in crafting such a fully developed character arc in Adrian in so few pages. Many published authors are unsuccessful in conveying that aptitude in hundreds of pages, much less within a short story, so this accomplishment by Manx MUST be recognized and applauded.
As much as I enjoyed this short story, there was one caveat. I do wish that Manx had answered the initial question of Adrian’s: “Who gave him this challenge?” There was an allusion to it and the possibility of another party being involved (trying my damn best not to include any spoilers… it is a short story after all) but that wasn’t explored. Although I recognize that exploring that ‘possibility’ could have detracted from the main plot intention, as well as perhaps taking the story down a different path, I would’ve liked an answer. The omission of that information though un-necessary to the main story, left an open door that didn’t need to be opened in the first place. I do understand that when crafting a short story, things will be left out on purpose so that focus is selective.
That said, should Manx decide to further develop Adrian’s story, I suppose there was reason for the ajar-ment… (don’t think that’s a word, but it should be!). I should also acknowledge that some readers may find the violence in the story triggering. It is a singular scene involving youth, which though descriptive, I did not find it uncharacteristically graphic. I would think that the biggest trigger would be the emotion it evokes. Although I am not the biggest supporter of giving ‘trigger warnings’, I do recognize that some readers need it so there it is.
Abigail (the book) surprised me, much like Abigail (the character) surprised Adrian. What I thought I was getting based on the cover was merely that… a cover. Inside the cover was a revelation that opened my heart in the most unexpected way. Admittedly, an overabundance of superlatives was prevalent in this review and though it may seem over the top, I can say that I found myself wanting to use more. Abigail is an impressive showcase of talent that takes the reader on a journey with Adrian that is reflective and contemplative. Abigail is moving, well-paced, immersive and over all too soon.
Pros:
- Creative plot that is engaging and immersive
- Twists throughout
- Captivating characters and world building
- Superlative storytelling with seamless theme implementation
- FANTASTIC FINAL REVEAL
Cons:
- Honestly, couldn’t find one, but to nitpick: two typos or word changes
- I suppose I should also include the omission used in the body of the review but I still wouldn’t really count it as a ‘con’ per se
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