Review of "Flowers," a short story by Darnell Dickerson



Summary:
George and Chloe are High School sweethearts nearing the end of their senior year with a serious problem. The adorable, inseparable couple that everyone sees smiling and holding hands is a façade. Behind George’s doting ways and charming smile lies a jealousy and paranoia so deep it drives him into a blind rage that is best kept under wraps. When Chloe announces she is moving to California for college George unravels and there is no stopping the rampaging, possessive beast that lives within causing him to do terrible, terrible things. Will George be able to take control of this inner monster before it destroys everything good in his life or will he be a slave to it just as his father was?

This is a story of young love and fear, affection and abuse, sunflowers and suspicion, innocence and blood.

Review:
A modern spin on "The Jilting of Granny Weatherall."  While engaging enough, the story lacks the psychotic depth necessary to give the ending some punch.  It's a little ironic that the summary for this story contains more description for the protagonists than the story itself.

Still, the writing style flowed nicely.  The potential was certainly there, I just wanted to connect a little more with George.  His M.O. makes sense but without a real understanding of his personality he could have been anyone from the news.

3/5 stars
Reviewed by Alain Gomez

Buy this story on Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

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