Review: CONTROLLING SHELLY FAGAN by Olive Dunn

Graphic Image designed by Sandra Lopez
Alone, pregnant, and Catholic, Shelly was not consulted. Her parents, influenced by the social mores of that generation, wanted to keep their daughter hidden. Put the baby up for adoption. Force their daughter to move on with her life. Force her to forget. Him.

Shelly Fagan has no choice but to grow up very quickly, and in the midst of the Vietnam War. Married now to another, and a mother of two sons, she unexpectedly comes face to face with the past. Lies told. Secrets kept. She is faced with a decision. A chance to go back with her life as it was, or to continue on as it is now.

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My review: It’s the 1960’s: 17-year old Shelly Fagan was shocked to realize her parents were dropping her off at a convent because she was pregnant. According to Mother Margaret, she must suffer for her sins and Chris (boy she loved) would never find her.
19 years later, Shelly was married with two sons. It was exhausting pretending to be the upbeat wife and mother like everything was fine—it was NOT fine. For her son’s game, Shelly must return to the convent she hoped to forget. Approaching her tortured destination, Shelly relives memories of her youth that summer in the 60’s.
Story was engaging from the start. The author paints a vivid portrayal of Shelly’s life—past and present—with delicate strokes and somber hues. Reading about life in the 60’s and how Shelly’s life turned out in the present, I really wanted to find out what happened to Chris and the baby as that basically is what launched the story to a great start. It’s an interesting journey through the 60’s, but the reader would have to trudge through miles and miles of memory lane with quick cuts to the present. Going back and forth could be a little disorienting sometimes as you almost forget where you’re at.
A well-written soft prose laced with sharp resentment and deep folds of remorse.
A pretty good read.
My rating: 4 stars