Through the Open Door

by Joanne C. Parsons

Boston, Massachusetts 1880...Charles Brennan, obsessed by greed, abused his power as a husband and employer, isolating his wife, Rose, and violating the household help. In an act of desperation, one of them murdered him, releasing them all from his control, but not from the guilt and shame they buried deep within. Through the Open Door, a sequel to Kitchen Canary, meets the characters seven years later. The killer recounts the abuse inflicted by Charles Brennan and describes the final acts of cruelty that led to his murder. When the doors of freedom opened, each of the victims followed their own path. Rose Brennan is a shrewd business women, who imports high end art and furnishings for the wealthy occupying Back Bay. She is the matriarch of the 'family,' her children and the victims of her late husband's cruelty. Rose's son, Charles, moved to Europe in search of exotic imports for his mother's business. Margaret, sullen and irascible, cannot find her place in the world.. Virginia, the child conceived by an Irish domestic and Charles Brennan, is approaching adolescence, and wants to know about her birth story. The Irish domestics are established with husbands and families. The Irish have a foothold in politics, with a plan to elect the first Irish Catholic mayor of Boston. Moira and Paddy McMahon's marriage, built on a foundation of secrets and lies, crumbles when Paddy finds the lure of politics greater than his love of family. Moira seeks the counsel of a new pastor, while Paddy comforts himself with whiskey, gambling and women. Boston's wealthy are moving to the new Back Bay. Katie O'Neil's husband, Sean, is at the center of the building boom. He offers a job to Etta's son. Matthew finds the logging camp in Maine a dreary and cold place to work. He's frozen out by the white Irish, rejecting him for his race. It takes all his strength to prevail as a negro in a white world. The freed slaves, Etta and William , continue to work for Mrs. Brennan. William, now married, observes their lives from afar, while Etta immerses herself and her sons, Matthew and Luke in the 'family.' Her sense of security is shattered when she learns Luke's actions could jeopardize her home and livlihood. Through the Open Door describes the effects of the abuse of power on its victims as they continue their lives. Through the experiences of its characters, it pays homage to the courageous men and women who left their homelands to assure a better life for their families, and provides the reader with an understanding of the rejection, humiliation and ultimate bravery of freed negroes as they assimilated into an unwelcoming white culture. Through the Open Door celebrates the accomplishments of the children of immigrants, and serves as a reminder that throughout the generations, joy, acceptance, heartbreak and loss are a part of every family's story. About the Author Joanne C. Parsons wrote her debut novel, Kitchen Canary, the year after she retired from a career in eldercare. Recently widowed, she found writing a creative escape from her grief. Kitchen Canary, a historical fiction novel, is based on her grandfather's birth story. He was conceived when the master of the house violated the Irish domestic. Joanne is now remarried and lives on a pond on Cape Cod in Massachusetts. She and her husband, Jim, have a bevy of grown children and grandchildren who enjoy spending time with Grammy and Auggie. Through the Open Door was written at the request of the readers of Kitchen Canary, who loved the characters as much as Joanne loved creating them.

Genres: Historical Fiction

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 19, 2018

Reviews

[Verlyn Victor Hobbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sequel

Better than fair sequel to Kitchen Canary. It carried on with the same characters and locale.Few new characters or storyline were added so nothing really progressed, it just continued, but maybe that is what it was meant to do. everything everything just flowed along with no huge exciting changes. A little too predictable which was disappointing. In my opinion it would have made a far superior single book of rather than splitting it in two, but I wasn't involved with writing or publishing the novel, so I don't know the author's time scape. Thoroughly enjoyed both books and highly recommend both
. I plan to read Ms. Parson 's next book and will get a better feel regarding my thoughts about a combining these two into one. These were her first books and you gain experience as you go so I look forward to her next work.

[Cathie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh what tangled webs

You'll need a slip of paper to keep track of these Characters. A Family saga of ever there was one, and oh so involved. Picking up where "Kitchen Canary" sort of left off and going on a slow race thru early Irish held Boston, the higher Rich and lowly Servants all who equalize in a Family tale. Well worth the read and the figuring out .

[carol michaels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through the Open Door

This book gave interesting insight into the extent of discrimination both racist and ethnic that determined the choices and paths of several generations in America even today.

[Terri A. Bentley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved every moment.

The description of this time in a world against humanity. You feel every cold winter, hunger, loneliness and love. Hope for a future where kindness and respect rule. Where God and peace prevail. Where family is the future and love has no boundaries.

[Linda Watson · Rating 2 out of 5]

A story about how several families join

From slaves to freed business women, the story is bbq about how strong women keep bbq their families, white and black together

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sigh..

A simple masterfully told story. William left me in tears at the end.

PLEASE! You must write more! You are a beautiful storyteller!

[Lisa Matheny · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent sequel. A great closure to the characters stories.

[Judy Palmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happily ever after

The family grew and got large . Most of the children being related some way like had brothers and half sisters.

[Kivalina Mauck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

Book ,this was a very nice book. I was sad for it to end. I enjoyed getting to know these people in first book. Then more in this book. Excellent read.

[Sandra Morrison-O'Donohoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this engrossing

Different from other books. Characters are thought provoking and believable. I surely will read more of this author very soon.

[Amber Rexrode · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love A Good Series

Love a good series and this one is no exception. To see the characters lives through their eyes brings the story to life.

[Irene Gonzales · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this sequel to Kitchen Canary, the characters all had an ending, left me happy.

[Barbara J. Doran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story!

Great story! Loved the characters and the way their lives were entwined! Hope for a follow up! Not ready to give them up yet!

[Tracy Schmucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous sequel

Enjoyed this sequel to Kitchen Canary! Kindle edition paragraphs kind of jump around, switching scenes, but it's easy enough to follow. Great story!