The Road

Elizabeth Crewe

Book Cover

GENRE

DRAMA MEMOIR

    Core Theme

    ON THE DAY OF HER GRANDDAUGHTER’S WEDDING, HELEN REFLECTS ON HER LIFE’S ARDUOUS JOURNEY AND THE FORMIDABLE CHALLENGES SHE’S CONFRONTED, ALL IN THE PURSUIT OF SURVIVAL AND THE PRESERVATION OF HER UNWAVERING DIGNITY.

    TIME PERIOD

    20th Century (multiple decades)

    COMPARABLE TITLES

    THE HOURS

    CHARACTER LIST

    • HELEN. LEAD. STRONG MORAL CODE, RESILIENT.

    • LUCY, THE GRANDDAUGHTER, BRIDE-TO-BE.

    • NICK, HELEN’S EX-HUSBAND, ANTAGONIST. JOHN,

    • NICK’S AFFAIR, ANTAGONIST.

    • SOPHIE, DAUGHTER, MOTHER OF THE BRIDE.

    • CHARLOTTE, DAUGHTER, DECEASED AT 11 YEARS OLD.

    Logline

    A grandmother reminisces through trauma to eventual happiness. Grandmother sitting with her granddaughter the eve of her granddaughter's wedding, recalling old memories. She is left alone and sleeps, dreaming of her early marriage to an emergent homosexual in the '70's, cancer of a child and the subsequent traumas........

    Target Audiences

    Age: 55+

    Target Gender: Universal

    Setting

    Parts of England

    Based on a True Story

    Yes

    Publishing Details

    Status: Yes: with a Publisher

    Publisher: Austin Macaulay Publishers Ltd.,

    Year Published: 2018

    Starting Description

    It is fiction based on true facts that have happened in my life. It's about wives in the '70's unable to break free and having to 'put up' with circumstances (homosexuality and cancer) and keeping a 'stiff upper lip'.

    Ending Description

    A wedding, true happiness, and a final acceptance of a grandson's homosexuality and finally putting the past behind her.

    Group Specific

    Information not completed

    Hard Copy Available

    No

    ISBN

    Information not completed

    Mature Audience Themes

    Substance Abuse

    Plot - Other Elements

    Meaningful Message, Twist, Happy Ending, Philosophical Questions

    Plot - Premise

    Overcoming Monster/Villain

    Main Character Details

    Name: Helen Sands

    Age: 40

    Gender: Female

    Role: Emotional

    Key Traits: Strong Moral Code, Naive, Faithful, Perseverance, Romantic, Educated, Honorable, Selfless, Charming

    Additional Character Details

    Name: Sophie who is young (7) at the beginning and is the mother of the bride at the end

    Age: 55

    Gender: Female

    Role: Emotional

    Key Traits: Blunt

    Additional Character Details

    Name: Grumps

    Age: 70

    Gender: Male

    Role: Emotional

    Key Traits: Masculine, Strong Moral Code, Adventurous, Confident, Decisive, Faithful, Honorable, Leader

    Additional Character Details

    Name: William

    Age: 46

    Gender: LGBT

    Role: Antagonist

    Key Traits: Aggressive, Sarcastic, Unapologetic

    Genre

    DRAMA, LGBT, ROMANCE

    Brief

    At her granddaughter’s wedding, Helen recalls a tumultuous past, marked by her marriage to a brutal man who later revealed his homosexuality. Helen’s life takes another tragic turn with the loss of her granddaughter, Charlotte, to cancer, and she embarks on a solitary journey to Greece, finding solace within a supportive community. This emotionally charged narrative explores themes of love, family, resilience, and self-discovery against the backdrop of diverse settings and cultural contexts.

    Overall Rating

    FAIR

    Point of View

    FIRST PERSON

    Narrative Elements

    Authors Writing Style: GOOD

    Characterization: GOOD

    Commerciality: FAIR

    Franchise Potential: FAIR

    Pace: GOOD

    Premise: GOOD

    Structure: GOOD

    Theme: GOOD

    Accuracy of Book Profile

    Sections missing.

    Draw of Story

    What captivated my interest right from the beginning of the story were the vivid descriptions of the settings provided by Helen. Her portrayal of the 1940s era, including the opulence represented by the many rings adorning women’s fingers, immediately transported me into a rich and visually compelling narrative from a world that is completely different from the one we live in.

    Possible Drawbacks

    There wasn’t much that made me consider putting the book down, but I did notice some passages that could be improved in terms of discussing sensitive subjects like homosexuality. In Chapter 2, for instance, there’s a phrase that reads “man pretended to be normal” which might be perceived as implying that homosexuality is abnormal. To avoid this, it’s crucial to use language and descriptions that are sensitive to diverse perspectives and experiences.

    Use of Special Effects

    THE STORY RELIES A LITTLE BIT ON SPECIAL EFFECTS

    Primary Hook of Story

    The hook that would draw me into watching this movie lies in its visually enticing portrayal of various historical settings and the compelling theme of a woman’s resilience in the face of adversity. In an age where stories of personal triumph and strength are particularly appealing, the narrative promises a captivating journey that resonates with the human spirit.

    Fanbase Potential

    The potential for a sizable fanbase for this story, if adapted effectively, primarily hinges on the depth of character development, particularly in portraying the protagonist’s vulnerability and relatability. Audiences are drawn to characters who exhibit personal growth and transformation, enabling them to forge a deeper connection with the character’s journey. The narrative, with its intricate experiences such as a turbulent marriage and unconventional family dynamics, presents an ideal platform for character evolution. By delving further into the protagonist’s inner struggles and emotional vulnerabilities, the audience can more readily empathize with her challenges and triumphs, making it appealing to a wide and diverse audience. Additionally, the story’s rich historical and cultural settings, spanning the opulence of the 1940s to the beauty of Greece, offer visually stunning backdrops and an interplay of cultural elements that can further captivate viewers, making it a compelling candidate for adaptation with the potential for a broad and enthusiastic fanbase.

    Awards Potential

    The potential for this story to garner awards is certainly plausible, particularly due to the rich tapestry of Helen’s memories that spans multiple decades and encompasses a diverse array of captivating settings and behaviors. Awards often gravitate toward narratives that skillfully encapsulate a wide spectrum of human experiences and emotions, and this story’s ability to do just that, in conjunction with the exploration of complex family dynamics and personal growth, positions it as a strong contender for critical acclaim.

    Envisioned Budget

    MEDIUM BUDGET

    Similar Films/TV Series

    THE HOURS, TITANIC (NARRATIVE STRUCTURE)

    What’s New About the Story

    What’s distinctively original about this story is its initial portrayal of a typical privileged woman, which then takes a compelling twist as the narrative delves into the complex and difficult choices she made over the course of her life. This shift not only unveils the inner turmoil of the protagonist but also offers a profound exploration of the challenges women face, transcending mere financial considerations. To make it even more unique, the story could focus on strengthening the multi-generational aspects.

    Lead Characters

    What distinguishes the lead character, Helen, is her extraordinary strength and resilience, which transcend the societal norms and expectations of her upbringing. Her ability to navigate and overcome the challenges that life presents, particularly those stemming from her turbulent marriage, showcases her exceptional determination and underscores her as a character who defies stereotypes. This exceptional strength in the face of adversity makes Helen a truly remarkable and inspiring protagonist, and her character’s evolution throughout the narrative serves as a testament to the power of the human spirit.

    Uniqueness of Story

    While this book undeniably possesses the elements of a good story, there is potential for it to shine as a rare gem if subjected to a comprehensive professional revision process. The narrative’s core is compelling, filled with rich characters and multifaceted themes, but the true brilliance of the story might be unlocked through refined writing, structural enhancements, and a meticulous review to ensure that the intricate layers are interwoven. An experienced editor’s touch could elevate the storytelling, iron out any inconsistencies, and fine-tune the pacing to create a more immersive and impactful reading experience. With these improvements, this book has the potential to transcend and resonate with a wider and more discerning audience.

    Possible Formats

    Film: Studio, Indie, Streaming TV Series: Network, Cable, Limited Run / Mini-Series, Streaming

    Analyst Recommendation

    CONSIDER

    Justification

    Consider this story because it holds the potential to be a profoundly impactful narrative. However, it warrants careful consideration for revisions that would enhance its writing and structural aspects. With thoughtful refinements, it has the capacity to evolve into a literary work that not only resonates on a deep emotional level but also captivates the reader through a more engaging storytelling experience.

    Brief

    In the midst of her granddaughter Lucy’s joyous wedding, Helen, a woman with a storied past, shares the tale of her tumultuous life. She recounts her union with a brutal, closeted homosexual husband, who introduced a third party into their lives, triggering a series of shocking events. As secrets unravel, Helen’s decision to divorce leads to profound consequences, including the death of one of her beloved daughters. Through loss, resilience, and self-discovery, Helen’s journey ultimately takes her to Greece, where a tight-knit community offers solace and support in the face of life’s most profound challenges.

    What We Liked

    Overall, the combination of well-developed characters, intricate themes, unexpected storytelling, and cultural depth makes this story a compelling and enriching choice from a vast library of narratives. It offers a captivating journey through the lives of its characters, making it a worthy selection for those seeking an emotionally charged and intellectually rewarding story.

    Film: This story’s potential for film adaptation rests in its compelling characters, dramatic storyline, and multi-generational theme. In a feature film format, the concise storytelling can provide a concentrated and impactful narrative, allowing audiences to connect with the characters and their
    journey. The visually rich settings, spanning different periods and cultures, would offer a captivating cinematic backdrop. Furthermore, the story’s emotional depth and universal themes make it suitable for a wide-ranging audience. The tightly structured film format can effectively capture the essence of the story, making it a poignant and resonant cinematic experience.

    TV: This story’s suitability for a TV adaptation lies in its intricate characters, dramatic narrative, and multi-generational theme. The serialized TV format enables a deep dive into character development, secrets, and plot twists over episodes, keeping audiences engaged. Its visual diversity, spanning various settings and cultures, adds an appealing backdrop, while its emotional depth caters to a broad audience. Additionally, subplots and family dynamics offer room for expansion, making it an ideal choice for a long-running series that resonates profoundly with viewers.

    Key points: Intriguing plot twists; historical and cultural elements; universal themes; strong female protagonist; multilayered characters.

    Synopsis

    The story commences on Lucy’s wedding day, featuring the poignant interaction between Helen, Lucy’s grandmother, and the bride-to-be. Over tea, Helen fondly reminisces about her affluent past, recounting the opulence of women adorned in their finest jewelry and delves into the intriguing history of the cherished family tea set. In the midst of this conversation, she drifts into slumber, revisiting the tumultuous and emotionally charged chapter of her life, when she was unhappily married to a cruel, violent, and disrespectful man who later revealed his homosexuality and invited his lover, John, to live with the family. William, John, and Helen embark on an unconventional living arrangement, attempting to maintain a semblance of normalcy. Helen develops an unexpected fondness for John initially, as he tempers William’s harshness. However, when their family discovers the unorthodox nature of their relationship, shock and horror ensue, prompting Helen to make the painful decision to divorce. Both men depart, leaving her to seek legal counsel. In the aftermath, Helen’s world is shattered as she learns that William has emptied their shared house. The story takes another tragic turn when Helen’s granddaughter, Charlotte, succumbs to cancer at the tender age of 11. Stricken with grief, Helen seeks solace at her parents’ home, only to discover that William has looted their shared residence. As she grapples with these profound losses, Helen embarks on a solitary journey to Greece, where she is embraced by the supportive local community, offering her a glimmer of solace in the midst of life’s trials. Despite the trials she has endured over the years, Helen stands as a symbol of strength, having weathered life’s storms and arrived at this significant juncture. Lucy knows that her grandmother, a living repository of both cherished memories and painful experiences, has shared with her a profound and moving chapter of her past and family history.

    About The Author

    Elizabeth Crewe lives in Northumberland with her husband. She loves paintings, walks in the countryside and 'odd' antiques. She has worked as an actress in Repertory, both here and abroad, and for the National Theatre (on tour), as well as being in television and films. She has worked in the past for the National Trust in East Anglia, helping with events, and was a co-founder of a Chamber Opera Company, helping to promote and give experience to up-and-coming young people.