The Road
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
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.