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A Champion For Justice
Goods & Effects follows a woman who sets out to sell her wares on the road and meets several people that change her perspective on life. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
As a child, I remember, once a month, a woman would stop by our house in her van-store. This woman did not live in the van, but I found it an intriguing way to make a living. Like Hannah, the protagonist in GOODS & EFFECTS, I was raised in a conservative Mennonite family. The novella is a work of fiction, but Hannah and I do share a similar spiritual journey. As I grew, gained an education and studied theatre in New York City, my desire to celebrate diversity and foster an atmosphere of inclusion grew. I wished to portray a woman who became sensitive to those outside her frame of reference and to be a champion for justice.
Your characters go on a deeply emotional and transformative journey in your novel. Is this intentional or incidental to the story you wanted to tell?
When writing the novella, I decided that in every scene/chapter Hannah must make a decision or have a change in attitude. So, I was very intentional in showing the change in Hannah’s religious beliefs, and to portray her unfolding journey where she embraced a humanistic vision.
What were some ideas that were important for you to include in this book?
I attempted to keep my story simple, but hopefully, not simplistic. I believe my strengths as a writer are crafting dialogue and implying subtext. I do not have a vast, complex vocabulary. As a writer, I think I focus more on plot and characterization than embellished, heightened language. I really think the reviewer from Literary Titan understood my style, my objectives, my sensibilities. For this, I am grateful.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?
I hope readers realize the world is not black and white, but a vast spectrum of grays. I hope readers identify with and cheer on Hannah. I hope readers see the novella in a sort of cinematic lens – that they can visualize it as a film.
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Larry… Maddie … Tom… Molly. As time passes and Hannah’s relationships deepen, her faith diminishes but her vision of humanity expands. Hannah Mercer is a clever problem-solver, a shrewd schemer, a spinner of tender lies, an advocate for justice, and a dream weaver.
Goods & Effects
Goods & Effects by Al Schnupp is a heartwarming story about a Mennonite woman in the 60’s named Hannah Mercer who’s trying to find her way in the world after the passing of her family. To help her gain independence and explore the world around her, she opens up a little shop on wheels called Hannah’s Goods & Effects. Along the way, we watch her grow into herself and face backlash from the town deacon because she has decided to march to the beat of her own gigantic drum. This inspiring story left me craving more in the best way possible!
Schnupp is a master at conveying real human emotions. Hannah and the side characters in this story felt realistic and fully-fledged. That comment is typically hard to give for books of this length. We received enough backstory about our protagonist without drowning in useless information. In a matter of 174 pages, our author managed to bring his characters to life and execute it beautifully. Further speaking on the character development, I appreciated Schnupp’s ability to write a female main character without her seeming like a mystical fantasy. That is a rare accomplishment from modern male authors. I also wanted to share my appreciation for diverse representation, especially for the time period the story takes place. We read about characters from different races as well as different abilities. Darla was an absolute treat to read about! This review wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the stunning writing and language used throughout the novel. It is simple yet carefully crafted. I felt that Schnupp spent a great deal of time choosing how to depict the story through language alone. Despite the simplicity, there was never a dull moment in the story. I was always waiting to see what Hannah would do next! Although parts of the story were sad, it was predominantly heartwarming.
Goods & Effects is a fantastic fall read, and I can’t wait to read it again in the future. If you get the chance, I highly recommend picking this book up, curling up on the couch, and sipping a mug of your favorite warm drink. You will fly through it, and it’s the best way to consume this story.
Pages: 166 | ASIN: B08XW1S1N6
LITERARY TITAN 