Minnie

by Allen McGill

Minnie was not the name on her birth certificate, but the nickname stuck because there were too many Marys around the community -- mothers, sisters, aunts, cousins, in-laws, neighbors. She didn’t mind the name, as long as it wasn’t “Minnie the Moocher,” or “Minnie Mouse.” Then she’d get her Irish up.


At the turn of the century, Ireland’s birthrate was high and incomes were low. Minnie left for the New World to survive as best she could. Waitressing was her first job in New York City. Through menial jobs, she creates a life for herself, persevering through tragedy, heartbreak, and loss, which only strengthened her resolve.


Elderly now, Minnie is still as feisty as she used to be. Everyone thinks old ladies have money hidden away somewhere, but when thieves break down her door, intending to rob her of what little she has, she isn’t about to give up so easily.

Genres: Humor

ebook

First published January 20, 2013

About the author

Originally from NYC, Allen McGill lives, writes, acts and directs theatre in Mexico. His latest short novel is "Minnie," an Irish immigrant arriving at the beginning of the 20th Century - her trials, loves, tragedies; mainly her determination to make it in the "New World" with "Old World" humor. His published fiction, non-fiction, poetry, plays, photos, etc., have won awards and appeared in The New York Times, The Writer, Newsday, Literary Potpourri, Poetry Midwest, QLRS, The Heron’s Nest, Frogpond, Modern Haiku, World Haiku Review, and many others. He is a former member of PEN. He was an invited guest at the First World Poetry Festival in Taiwan 2005 and haibun editor for Simply Haiku and two of his plays have been professionally produced in Sacramento and L.A. His first book of poetry, "SUNSEEKERS", a selection of haiku and haibun by Allen McGill, was published by Golden Swamp Warbler Press.

Reviews

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story. Mr. McGill is a skillful writer who weaves the main character's back story, her arrival in New York from Ireland, and her marriages and subsequent children into a wonderful narrative about a survivor we would all do well to emulate. Minnie is a vibrant, interesting woman who has dealt with much tragedy and upheaval in her past but continues to move on in spite of--and perhaps because of --her Irish immigrant status, her independence and her willful determination to succeed in this life at all costs. I was immediately drawn to Minnie from the first paragraph, and you will be as well. If you love literary fiction with a main character that lives and breathes on the page, then this short story is for you. Who wouldn't love her?

[Allen Mack · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mature rags-to-medium income saga - a joy to read.