A Difficult Crossing

by Vincent Donovan

More than noble promises are lost when the ice breaks on World End Pond... A murderous drowning...
A missing woman feared dead...
Its uncanny resolution depends upon a half-drowned man that discovers his better half survived. Christopher Maguire is devastated after losing his parents in a plane crash and determined to raise his eight-year-old sister. Still reeling from the tragedy, he becomes an eyewitness to the jealous rage of his cousin. When he attempts to stop a brutal attack in the middle of a snowstorm, the ice suddenly gives way. Christopher wakes up suffering the consequences of oxygen deprivation and finds his former life has all but drowned too. But in a cruel year, Christopher discovers the unique innocence and beauty of Mary, who strives to lead a normal life despite a neurological disorder. A strange apparition on a dark road emboldens him to embark on a risky journey to fill in the missing pieces of what happened when the ice broke. In the process, Christopher comes to realize how living on the margin allows him to discover the center.

370 pages, Paperback

Published October 22, 2018

About the author

Vincent Donovan, a two-time quarter-finalist in the highly competitive Amazon Breakthrough Novel Contest, graduated with a B.A in English from Merrimack College and an M.B.A from Rivier University. For over twenty-seven years, Vin worked in leadership positions in the biopharmaceutical industry, allowing him to bring a unique blend of creativity and business acumen to his writing. A runner most of his life, Vin uses that time to work out plot lines and characters. He has a large family with crazy and creative grandsons but is especially passionate about being the change you want to see in the world by volunteering with the Society of St Vincent de Paul to help many who have nowhere else to turn. No work of charity is foreign to this ministry.

Reviews

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twists and turns galore! Loved the characters and the family (family dysfunction).

[David Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly feel like Vincent Donovan’s A Difficult Crossing was written just for me. The setting of early eighties in Massachusetts was where and when I came of age. I also could relate to the character Christopher’s angst of feeling torn in half by his obligation to his Christian faith and his desire to rebel his upbringing. This novel has themes on par with classic novels such as The Catcher in the Rye, The Outsiders, or A Separate Peace, but Donovan’s sharp wit and keen observations are what make it outstanding. This is not a satire, but you’ll still find yourself laughing throughout.
Donovan doesn’t just sprinkle in the 80s references (many of which I hadn’t thought of in years) here and there, they are a genuine character in the story. Make no mistake Vincent is not just a great historian, he’s a superb storyteller. The scene where the muscle cars race onto the frozen pond and the subsequent tragedy that follows, is one of the best written few chapters I’ve ever read. His great imagery, detailed descriptions, and strong dialogue are just a part of what make him a top-notch writer.
A Difficult Crossing is suitable for all audiences 9-90. Everyone will enjoy Christopher’s story of navigating through the mine fields of love and law, like we all have.

[Nancy Lucci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking

This book made me think a lot about the challenges more public citizens of a town can face. I remember Mary in my hometown of Salem, NH and how cruel people treated her. I love how the author gave her a very full life which the real Mary could have had without many realizing it. The story held my attention throughout the book and I find myself still thinking of the many plot line occurring within the story. Thanks for a great read!