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Donora Story Collection #1
After the Fog
Librarian note: An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.
It's 1948 in the steel town of Donora, Pennsylvania, site of the infamous “killing smog.” Public health nurse, Rose Pavlesic, has risen above her orphaned upbringing and created a life that reflects everything she missed as a child. She’s even managed to keep her painful secrets hidden from her doting husband, loving children, and large extended family.
When a stagnant weather pattern traps poisonous mill gasses in the valley, neighbors grow sicker and Rose’s nursing obligations thrust her into conflict she never could have fathomed. Consequences from her past collide with her present life, making her once clear decisions as gray as the suffocating smog. As pressure mounts, Rose finds she’s not the only one harboring lies. When the deadly fog finally clears, the loss of trust and faith leaves the Pavlesic family—and the whole town—splintered and shocked. With her new perspective, can Rose finally forgive herself and let her family’s healing begin?
It's 1948 in the steel town of Donora, Pennsylvania, site of the infamous “killing smog.” Public health nurse, Rose Pavlesic, has risen above her orphaned upbringing and created a life that reflects everything she missed as a child. She’s even managed to keep her painful secrets hidden from her doting husband, loving children, and large extended family.
When a stagnant weather pattern traps poisonous mill gasses in the valley, neighbors grow sicker and Rose’s nursing obligations thrust her into conflict she never could have fathomed. Consequences from her past collide with her present life, making her once clear decisions as gray as the suffocating smog. As pressure mounts, Rose finds she’s not the only one harboring lies. When the deadly fog finally clears, the loss of trust and faith leaves the Pavlesic family—and the whole town—splintered and shocked. With her new perspective, can Rose finally forgive herself and let her family’s healing begin?
419 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 12, 2012
1216 people are currently reading
1920 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Shoop
49 books1,126 followersBestselling author, Kathleen Shoop, holds a PhD in reading education and has more than 20 years of experience in the classroom. She writes historical fiction, women’s fiction and romance. Shoop’s novels have garnered various awards in the Independent Publisher Book Awards, Eric Hoffer Book Awards, Indie Excellence Awards, Next Generation Indie Book Awards and the San Francisco Book Festival. Kathleen has been featured in USA Today and the Writer’s Guide to 2013. Her work has appeared in The Tribune-Review, four Chicken Soup for the Soul books and Pittsburgh Parent magazine. She lives in Oakmont, Pennsylvania with her husband and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews
May 3, 2012
3.5 I love stories based around historical fact especially one I had never heard about. Donora, Pennsylvania is a mill town, three mills that employ a great many of the men, but this comes with a high price. In 1948, after a wind shift, the fog moves in, the pollution and the fog cause and great many to sicken and die. Rose, a very strong woman, a nurse, a mother and a wife who tries to handle everything in her life competently, although she is exhausted. When the townspeople sicken her role of nurse becomes even harder and the secrets of her past threaten to overwhelm her. This is a novel about a strong woman trying to do her best, to overcome her past and to deal with adversity the best she can. I really admired her character, her stamina and her devotion to her family and her town. Well written and forthright, this is a solid story created around historical fact. ARC from NetGalley.
September 30, 2014
After the Fog by Kathleen Shoop is a 2012 publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Based on real events that took place in 1948 Pennsylvania concerning the “Killing Smog” the story tells the story of Rose, an independent nurse with a slight penchant for nipping vodka here and there. She is determined her children will have life other than the one most in the town of Donora live, which is work at the mill. But, Rose's husband and extended family is unaware of Rose's closely guarded secrets. All of that will change when the gas from the mill lies stagnant over the town.
Going in I knew this book was not a romance or mystery in the usual sense and that it was stark and depicted a harsh life and living conditions. I have read several of Kathleen's books and at first, I will admit, I didn't really know quite how to take her stories. But, after read a couple of her romances I began to really appreciate her style and grew to admire her courage as an author. She is not afraid to tackle the darker sides of life which is realistic and emotional and raw. And boy does it ever pack a powerful punch.
The only complaint I had with this book was it had a few mistakes in it , they were minor, but it did affect the rating only because I know others have and will bring it up and it should be noted. However, this book is the best one I have read so far from this author. Yes, Rose is a very difficult to understand character, especially in the beginning. However, the more I learned about her past, the more I understood her and felt sympathy for her plight. I know people who are sort of like Rose. She never slowed down, not ever. It was perhaps too painful to stop and contemplate very painful matters or deal with family issues in depth. It was easier to focus on her duties and rules. But, when the funding for her job is in jeopardy, her daughter makes a startling announcement, or two, and her son informs her of his new career plans, plus her marriage begins to show some cracks when she learns her husband, Henry has been less than honest with her by keeping secrets ,Rose begins to turn to alcohol more and more often. If that weren't bad enough the smog rolls in and Rose finds herself face to face with a part of her past she has never been able to deal with and is at the root of all that troubles her soul. One bad thing after another follows like a domino effect until Rose is absolutely broken.
It's at this point that Rose pulls herself up and takes a good hard look at herself and doesn't at all like what she sees. But, is it too late? Has she lost everything?
Well, it's not too often that I end up doing the ugly cry , but this one really got to me. But, not for the reasons you might think. I actually saw hope and inspiration in this story. Life was hard for the people of this town even in the best of times. To have something like this happen was devastating and there were many deaths. It was sad. Rose's life was particularly difficult and while she never meant to come away as being rough around the edges, she was simply dealing with life the only way she new how to. If you have children, then you know you want them to have a better life. Rose wanted that too. She was very disappointed at the direction their lives were taking, and then the behavior of her husband leaves her feeling even more fragile. But, in the end things look much, much brighter. Things will be different from the way Rose thought they should be, but things are going to be much better for everyone without all the baggage and lies and secrets. Rose will know she is loved, respected and that despite some of her terse character flaws, she has set a good example for her children to follow. The bonds of family are like no other and this book shows that although we may go through crisis and we may not always get along or see eye to eye, our family is there for us through good and bad and will forgive us our for our flaws and mistakes like no one else will or can. So I think this story was ultimately uplifting and satisfying.
I really liked this book and I am learning to appreciate this author's voice more and more. This one is 4.5 stars.
Based on real events that took place in 1948 Pennsylvania concerning the “Killing Smog” the story tells the story of Rose, an independent nurse with a slight penchant for nipping vodka here and there. She is determined her children will have life other than the one most in the town of Donora live, which is work at the mill. But, Rose's husband and extended family is unaware of Rose's closely guarded secrets. All of that will change when the gas from the mill lies stagnant over the town.
Going in I knew this book was not a romance or mystery in the usual sense and that it was stark and depicted a harsh life and living conditions. I have read several of Kathleen's books and at first, I will admit, I didn't really know quite how to take her stories. But, after read a couple of her romances I began to really appreciate her style and grew to admire her courage as an author. She is not afraid to tackle the darker sides of life which is realistic and emotional and raw. And boy does it ever pack a powerful punch.
The only complaint I had with this book was it had a few mistakes in it , they were minor, but it did affect the rating only because I know others have and will bring it up and it should be noted. However, this book is the best one I have read so far from this author. Yes, Rose is a very difficult to understand character, especially in the beginning. However, the more I learned about her past, the more I understood her and felt sympathy for her plight. I know people who are sort of like Rose. She never slowed down, not ever. It was perhaps too painful to stop and contemplate very painful matters or deal with family issues in depth. It was easier to focus on her duties and rules. But, when the funding for her job is in jeopardy, her daughter makes a startling announcement, or two, and her son informs her of his new career plans, plus her marriage begins to show some cracks when she learns her husband, Henry has been less than honest with her by keeping secrets ,Rose begins to turn to alcohol more and more often. If that weren't bad enough the smog rolls in and Rose finds herself face to face with a part of her past she has never been able to deal with and is at the root of all that troubles her soul. One bad thing after another follows like a domino effect until Rose is absolutely broken.
It's at this point that Rose pulls herself up and takes a good hard look at herself and doesn't at all like what she sees. But, is it too late? Has she lost everything?
Well, it's not too often that I end up doing the ugly cry , but this one really got to me. But, not for the reasons you might think. I actually saw hope and inspiration in this story. Life was hard for the people of this town even in the best of times. To have something like this happen was devastating and there were many deaths. It was sad. Rose's life was particularly difficult and while she never meant to come away as being rough around the edges, she was simply dealing with life the only way she new how to. If you have children, then you know you want them to have a better life. Rose wanted that too. She was very disappointed at the direction their lives were taking, and then the behavior of her husband leaves her feeling even more fragile. But, in the end things look much, much brighter. Things will be different from the way Rose thought they should be, but things are going to be much better for everyone without all the baggage and lies and secrets. Rose will know she is loved, respected and that despite some of her terse character flaws, she has set a good example for her children to follow. The bonds of family are like no other and this book shows that although we may go through crisis and we may not always get along or see eye to eye, our family is there for us through good and bad and will forgive us our for our flaws and mistakes like no one else will or can. So I think this story was ultimately uplifting and satisfying.
I really liked this book and I am learning to appreciate this author's voice more and more. This one is 4.5 stars.
December 30, 2013
The author gave me an ARC of After the Fog in exchange for an honest review. I had a hard time getting into this story. It was really depressing and the protagonist Rose was too controlling and demanding to be very likeable. After the Fog shows the lives of the people during the Industrial Revolution. Centered in the steel town of Donora, PA in 1949 it is based on true events. The "fog" refers to the unusual weather pattern caused stagnation of the overlying air that mixed with the poisonous smoke billowing endlessly from the steel mill furnaces which caused numerous deaths and respiratory problems. Rose is a nurse who is struggling to care for a large section of the sickening population.
I am a fan of historical fiction and the premise intrigued me. Unfortunately, this well-researched historical tale is rather melodramatic. It would please any fan of Opera's Book Club, but did not hold my interest. The characters are well developed and the intricate plot is intense. If you are looking for a deep historical read you might like this one.
I am a fan of historical fiction and the premise intrigued me. Unfortunately, this well-researched historical tale is rather melodramatic. It would please any fan of Opera's Book Club, but did not hold my interest. The characters are well developed and the intricate plot is intense. If you are looking for a deep historical read you might like this one.
July 21, 2019
A thoroughly engrossing read, to me. I knew nothing about this tragedy prior to reading this book but a little googling was eye-opening. This historical novel was set in Donora, Pennsylvania in 1948, when a rare combination of weather and air pollution from steel and zinc factories combined to wreak havoc with the air quality in the town, creating a toxic fog that killed 20 in less than a week and sickened many more citizens. Combining history and a hard-drinking, cussing colorful female nurse as protagonist, Kathleen Shoop did a great job at bringing this brief but tragic event alive for me. Marred by the usual missing commas and a few other copy editing mistakes that so often plague free Kindle downloads, I still enjoyed it very much. I found the f-bombs and detailed sex scenes unnecessary to the story, and the amount of vodka Nurse Rose managed to kick back and still do her job unrealistic (I would have been passed out!), but these minor points only detracted a bit from this story that needed to be told. Very satisfying!
March 13, 2013
The story was interesting to me because I am from Pittsburgh, and more specifically from Oakmont which is where the author lives. I think the story was reflective of the time period - the characters, their reactions, the ethnic diversity, and the influence of mill life on families and the community. It is not only the story of the killing smog in 1948, but also the story of a strong and determined career woman, uncharacteristic of 1948. The characters are believable and fairly well developed.
I have read a few independently published works, and they have the same weaknesses. They are not well edited. As a result, there are misspellings, some misuse of words, poor punctuation, and repetition. The writing is not as tight as it could be. My reading enjoyment comes from both the story and the writer's craft. A little tweaking and this could rate a good 3 stars!
I have read a few independently published works, and they have the same weaknesses. They are not well edited. As a result, there are misspellings, some misuse of words, poor punctuation, and repetition. The writing is not as tight as it could be. My reading enjoyment comes from both the story and the writer's craft. A little tweaking and this could rate a good 3 stars!
June 28, 2013
The subject matter itself was quite interesting; the way in which it was told was a huge disappointment. I really disliked the main character, which completely ruined the entire book for me. The subject of the killing fog was really intriguing, but it was told via a judgmental, irritating and narcissistic character. I didn't connect with her, as a matter of fact, I just didn't care what happened to her because she was THAT irritating. Her holier-than-thou attitude got old really fast and her constant self pity just made me want to throw her into the fog hoping she would never emerge. I kept hoping the author would move past this selfish character and focus more on the fog. Such a disappointment.
August 12, 2016
I was intrigued by this title after watching a reenactment on The Weather Channel about the "killer" fog that hit Donora, PA in 1948. A polished cover and a tight, well written blurb had me asking the library to order a copy (which they did - they are great that way!).
Unfortunately, I was hoping for a tale that had everyday working people overcoming the situation by banding together as a community. Instead, the protagonist was abrasive and it struck me that every cliche in the world was thrown in...mangy dog, gambling, orphaned, dementia, poor little rich girl, questioning of one's faith, liquor and a few others that would require a spoiler alert.
If you like a little historical fiction with your soap opera, this one's for you. Personally, I was hoping for more history, less histrionics.
Unfortunately, I was hoping for a tale that had everyday working people overcoming the situation by banding together as a community. Instead, the protagonist was abrasive and it struck me that every cliche in the world was thrown in...mangy dog, gambling, orphaned, dementia, poor little rich girl, questioning of one's faith, liquor and a few others that would require a spoiler alert.
If you like a little historical fiction with your soap opera, this one's for you. Personally, I was hoping for more history, less histrionics.
December 22, 2012
Set in the Pennsylvania town of Donora, After the Fog tells a story of a community nurse, Rose Pavlesic, whose life and family begin to fall apart as a dangerous fog takes over the town in 1948. While the characters and situations they find themselves in are fictional, the deadly fog from the steel and zinc mills of Donora is a very real historical event and provides a fascinating backdrop for this melodramatic story.
Rose is a no-nonsense, tough, hard working, community nurse. She is dedicated to her job and invested in the lives of the families she calls on and takes pride in her neat appearance and professional demeanor. I can see how she could come off as a cold, unlikable character, but as we learn about her background and the reasons behind her decision to become a nurse, I thought her personality was right for the time and her station in life.
The majority of the book takes place over five days in October during the build up of the fog as we follow Rose around the town, making calls on sick families and preparing to ask the wife of a wealthy mill owner to fund her job for another year. Meanwhile, her husband is keeping secrets about his job, her brother-in-law is in trouble over gambling debts, her lazy sister-in-law refuses to do any housework, her daughter announces she doesn't want to go to college, and her football star son declares he'd rather go to Juilliard than Notre Dame the week a scout is scheduled to visit. All of these people (and more!) are living under the same roof, so needless to say, the tension and drama is high.
I was really intrigued and invested in the story of Rose and the people of the mill town, but about halfway through the book, I thought it lost some of its momentum. There was simply so much going on, it was a bit overwhelming. Poor Rose and her family had drama after drama, and secrets Rose thought she had long since buried and put behind her came back to haunt her. On top of all this, the fog from the mills is getting worse and people are getting sick, demanding more of Rose. Through it all, the danger of keeping secrets from those you love most and the theme of forgiveness is brought to a head by the end of the novel.
I would have enjoyed this book more if it had focused a bit more on the killer fog and perhaps one or two of the dramatic family situations Rose is struggling to work through. As it is, it reads a bit like one of the classic melodramatic films of the 40's and 50's, and there is nothing wrong with that. If you're in the mood for a good historical fiction melodrama set in post-war America, After the Fog is an enjoyable and engaging read.
Rose is a no-nonsense, tough, hard working, community nurse. She is dedicated to her job and invested in the lives of the families she calls on and takes pride in her neat appearance and professional demeanor. I can see how she could come off as a cold, unlikable character, but as we learn about her background and the reasons behind her decision to become a nurse, I thought her personality was right for the time and her station in life.
The majority of the book takes place over five days in October during the build up of the fog as we follow Rose around the town, making calls on sick families and preparing to ask the wife of a wealthy mill owner to fund her job for another year. Meanwhile, her husband is keeping secrets about his job, her brother-in-law is in trouble over gambling debts, her lazy sister-in-law refuses to do any housework, her daughter announces she doesn't want to go to college, and her football star son declares he'd rather go to Juilliard than Notre Dame the week a scout is scheduled to visit. All of these people (and more!) are living under the same roof, so needless to say, the tension and drama is high.
I was really intrigued and invested in the story of Rose and the people of the mill town, but about halfway through the book, I thought it lost some of its momentum. There was simply so much going on, it was a bit overwhelming. Poor Rose and her family had drama after drama, and secrets Rose thought she had long since buried and put behind her came back to haunt her. On top of all this, the fog from the mills is getting worse and people are getting sick, demanding more of Rose. Through it all, the danger of keeping secrets from those you love most and the theme of forgiveness is brought to a head by the end of the novel.
I would have enjoyed this book more if it had focused a bit more on the killer fog and perhaps one or two of the dramatic family situations Rose is struggling to work through. As it is, it reads a bit like one of the classic melodramatic films of the 40's and 50's, and there is nothing wrong with that. If you're in the mood for a good historical fiction melodrama set in post-war America, After the Fog is an enjoyable and engaging read.
May 29, 2012
3.5 stars
I was eager to read After the Fog after Kathleen Shoop's debut novel The Last Letter moved me to tears.
Set in the steel and zinc mill town of Donora, Pennsylvania this fictional story is based on a real event, the "Donora Death Fog" of 1948. Where mill polution, greed, ignorance and nature combine with tragic consequences.
Once again Kathleen Shoop provides gritty detail of harsh conditions and bitter realities, struggling families and realistically flawed characters. Rose Pavlesic is a community health nurse, complex, strong, controlling and despite her selfless profession she's not particularly likeable. Readers are privy to Rose's struggle regarding her family, her faith, her past, as her personal life unravels so does the disaster in Donora.
I knew nothing about this event which is said to be America's worst air pollution disaster. Shoop does a great job conveying how toxic and deadly the environmental conditions were, and as difficult as it is to comprehend it's even more shocking to realise how recently it occurred. But on a positive note the deadly smog of Donora led to Clean Air Legislation being implemented.
After the Fog was certainly an interesting read, I enjoyed it but it didn't have the harrowing 'heartache-y' quality of The Last Letter.
I was eager to read After the Fog after Kathleen Shoop's debut novel The Last Letter moved me to tears.
Set in the steel and zinc mill town of Donora, Pennsylvania this fictional story is based on a real event, the "Donora Death Fog" of 1948. Where mill polution, greed, ignorance and nature combine with tragic consequences.
Once again Kathleen Shoop provides gritty detail of harsh conditions and bitter realities, struggling families and realistically flawed characters. Rose Pavlesic is a community health nurse, complex, strong, controlling and despite her selfless profession she's not particularly likeable. Readers are privy to Rose's struggle regarding her family, her faith, her past, as her personal life unravels so does the disaster in Donora.
I knew nothing about this event which is said to be America's worst air pollution disaster. Shoop does a great job conveying how toxic and deadly the environmental conditions were, and as difficult as it is to comprehend it's even more shocking to realise how recently it occurred. But on a positive note the deadly smog of Donora led to Clean Air Legislation being implemented.
After the Fog was certainly an interesting read, I enjoyed it but it didn't have the harrowing 'heartache-y' quality of The Last Letter.
March 21, 2013
Author: Kathleen Shoop
Published by: Create Space
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Book Blog For: GMTA
Rating: 4
Review:
"After the Fog" by Kathleen Shoop was a novel based on a real event in 1948, in in Donora, Pennsylvania that sickened over 7000 people. We find a nurse named Rose Pavkesic was the main character and was presented a unlikeable person, but why was this? We do find out later in the read as she shares her 20 year old secrets of why she harbors these hateful and resentful feelings that give her the drive to become independent and very determined to succeed. But what would she have to do in order for this to happen? Now, this is where I say you must pick up "After the Fog" to see how this author will lead the reader into this historical (Killing Smog) that did happen right her in the United States. If this read sound depressing...it's here! If you like some mystery...it's here! If you like history...it's here! And if you even like romance, its here too. In the end will everyone begin to see some light through the fog? Be prepared to be immersed in this story's 'struggles, hopes and dreams'...and I think the most important of this novel is there nothing important than the love of one's family.
If you are looking for a good historical fiction..."After the Fog" would be recommended to you as a good enjoyable read.
November 19, 2012
This novel is based on a real event. In 1948, a smog settled over the Pennsylvania mill town of Donora and sickened over 7000 people. The central character, Rose, is a competent nurse, but a very unlikeable character. OK, I get it that life has not been kind to you, Rose. But gee, give those around you a break! Her frustrations and dislikes are glaringly apparent. About mid way thru the book, when Rose shares her 20-year-old secrets with a priest, it becomes clear why she harbors these hateful and resentful feelings. Her torment has given her the drive to become independent, strong and determined to succeed, but at what cost? If only she could be as generous with her own family as she is with her patients.
This book started slow for me (and the reason I give it 4 stars) but about ¼ of the way into it, it pulled me in and I was hooked. I grew to really admire Rose, someone who tried to do her best and was devoted to her family. Very well written.
This book started slow for me (and the reason I give it 4 stars) but about ¼ of the way into it, it pulled me in and I was hooked. I grew to really admire Rose, someone who tried to do her best and was devoted to her family. Very well written.
October 16, 2014
This book just had me. From the very first page with the opening scene, I just couldn't put it down. From there it was hard to stop and I loved the fact that the main character was so real. To be honest she has a lot of the same qualities that I do, maybe that's why I identified with her and admired her. If you've checked out my previous book reviews you know I don't go into detail because I don't want to give anything away. Just know that this book is DEFINITELY worth reading. It's about real people and real situations. It's one of the best books I've read lately and I would highly recommend it.
March 8, 2013
I'm really bummed about this one. I thought it sounded like such an interesting premise and it has pretty good reviews on here, not to mention that I got it for 99 cents for my iphone nook. Unfortunately, I got about 20 pages in and called it quits. The language is awful and one of the first scenes is fairly vulgar. I don't want to read trash, especially from a female author. I don't know why but that makes it worse somehow!
August 14, 2014
The central figure, Rose, is not particularly sympathetic. Her character is flawed, complex, interesting and admirable.
Read full review in the 2012 September issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2012 September issue of InD’tale Magazine.
June 10, 2019
This was an excellent book that i really enjoyed! The book was so well written and loved the historical information and slang since i'm from Pittsburgh. I will be reading more of her books!
July 18, 2025
This is # 1 in the historical fiction Donora series but I read it last. I thoroughly enjoyed # 2 & # 3, but this one not so much which surprised me. The main character, a community nurse, was not very likable. The setting is Donora PA, a mill town during the weeks before, during, & after the "Fog" disaster, a true catastrophic event in the Fall of 1948. These stories compelled me to research the disaster which led to the first Clean Air Act.
I'm looking forward to the 4th book in this series. Shoop has the knack for transporting you into the locations and lives of her characters.
I'm looking forward to the 4th book in this series. Shoop has the knack for transporting you into the locations and lives of her characters.
March 27, 2025
This book felt really long and it seemed to drag. Interesting enough characters and the historical situation of the Donoran fog was based on fact but there were times I had to force myself to keep going. I’ve read other books by this author but this one wasn’t a favorite.
August 13, 2021
I really disliked the main character which completely ruined the story for me.
May 17, 2020
A rougher Call the Midwife.
December 22, 2021
This interesting and little heeded story at the root of the environmental protection movement simply isn't readable. The storytelling is muddled and chaotic. No editing to speak of, but as a professional editor I don't see how that would be possible, given the narrative confusion. Sorry, too, because the characters could have been interesting, and the story certainly needs to be told.
July 14, 2020
I liked this book. I had read the author before and was not impressed. The storyline centers on an actual event that occurred in a Pennsylvania mill town. The mills gave off a natural fog, but the fog became deadly due to coincidental atmospheric conditions. To keep a house clean, one had to dust twice a day. The fictitious storyline was good if not a little drawn out. Each character is affected by the fog, and things are said and done that would be better off not said or done. However, the lives of the characters come to a good conclusion.
The action is so similar to the pandemic that we are
living under this very day. The fog event was not s long as the current pandemic, nor were the damages as great. Regarding the pandemic outbreak, we are still isolating in house, but things are opening up. The Aquatic Center is open, but masks are required until one gets into the water. I can do that!
Thank you, Ms. Shoop, for a good read.
The action is so similar to the pandemic that we are
living under this very day. The fog event was not s long as the current pandemic, nor were the damages as great. Regarding the pandemic outbreak, we are still isolating in house, but things are opening up. The Aquatic Center is open, but masks are required until one gets into the water. I can do that!
Thank you, Ms. Shoop, for a good read.
December 14, 2015
Kathleen Shoop hypnotises readers with her words bringing the story to life in such an encapturing way that it is so hard to put the book down.
In the mill town of Donora lives Rose and her dysfunctional family. Rose is a nurse who strives to ensure that her community is looked after, nursing is her life but with the worry that their funding is running out hanging over her head. After growing up in an orphanage Rose is adamant that her children will have the best that live can give, that is her mission, her focus in life. Although things don't go according to plan for Rose, her control to ensure they get away from Donora has become questioned and betrayed is how she now feels. What her family are not aware of is why Rose is the way she is, the deep hidden secrets and hurt she hides away.
The background of the family structure and the plight of the mill workers and families make you feel that you have become absorbed into the era and the story. She brings the characters into the hearts and minds of the reader, the nice ones and even the not so nice ones, Although I was caught out by the twist to the story.
People in Donora are proud of their industrial background, the mills are a way of life to them and they owe the mills for giving them jobs to be able to provide for their families. Living in the constant noise, smell, hardship and worry that their loved ones might be injured or worse at work is just the norm to them, let alone the never ending fog that surrounds the village.
I know the book was based around the real tragic events for the local Donora residents but even so you would still have been easily taken in by the story. The tragedy of the killing smog and the sad loss of lives and those who suffered illnesses was handled in a considerate way, it become clear that the author had put a lot of care and research into the story and I feel has done the Donora people proud.
Following on from such a traumatic event, is hard for everyone, especially Rose and my heart did go out to her. There were a lot of similarities between myself and Rose, especially a current one with my son and his education which made me smile as I had the same realisation as Rose did in the end.
A nice ending to a realistic and gritty tale and I am one seriously hooked fan and that's just after reading two of her books, I cannot wait to read the next, in fact I need it right now!!
In the mill town of Donora lives Rose and her dysfunctional family. Rose is a nurse who strives to ensure that her community is looked after, nursing is her life but with the worry that their funding is running out hanging over her head. After growing up in an orphanage Rose is adamant that her children will have the best that live can give, that is her mission, her focus in life. Although things don't go according to plan for Rose, her control to ensure they get away from Donora has become questioned and betrayed is how she now feels. What her family are not aware of is why Rose is the way she is, the deep hidden secrets and hurt she hides away.
The background of the family structure and the plight of the mill workers and families make you feel that you have become absorbed into the era and the story. She brings the characters into the hearts and minds of the reader, the nice ones and even the not so nice ones, Although I was caught out by the twist to the story.
People in Donora are proud of their industrial background, the mills are a way of life to them and they owe the mills for giving them jobs to be able to provide for their families. Living in the constant noise, smell, hardship and worry that their loved ones might be injured or worse at work is just the norm to them, let alone the never ending fog that surrounds the village.
I know the book was based around the real tragic events for the local Donora residents but even so you would still have been easily taken in by the story. The tragedy of the killing smog and the sad loss of lives and those who suffered illnesses was handled in a considerate way, it become clear that the author had put a lot of care and research into the story and I feel has done the Donora people proud.
Following on from such a traumatic event, is hard for everyone, especially Rose and my heart did go out to her. There were a lot of similarities between myself and Rose, especially a current one with my son and his education which made me smile as I had the same realisation as Rose did in the end.
A nice ending to a realistic and gritty tale and I am one seriously hooked fan and that's just after reading two of her books, I cannot wait to read the next, in fact I need it right now!!
October 2, 2012
Thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I love reading books from different eras and this certainly was informative, with the backdrop set in the 1940's in Donora, Pennsylvania surrounding the 'killing smog'.
The book had a wonderful balance of fact and fiction; following Nurse Rose Pavlesic struggle to care for her patients and balancing it with her family life. It's nice to see that women had the same guilty balance then as they do now; working hard whilst trying to raise the family the best they could. Sometimes society seems to forget this and that it is the modern woman who invented this. It's comforting to see that women have been strong characters for longer than what we think.
I loved how Rose's character was strong and bold; I really felt for her at the beginning of the book and almost experienced her exhaustion that emulates from the story. It is contrasted wonderfully with the character of Sara Clara, whose laziness drives you to irritation in comparison to Rose's whirlwind life.
There was some lovely imagery throughout the book; even little details conjured up the biggest pictures. One of my favourite's was the description of Unk recycling the baby jar's - screwing the lids into the wood on the walls and filling the jars with construction items, then screwing these back into the lids. I could just picture this wall dotted with baby jars containing nuts and bolts.
I almost felt like I was choking along with the residents of Donora as the smoke from the zinc mills gets freakishly trapped by the weather. Another beautiful piece of imagery is the smoke not rising properly and visibly hitting a 'wall' in the sky that seems to push its poisonous gases back down to earth. That in itself has me gasping for breath.
Another description I loved was the coal seam trapped inside earth, part of the world but not able to contribute to it. I won't explain this any further as it may give part of the story away but I thought that was a perfect way to sum that particular scenario up.
As the story unfolds, it becomes apparent why Rose is so controlling and you feel her highs and lows; with all the secrets and lies from within her family colliding together in the height of the 'killing smog'.
I would recommend this as not only does it have a good story to it, it is also interesting to learn about the 'killing smog' of Donora.
I love reading books from different eras and this certainly was informative, with the backdrop set in the 1940's in Donora, Pennsylvania surrounding the 'killing smog'.
The book had a wonderful balance of fact and fiction; following Nurse Rose Pavlesic struggle to care for her patients and balancing it with her family life. It's nice to see that women had the same guilty balance then as they do now; working hard whilst trying to raise the family the best they could. Sometimes society seems to forget this and that it is the modern woman who invented this. It's comforting to see that women have been strong characters for longer than what we think.
I loved how Rose's character was strong and bold; I really felt for her at the beginning of the book and almost experienced her exhaustion that emulates from the story. It is contrasted wonderfully with the character of Sara Clara, whose laziness drives you to irritation in comparison to Rose's whirlwind life.
There was some lovely imagery throughout the book; even little details conjured up the biggest pictures. One of my favourite's was the description of Unk recycling the baby jar's - screwing the lids into the wood on the walls and filling the jars with construction items, then screwing these back into the lids. I could just picture this wall dotted with baby jars containing nuts and bolts.
I almost felt like I was choking along with the residents of Donora as the smoke from the zinc mills gets freakishly trapped by the weather. Another beautiful piece of imagery is the smoke not rising properly and visibly hitting a 'wall' in the sky that seems to push its poisonous gases back down to earth. That in itself has me gasping for breath.
Another description I loved was the coal seam trapped inside earth, part of the world but not able to contribute to it. I won't explain this any further as it may give part of the story away but I thought that was a perfect way to sum that particular scenario up.
As the story unfolds, it becomes apparent why Rose is so controlling and you feel her highs and lows; with all the secrets and lies from within her family colliding together in the height of the 'killing smog'.
I would recommend this as not only does it have a good story to it, it is also interesting to learn about the 'killing smog' of Donora.
May 18, 2012
A novel filled with believable characters set in well-researched time and location, with such well-drawn historical insights it leaves the reader trembling for today, Kathleen Shoop’s After the Fog is hard to put down, fiercely absorbing, and furiously real.
The conflict of jobs vs. environment, and financial vs. human concerns is vividly portrayed through the lives of a multi-generational family in Donora PA just after the Second World War. Unions have at least made living conditions less fatal for the workers and their families, but the idea that the air we breathe can kill us is still new, and a doctor campaigning for clean air meets obstruction from local workers who need the jobs as well as from rich mill-owners. I’d read of this kind of situation in poverty-stricken Eastern European countries. To find it in the recent history of the US was distinctly disturbing and scary, but the author has researched her background well and tells a convincing tale with great authority.
The protagonist, Rose, is a wonderfully complex character, living out her life and often saving lives, hiding the issues of her past as surely as the Donora fog hides suffering, and the need for money hides the importance of a healthy environment. Not always likeable, she’s very believable, a wounded character who wants to save everyone but can’t see through the fog to her own family’s needs.
As the Donora fog descends, the fog over Rose’s life begins to lift. A curious coincidence leads her to re-examine the past. Motivations become clearer, but clarity doesn’t heal, any more than the lifting of the fog will release the citizens from its sickness. Lies and half-truths form a fog of their own in this tale, and healing is hard work. But there is light at the end of the fog, and the blend of personal lessons with environmental horrors is nicely unlabored in this long but absorbing novel.
Disclosure: I received a free ecopy of this novel from the World Literary Café in exchange for my honest review.
The conflict of jobs vs. environment, and financial vs. human concerns is vividly portrayed through the lives of a multi-generational family in Donora PA just after the Second World War. Unions have at least made living conditions less fatal for the workers and their families, but the idea that the air we breathe can kill us is still new, and a doctor campaigning for clean air meets obstruction from local workers who need the jobs as well as from rich mill-owners. I’d read of this kind of situation in poverty-stricken Eastern European countries. To find it in the recent history of the US was distinctly disturbing and scary, but the author has researched her background well and tells a convincing tale with great authority.
The protagonist, Rose, is a wonderfully complex character, living out her life and often saving lives, hiding the issues of her past as surely as the Donora fog hides suffering, and the need for money hides the importance of a healthy environment. Not always likeable, she’s very believable, a wounded character who wants to save everyone but can’t see through the fog to her own family’s needs.
As the Donora fog descends, the fog over Rose’s life begins to lift. A curious coincidence leads her to re-examine the past. Motivations become clearer, but clarity doesn’t heal, any more than the lifting of the fog will release the citizens from its sickness. Lies and half-truths form a fog of their own in this tale, and healing is hard work. But there is light at the end of the fog, and the blend of personal lessons with environmental horrors is nicely unlabored in this long but absorbing novel.
Disclosure: I received a free ecopy of this novel from the World Literary Café in exchange for my honest review.
July 1, 2019
Rose, a community nurse, finds her carefully controlled life coming undone with her brother-in-law gambling the family savings, her children veering away from their college plans, her husband keeping secrets and her own past creeping into her present, all as an intense smoky fog settles in, endangering everyone.
The specific time and place of this story was such an asset, it sets this apart from so many other historical novels by fictionalizing an event that I’m not sure is all that widely known, or at least I certainly wasn’t aware of it, and I always like accidentally learning something while reading for pleasure. Plus the fog and soot make for such an atmospheric backdrop, perfectly suited to this family in crisis already choking on the secrets they’re keeping.
Speaking of those secrets, the story hinges on a lot of them, which I do sometimes find problematic in a book but I thought they were handled well here, doling out reveals at the right pace to have an impact, and maybe more importantly, I was never annoyed thinking a character should have figured something out before they did. I also appreciated that the end took its time in coming so we could see everyone, especially Rose adjust to living with their truths.
Rose will probably be the make or break factor for many who pick up this book, she isn’t likable all the time, she has a slew of flaws. I’m fond of heroines with hard shells and vulnerable insides, so right from her first interaction with the dog she claimed to dislike yet had a soft spot for, I was on board with her. I did have frustrations with her, some of the cruelty that came out of her mouth, particularly in regards to her daughter was cringeworthy, but the author does such a great job of helping you understand those moments, of establishing why Rose is the way she is, showing you all the labor, the guilt and the hurt piling up on her to the point of emotional and physical exhaustion. Some readers may find Rose to be too much, mostly I just found her wonderfully complicated, conflicted, and human.
The specific time and place of this story was such an asset, it sets this apart from so many other historical novels by fictionalizing an event that I’m not sure is all that widely known, or at least I certainly wasn’t aware of it, and I always like accidentally learning something while reading for pleasure. Plus the fog and soot make for such an atmospheric backdrop, perfectly suited to this family in crisis already choking on the secrets they’re keeping.
Speaking of those secrets, the story hinges on a lot of them, which I do sometimes find problematic in a book but I thought they were handled well here, doling out reveals at the right pace to have an impact, and maybe more importantly, I was never annoyed thinking a character should have figured something out before they did. I also appreciated that the end took its time in coming so we could see everyone, especially Rose adjust to living with their truths.
Rose will probably be the make or break factor for many who pick up this book, she isn’t likable all the time, she has a slew of flaws. I’m fond of heroines with hard shells and vulnerable insides, so right from her first interaction with the dog she claimed to dislike yet had a soft spot for, I was on board with her. I did have frustrations with her, some of the cruelty that came out of her mouth, particularly in regards to her daughter was cringeworthy, but the author does such a great job of helping you understand those moments, of establishing why Rose is the way she is, showing you all the labor, the guilt and the hurt piling up on her to the point of emotional and physical exhaustion. Some readers may find Rose to be too much, mostly I just found her wonderfully complicated, conflicted, and human.
August 1, 2012
After the Fog reminds us that the sins of our past come back to haunt us and unknowingly shapes who we are in the present.
Rose is having one hellish week. Her job is in jeopardy, her family is falling apart and her secret past is turning her inside out. On top of all that, the people of Donora, PA are dropping dead from the "killing smog". This mix makes for a compelling read.
I really like Rose. She's such a complex character, hopelessly flawed and deeply scarred but at the same time courageous, kind and caring. She's a no nonsense hard working gal that calls it as she sees it. She can curse like a sailor and drink like one too. She's a mom that wants secure futures for her children. She's a wife that never denies her husband his pleasures and puts up with his less than ideal family. She's a caring, take charge nurse. I think any working mom can relate to Rose's struggles, that need to be everything to everybody.
It's the 1940's and many townsfolk think Rose would do better to stay home and take care of her family. She's constantly battling against tradition and trying to juggle everything. Rose has broad shoulders but even they can only carry so much. She struggles with forgiving herself so she can give herself to those she loves.
Not surprisingly, the things that go on behind the closed doors of this mill town are troubling. Hate, lies and deceit descend like the fog itself.
I would have liked the story to have delved into the "killing smog" a little bit more. The book starts off on a run with a death and loses a little of that steam midway. It ends up being well rounded and very well thought out though. I really enjoyed being surprised by some of the revelations that were revealed.
This book was provided for review by Netgalley.
Rose is having one hellish week. Her job is in jeopardy, her family is falling apart and her secret past is turning her inside out. On top of all that, the people of Donora, PA are dropping dead from the "killing smog". This mix makes for a compelling read.
I really like Rose. She's such a complex character, hopelessly flawed and deeply scarred but at the same time courageous, kind and caring. She's a no nonsense hard working gal that calls it as she sees it. She can curse like a sailor and drink like one too. She's a mom that wants secure futures for her children. She's a wife that never denies her husband his pleasures and puts up with his less than ideal family. She's a caring, take charge nurse. I think any working mom can relate to Rose's struggles, that need to be everything to everybody.
It's the 1940's and many townsfolk think Rose would do better to stay home and take care of her family. She's constantly battling against tradition and trying to juggle everything. Rose has broad shoulders but even they can only carry so much. She struggles with forgiving herself so she can give herself to those she loves.
Not surprisingly, the things that go on behind the closed doors of this mill town are troubling. Hate, lies and deceit descend like the fog itself.
I would have liked the story to have delved into the "killing smog" a little bit more. The book starts off on a run with a death and loses a little of that steam midway. It ends up being well rounded and very well thought out though. I really enjoyed being surprised by some of the revelations that were revealed.
This book was provided for review by Netgalley.
August 24, 2012
An interesting story based on the Donora Smog event. A town nurse "Rose" is juggling working and having a family. She has worked her entire life to put her past behind her and for a better life for her children. She has kept many many secrets from them and pushed them extremely hard for what seems to be her own dreams and not their own. Not intentionally she just wants them get the heck out of Donora and have a wonderful life, but in this she has somehow forgotten how to listen to them.
Her past comes crashing back . The town of Donora is covered by thick, dirty smog that is making everyone truly sick. The town is in a lot of trouble.
This one is not bad it just was not fast enough paced for my liking. I would think if you are in the area you might definitely find it interesting with the information about Donora and the horrid smog.
Her past comes crashing back . The town of Donora is covered by thick, dirty smog that is making everyone truly sick. The town is in a lot of trouble.
This one is not bad it just was not fast enough paced for my liking. I would think if you are in the area you might definitely find it interesting with the information about Donora and the horrid smog.
April 5, 2013
This book is not for the faint hearted. It is almost 900 pages on the nook, and the theme is survival of the residents in the mill town of Donora, PA when living in such a place was hazardous to the health of all, even before the five days of really terrible fog and smog. The main character is Rose Pavlesic, a community nurse. In her zeal to do her nursing, she is sometimes accused of neglecting her pregnant unmarried daughter, Magdalena, her athletic and musically talented son, Johnny, and her husband, Henry, a millworker. They survive the five days, but a number of residents do not. I found this to be gritty, but good.
April 27, 2019
Kathleen Shoop really has a knack of transporting you back in time to Donora with sights, sounds and smells, I could vividly imagine life in this era perfectly whilst reading. Set in 1948 in the mill town of Donora this story is based around the time of the killing smog that engulfs the town and sees its residents fall fowl to the effects off the constant mill works.
Secrets galore come out amidst the smog and life for Rose and her family is forever changed. This was a really long book longer than I am currently used to reading at the moment, but Shoop's descriptive scenes and the story held my attention that I hardly noticed how long it was.
Secrets galore come out amidst the smog and life for Rose and her family is forever changed. This was a really long book longer than I am currently used to reading at the moment, but Shoop's descriptive scenes and the story held my attention that I hardly noticed how long it was.
June 3, 2020
I grew up here
I lived just up river from Donora in the 40s and 50s. I remember seeing the cover of Life magazine depicting the horror of the smog. I remember the hillsides of the Mon Valley denuded of all growth downwind from the mills.
But I could not have captured the people as Kathleen Shoop does. I felt like I was home again.
Thanks for recreating part of my childhood.
I lived just up river from Donora in the 40s and 50s. I remember seeing the cover of Life magazine depicting the horror of the smog. I remember the hillsides of the Mon Valley denuded of all growth downwind from the mills.
But I could not have captured the people as Kathleen Shoop does. I felt like I was home again.
Thanks for recreating part of my childhood.
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