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Self-Review – Dominick and Angela

Published by Janet Gershen-Siegel on October 12, 2023

A Review of Dominick and Angela

I really like this little story of how a small time mobster is changed by love and leaves his old life behind. Dominick decides to leave it all behind before he is pulled any deeper into the mob life. But he absolutely cannot leave without Angela.

Background

The initial section came from a one-word prompt: bilk. I wanted someone who would almost defend that as a life choice, to bilk people out of their money.

But then Dom grew on me, and I came to the conclusion that he and Angie needed to get out.

This is a short story that I wrote in 2021 to keep sharp between NaNoWriMo months.

Plot

Knowing that his life is only going to get worse, Dominick decides he needs to leave it all behind. At the same time, he’s in love with Angela and wants to make a life with her.

The story therefore starts in the confessional at St. Catherine’s, where he’s talking to Father Russo about his dilemma.

But it turns out that this is not Father Russo’s first rodeo.

Oh, and FYI, there is no Saint Catherine’s on Staten Island.

Characters

The characters are Dominick Ottomanelli and Angela, his girlfriend (I never actually gave her a maiden name). We also see his mother, Louise and his Nonna (grandmother). The only other characters are Marina Santiago and Father Russo, with quick appearances by the cleaning lady Marjery Simms, and the caretaker, Robert Kowalczech.

Other characters I mention but you never see them, namely Paul White; Martha Renatti and her child, a toddler; Louie D’Antonio and his family, Anita, Mario, Tammy, and Kathy; and Marina’s colleague, Jeff.

Memorable Quotes from Dominick and Angela

Father Russo sped through the ceremony as quickly as possible. When it got to the time for their vows, Angie held up a hand. “I want to say something.”

“Of course.” The priest stepped back a bit.

“My mother always said that marriage is a great adventure. I’m glad my adventure is gonna be with you.”

“E ticket all the way, baby.”

“By the power vested in me by the state of New York, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

Rating

The story has a K+ rating, as I mention some fairly nasty violence but it’s never onscreen.

Takeaways for Dominick and Angela

So, I don’t honestly know how accurate his life or the process of covering up his existence are. But I don’t think they matter as much s how this story makes me feel, and I hope how it makes a reader feel. And it doesn’t have a home yet. Still, I hope a publisher (or maybe just me!) will take a chance on a lovable galoot like Dominick.

Will Dominick and Angela make it? Even I have no idea. #amwriting

Published inWriting