Danny Boy
Danny Boy is Laura's debut publication; "The idea came to me in the Autumn of 2012; at first I was reluctant to put pen to paper, having always struggled to finish my stories."
But Danny wouldn't be ignored and the idea began to consume Laura day and night until the only way she could rid him from her mind was to write his story. "This was a bit of a personal story for me in a way - I became the aunty to a disabled nephew when I was just ten years old and I loved him the moment I laid eyes on him. His disability was not Downs Syndrome but a rare genetic condition which meant that he never walked, or talked and sadly he passed away in June 2012, aged just 18. My nephew was a true hero, in life and again in death, as his passing saved the lives of two others by way of organ donation. This is why Danny Boy is for him, a small tribute from me to him. I was aware from the moment of his diagnosis, that people looked at disabled children and adults differently; a kind of uncomfortable, uncertain look takes over their faces, as though they aren't quite sure what to do or say. This is why I felt the need to see Danny through to the end, tell his story and hopefully open a few eyes - and minds." Copyright © Laura J Whiskens. * Reached no. 16 in the Amazon Kindle Top 100 chart *
(Free, Short Stories - 7th July 2013) |
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Reviews for Danny Boy:
"This is such a beautiful story of great friendship without prejudice and unconditioned love. I had Goosebumps throughout the story and I was surprised when tears started pulling down my cheeks in the end." "Beautiful and well written story about a true friendship! Brought tears to my eyes! Very refreshing and I look forward to more from this author!" "Very glad I did (buy this), cracking little read (in a non schmaltzy way) that brings into perspective without preaching or talking down to the reader. Obviously very personal to the author - but no lesser a read for that." "I've just read Danny Boy - what an emotional story. It feels so very real that I wonder if this is an actual memoir of yours as opposed to a work of fiction? I really feel the connection between you and Danny and you establish a very special friendship even though it's only a short story." |