CAPE TORMENT (CAP TOURMENTE)

Richard,

This is simply stunning. It is one of those books that from the opening lines you just know its terrific and truly gripping. This is one of my fave genres and as I was unfamiliar with the original background it made it a really good thriller for me. I worked in the field of true crime (forensics .... photography) back in the 70s / 80s and I love the writing and atmosphere that you have created. I also appreciate the research that went into this as a writer myself ..... its all in the research .... that minute fact .... that description of something real ..... I spent time in Italy with my published books on St Clare of Assisi and St. Gemma Galgani of Lucca so I know the pains you went to. What you have researched and put down is also so visual. If I were a publisher or filmaker I would drop everything for this. Well done .... by far one of the best reads on Authonomy

John-Paul ("In Violet")

Dear Richard

I have read some of the praise that "Cap Tormente" has received, and I have to say - I agree. This is spellbinding writing , full of emotion - mainly anguish, from what I have read so far - but very readable, despite some glitches with presentation.

Despite sorrow and anguish not being my favourite topics, I just find this so readable. There is something in the fluency of your style, the sadness of the story unfolding - youngest son Macbaine dying, just like that - that just begs to be read. Perhaps because it is based on true events. perhaps because your unsentimental delivery gives the account truthfulness. There is so much to like, about the story, its presentation and the way you write.

For such an awesome package, with such reach and ambition, there is only one place for this. On my shelf asap. Meantime, would you accept my WL, top marks and a small apology?

Wonderful.

Fran Macilvey, "Trapped" xx :)

Cape Torment is a great book. I am not sure whether a book has been written before on this topic and I applaud you for its uniqueness. The lawyer’s point of view is emotionally conveyed as he watches an execution. He is inwardly thwarted by the proceedings since there is nothing more he can do. The prologue is poignant; it will take a few tissues to get through. As I read on, I realize this is no ordinary book. It is powerfully charged with a pitch that pulls a large audience. Research has made your characters vivid and authentic. I say it’s a winner and I have rated it highly. Claire ~ Chasing Pharaohs.

Hello, Richard--I started to read "Cape Torment" when I saw the words "Quebec City," which I've found delightful. Much impressed with your heart-wrenching prologue, I continued reading for ten chapters and then skipped ahead, impatient to learn more about the crime. I was disappointed to find some chapters unavailable, but it served me right for trying to save time. I'd already read enough to judge the writing superb. The characterizations are perceptive and the descriptions vivid. Emotions are conveyed with gripping intensity. The scenes employing the "universal author" are well handled, many with clear, realistic dialogue. In short, this is a fine novel, professionally executed, and I would buy or recommend it without a moment's hesitation. It will be on my virtual shelf today--and best of luck to you.

Bill Carrigan
"The Doctor of Summitville"

What a great story! The first book I look at on this site and it grabs me by the throat. Fantastic! Can't wait to read more.

Brilliant pitch and exciting, detailed, well researched writing. Top stars and on my watch list.

Cathy

Richard, a very deep story. I have enjoyed this beyond words. So well written with some humour which I really like. I wish you luck int he future.
Sean.
if you get a chance have a look at B.A.O.R...

Wow! Nicely written and discriptive all the way. What can I say, its deep story even though I haven't finished read it, but very interesting with a few humours parts I found. Great work, can't wait to conclude this

Cape Torment (Cap Tormente).
By Richard Donovan.


Absolutely brilliant writing!
The prologue for me is exceptional, capturing the sadness of the whole spectacle.
The sense of despair is taken over by acceptance of the punishment—there’s no way out of this.
If this was a dream then the sleeper would wake up covered in sweat…the finality of it is frighteningly penned.
The scene of the Nuns and the Priest, trying to bring comfort to the condemned, the helplessness of the lawyer as he oversees the final minutes.
For me this is a most compelling read with a striking feel of reality about it.
I truly hope that this book will be published…Why?...because you won’t get any better than this.
Six stars!!

Very best wishes,

Neville. The Secrets of the Forest – Cosmos 501.

Arggh! The software ate my comment. Richard, this is really gorgeous writing. It has a powerful pull to it, and a poetic aura. You serve up a great mix of description and spare dialog that works quite well. This book should see great success! Best of luck, and if you're up for some children's literature, please come visit the Lost Wink.
Thanks!
Tod
http://authonomy.com/books/40646/the-lost-wink/

I liked this.

A lot of show, little, if any tell. The finality of the woman's last moments and her acceptance of her fate are very moving. Only criticism is the spacing of some of the lines but I got used to it. Not a fan of present tense but the writing was so good it swayed me enough not to realise until near the end of the first chapter.

Nice going.

Maria

Awesome story! Happy to Back your work. Hope you have a chance to check out Dark Side by CC Brown.
Sue50

One of the best books I've read so far on this site. Gripping, great read, easy to follow, characters are well rounded, just plain interesting. Plan to come back and read much more. No recommendations at this time. A real page turner I plan to put on my bookshelf.

Quite a great effort. well researched and well written

I don't understrand why you used present tense in the prologue like directions in a script. However, you changed that starting in the first chapter and it worked well. I am a sucker for mysteries and have one being considered at a publisher, so I am giving it four stars and will be back to read the rest to see how it ends. I may put it on my shelf then.

This is truly excellent, from the beginning you grab the read by throat and run with it, superb read. Karen Faking it in France.

Dear Richard A friend on Authonomy recommended your book and I read the introduction and couldn't put the book down. I'm on ch 20 now.
I wanted to propose a swap initially but rather put the cart before the horse.
If you would still be interested my book has 25,000+ words and I really would appreciate a read,comment and if warranted a rating?
I have Cap Torment on my watchlist for the time being. Hope to hear from you in nearby future.
Kind regards
Maretha African Adventures of Flame Family Furry and Feathered Friends

CAPE TORMENT
This book has a dramatic beginning: a woman waiting to be hung. I like the way you go from there back in time to explain how a woman got into that predicament. Liffey and Kate are both good characters; I identified with Liffey right from the start (I’m assuming she’s the woman on the scaffold but wish you had given her name in the first chapter so I could be sure). You describe well the difference in childbirth between the 1940s and today (really makes me appreciate that epidural). Your writing style is good for historical fiction: you’re adept at writing enough detail a reader can picture what is happening; not so much you bog down your story. Highly starred and added to my shelf. Wanttobeawriter: Who Killed the President?

Richard,
i read five chapters straight off. this is great, just great. The first is just desperate and graphic and drags the reader down a one way street. Your style and the pace are pitched just right but i find the formatting pretty eratic - that might just be the Authonomy download.

i could find no fault other than 'Packhard' - should be Packard

Well done- a fist full of stars and on my watch list

regards

Cyrus

Richard,

This is simply stunning. It is one of those books that from the opening lines you just know its terrific and truly gripping. This is one of my fave genres and as I was unfamiliar with the original background it made it a really good thriller for me. I worked in the field of true crime (forensics .... photography) back in the 70s / 80s and I love the writing and atmosphere that you have created. I also appreciate the research that went into this as a writer myself ..... its all in the research .... that minute fact .... that description of something real ..... I spent time in Italy with my published books on St Clare of Assisi and St. Gemma Galgani of Lucca so I know the pains you went to. What you have researched and put down is also so visual. If I were a publisher or filmaker I would drop everything for this. Well done .... by far one of the best reads on Authonomy

John-Paul ("In Violet")

Your writing is terrific, as I’ve found are most authors on this site. Your novel is on my watch list, ready to read in its entirety as soon as I can. Six stars; and will back when I can. James Dalton.

Wow! This should be published. Don't wait for this site to put you on ED only to get rejected. My publisher would love to have this. Contact them.

Dear Richard

I have read some of the praise that "Cap Tormente" has received, and I have to say - I agree. This is spellbinding writing , full of emotion - mainly anguish, from what I have read so far - but very readable, despite some glitches with presentation.

Despite sorrow and anguish not being my favourite topics, I just find this so readable. There is something in the fluency of your style, the sadness of the story unfolding - youngest son Macbaine dying, just like that - that just begs to be read. Perhaps because it is based on true events. perhaps because your unsentimental delivery gives the account truthfulness. There is so much to like, about the story, its presentation and the way you write.

For such an awesome package, with such reach and ambition, there is only one place for this. On my shelf asap. Meantime, would you accept my WL, top marks and a small apology?

Wonderful.

Fran Macilvey, "Trapped" xx :)

I'm loving this and I need to read more before coming to a judgement. I think much of your writing is very good... but every now and again there are phrases that jar. For example, when one character says, "Seriously, Liffey..." it didn't ring true - not that one should try and write as people might have spoken in 1946, but that just struck me as too modern. Also, I know this is a true story... but would she have gone to hospital to have the baby? In the UK, most women had their babies at home during this period. If she's going to the hospital for a reason - because the baby is going to be taken away - then it might be worth mentioning that, to avoid historical accuracy antennae twitching!
In every other respect - a gripping story, and I'm keen to read more. And stories based on true historical accounts are often adapted to movies - so - good luck!

Hi Richard

I've put your work on my watchlist. Don't worry if it takes me a few days to get back to you, it's just that I work silly hours.

If you have any spare time, is there any chance you could cast your eye over Motive Irrelevant to see what you think of it? it's a crime thriller with a few twists.

Regards

RB Ray

I was only going to read the first few pages of this book but I was so caught up in the story I went well beyond that. Atmospheric, spine chilling, well written, certainly a page turner. A powerful story.

Cape Torment is an exceptionally good read and I would love the luxury of reading all that is posted but time does not permit I’m afraid. I like your writer’s voice and the pace that you write this story. From the dramatic prologue and into the first three chapters there is a lot to admire. This is professionally honed piece and needs very little work to make it a six star read.
I wish you luck
Sue
Knowing Liam Riley
One foot in the Jungle

Dear Wee Timrous Mousie,

Thank you very much for your continued backing of ''Cape Torment.'' Your support and comments are greatly appreciated.

The point you have raised is a very valid one. It is absolutely appropriate, and only to be expected, that any reader of this book -based on a true story- would question the author's decision to change the names of all the characters within it. Friends have done so, and I'm really rather surprised that you are only the second reader to have asked me about it here. It's been a difficult issue, one that I've wrestled with ever since I decided to run within the novel the parallel story of the flight's stewardess, who I'ved named Liffey MacBaine. Initially intending to write only about the crime and its convicted perpetrators I had no qualms about giving those people their real names. Although researching their backgrounds was far from easy - little being documented really - I felt reasonably comfortable putting mostly imagined words into their mouths to recount a history I estimate to be approximately ninety-percent factual. However, I was concerned about inadvertantly glamourizing these sentenced villains, learning from my research - and from my own life's experience - that, in such cases, the names of the criminals involved are often remembered forever, whereas the innocent victims, who's lives they've destroyed, are usually forgotten. I decided to introduce the story of one of those people who quite innocently and through fate alone had found themselves caught up in the terrible tragedy and, for reasons too lengthy to go into here, I finally approached the living relatives of this young woman to see if they would agree to my including what they knew of her personal story in my book. Fortunately, they embraced the idea wholeheartedly and, after flying to meet them in Canada several times over the ensuing years, they have become good, personal friends.

( Continued below )

Sadly, ''Liffey's'' parents had died years ago and, although we were able to gather a lot of information which would serve me well in conveying the essence of her personal story, I soon realized that I would have to rely upon my imagination to fill in areas we had no clear answers to. It is because I had to touch upon some very personal aspects of her life, describing her feelings and thoughts with my voice rather than hers, that I cannot claim to have done full justice to her truth in the end. That would be impossible. But I have attempted to write sympathetically and with sensitivity about a good human being, who one elderly school friend described as being beautiful on both the inside and the outside. I suppose on some level I have become emotionally involved with the person who gradually evolved to become the book's principle character; and it was only out of respect for her and her fellow, ill-fated travellers (most of who's relatives I was unable to trace) that I arrived at the overall decision regarding the name changes. Having consulted with those most directly involved, I feel it was the right choice to make. If I am ever fortunate enough to have a publisher take a genuine interest in the book, I'm sure they will pose the same fair question you have, and I can only hope that, just as I hope you will, having read my explanation they might begin to consider my action to be an acceptable one.

Many thanks again for your important comments and the support you have already given to ''Cape Torment.''

Best regards,

Richard Donovan

I watched the video trailer and I have to ask why you made up new names rather than use originals? I like the story and back it.

For those who might be interested, I have recently uploaded a book trailer to YouTube. Enter ''Cape Torment'' or ''Albert Guay'' to view. Thanks, Richard

Richard, the prologue made me want to keep reading and I did. You have a good plot to start with, but succeeded to weave the emotional thread that brings readers emotionally into the story.I like your writing style. It flows well. Vivid descriptions.
T. Donna Robison (No Kiss Good-bye)

I vaguely recalled seeing an old drama and a few minutes in the research section turned up Albert Guay. I'm puzzled why "these characters are researched representations of the real people " rather than the actual names, but that's not something I have control over. I do back it.

What an interesting story! I am puting this on my watchlist so I can get back to it as soon as I have a chance, to read on beyond the prologue. The tension and high emotion are riveting, and the broad hints about the nature of the story make me want to read on. Looks very good!

Richard, This is a powerful opening chapter, and the second chapter (all I've read so far) maintains the forward momentum. Wonderful spare writing, all that's needed to tell a story as innately gripping as a woman on the day of her execution. And childbirth in the second chapter! I'm putting this on my bookshelf and watch list.

Good luck going forward.
Carolyn
Mage at Midnight

good writing. tough climbing the ladder here, but enjoy the journey...
j
what every woman should know

I read the start of this book up to about chapter 4 and was duly impressed with your superb writing style. But even more than that I admire your dedication in reviving events from so long ago. The way you manage to bring the 1940's to life in this book is something that most people couldn't do. This one is really a winner.

Good Luck!,

Roy Earle, "Bad Men and Bad Odds"

Richard,
I must admit I hadn't heard of the Albert Guay crime, so I read quite a bit on the Internet and found it fascinating.
I admire your dedication to bringing this story to a new audience.

Because some of the websites I looked at were in French, I couldn't be sure if it had ever been made into a movie.

Your account of these events gives a fascinating insight into the era and all your painstaking research helps bring the characters to life 60 years later.

I wish you all the best with this well-written novel.

Carole Pitt

hello Richard-
book-Cape Torment -

I read the first eight chapters and then some chunks more;
after reading the prologue when she is led from prison cell to the gallows, i had to read on; the premise is there for a great story;
And a great one indeed, you have written, the style of the writing, the characters and lots more, as you bring this true story alive again; all of it exiting yet disturbing.
to sum up-its compelling and makes for a most interesting read.

good luck with it.
tom bye
from hugs to kisses'
oblige an look at mine, although not of the same genre. thanks

If this is the airflight bombing over Sault-au-Cochon, I don't understand why you used fictional names. If it's thoroughly researched, shouldn't you stand proud of that? It's not like the dead will sue if you have a small error.

This won't stop me from shelving it, but I can't give a full 5 stars. If I'm wrong, I'll gladly change my rating.

Being English I don't know very much about the Albert Quay crime but I think that doesn't really matter - what does matter however is the manner in which you have interpreted the story. I think sometimes the most shocking of events when told in the simplest fashion drive home the point more and this is one such case. Would have liked to have known more about the condemned cell and the shock of the hidden door to the gallows - why for instance it was designed in such a fashion etc and a possible hint as to the crime she had committed maybe a sort of taster to draw in the reader? Well done - Wilfred (He Was a Most Peculiar Man)

Great pitch and good start. Unfortunately the formatting is distracting from the content. Maybe get rid of some of the adverbs and use stronger verbs. All the best. Ian

I like how you have tied so many subplots into this story!

I like the book, but I'm not sure the diary like style with dated chapters quite works. The tension presumabely is supposed to be that we are getting nearer the terrible day when the horror happens.

But that should really be done by the writing and using the dates to try and set a deadline for rising tension, seems a little bit of a cop out.

Unless you had some other intention in using the time lime as a frame for the book?

Many thanks for your kind backing of ''Cape Torment.'' I greatly appreciate it, along with the comments you made.
With regards to the relevance of dating the chapters, let me try to explain. The book follows very closely the true story it is based upon, and the historic events described span a period of three years, playing out on both sides of Canada, with multiple characters and situations involved. To keep things as straightforward as possible for the reader and to avoid any confusion as to what was happening to whoever at a given time, and where it was taking place, a location and time indication seemed the most appropriate and sensible choice for me to adopt.
Thanks, too, for your message requesting that I take a look at your own book. I will be more than delighted to read it, and I plan to do so over the next few days. Best regards to you in the meantime, Richard

I like the book, but I'm not sure the diary like style with dated chapters quite works. The tension presumabely is supposed to be that we are getting nearer the terrible day when the horror happens.

But that should really be done by the writing and using the dates to try and set a deadline for rising tension, seems a little bit of a cop out.

Unless you had some other intention in using the time lime as a frame for the book?

Brilliantly done , I have only read the first chapter , but you have provided an immediate hook for the reader - a\t the same time leaving unknown the reason for the woman's execution ,which I think is right and will definitely get people reading your book. Clear, literate style it is ver capable when dealing with the dramatic.Just one minor criticism - there seem to be a number of inexplicable spaces between certain lines and paragraphs.This may seem trivial , but people take note of these things. Would you be so kind as to take a look at 'A Buccaneer' , about Pirates in the 17th century , with best wishes , Strachan Gordon

I can't remember the relevance of the hanged woman in Chapter 1 and we can't flick back and forth very easily on this site. Apart from not knowing who Barbara Stanwyck is, I found the first 2 chapters easy to read and intriguing. One to watch. Well done and good luck. TM Thomson Kiss the Candle Goodnight

This is a slow burning and well structured dramatisation of a notorious case from Canada's history. The prologue is a stunner and the early chapters set the scene nicely. The fact that you have gone to great lengths to research is a tribute to your dedication in getting this story known. I had to do a bit of research for my book but did not have to go as far as you did! This deserves success and I hope you achieve it. Starred, regards, Mark

I've never heard of the Cape Torment crime and as this looked fascinating, read the first couple of chapters. Great prologue, very well-written and taut. Impossible not to get caught up in the emotion of the situation. I also enjoyed the first chapter. Liffey's predicament is heart-breaking, her optimism seems certain to be dashed. I thought the characterization was good and the dialogue realistic and believable. It's going to be tough resisting a Wikipedia search until I've finished reading this. No nitpicks come to mind. Well-starred and on my WL for further reading. Good luck with this.

Hi Richard. This is an impressive book. You have seamlessly combined obviously exhaustive research with undoubted writing skill to bring this story to life. It is an enviable gift to be able to translate, dry facts, names and dates into real life, peopled by flesh and blood characters. The prologue is superb. Who couldn't resist reading on?
Have starred and you're on my WL, with a view to backing shortly.
Kat x Hens from Hell

I found the opening chapter interesting and will read more (Cecilia Williams, 'Emotional Integrity')

Backing your work with pleasure! Hope you have a chance to take a look at Dark Side by CC Brown. Good Luck to you.
Rickie Bill

Having read this Richard and found the story fascinating I don’t have much to say that will be particularly constructive (or that adds to other comments).
Great research, a story that deserves to be told, well written, intelligent, informative – I could go on.
I don’t really know what True Life editors are looking for by way of style but commercially speaking, if they like other editors and agents respond to the first page then that might need some work. At the moment the repetition of he, him, his, her in the Prologue feels awkward and slightly off putting – I’d be tempted to name your characters and get a connection established straight away. The pronouns had a distancing/alienating effect when I re-read it.
Anyway, as I say, I was happy to have this on my shelf and really hope someone likes it enough to take it on and help you shape it into a really successful book
Geoff

Dear Richard,
I only read the prologue and chapter one of your work so far, but it brought me to tears and i know i will be backing it with pleasure, high rating it, and coming back for more.
Best,
Maria
"Dark of the Moon."