1919 - Misfortune's End
1919 – Misfortune’s End is a novel by Paula Phelan published in 2007 by ZAPmedia of New York. The novel explores the lives of two fictional families, one Irish American and the other African American.
Plot introduction
As the title suggests, the story takes place shortly after World War I and the outbreak of the Plague of 1918. The story centers around two families, the Phelans and the Johnsons and how this particular year is one of significance, turmoil and change for both of them. The families also interact with historical figures of the day, such as J. Edgar Hoover, Woodrow Wilson, W.E.B. Dubois, Emma Goldman, Margaret Sanger and Helen Keller. The story follows the families as their lives adapt to the social and political influences of the time as the novel explores how, despite the fact that things can get worse, they can also get better.
Characters
The Kelly Family of Boston:
- Patrick Sr. ~ police officer of 28 years; lives in Charlestown, MA
- Harriet~ wife of Patrick Sr.; temperance advocate
- Thomas~ eldest son; lawyer
- Patricia~ eldest daughter; suffragette
- Patrick Jr. ~ son, maimed in war; fireman Rosie~ wife of Patrick Jr. *Liam~ son of Patrick Jr. and Rosie; four years old
The novel takes place after the deaths of three of the Kelly children, Erin, James, and Timothy, as a result of influenza.
The Johnson Family of Washington DC:
- Benjamin~ works as secretary and aide to President Woodrow Wilson
- Claire ~ wife of Benjamin; manages domestic staff and events for art collector Duncan Phillips, related to Madame Walker
- June ~ eldest daughter; nurse
- Emmet ~ eldest son; just returning from war
- Louvenia ~ middle daughter; inventor
- Kay ~ youngest daughter; singer and actress
Like the Kellys, the Johnsons also lost a child in 1918, Roy, to the influenza epidemic.