Driver's Diary

Death at the Mouth of Flowers

Fiction - Short Story/Novela
108 Pages
Reviewed on 07/13/2023
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Jennie More for Readers' Favorite

Driver's Diary: Death at the Mouth of Flowers by Sean and Columbia Hillen explores the unresolved death of rebel leader Michael Collins in 1922. The authors set the story in 2022, with only days leading to the 100-year commemoration of the infamous leader's role in the Irish Civil War. A young man, Thomas, was packing up his great-grandfather's cottage with his father so that he could sell it. But while they were packing, they found little mementos of their family, their great-grandfather, and most importantly, treasures of history. Still, they didn't plan to uncover the truth about one of the most important moments in Irish history. With some digging and the help of an investigative journalist, Colm, they may find answers to the unresolved death of Michael Collins.

Driver's Diary by Sean and Columbia Hillen is a controversial, fascinating, and bold novella that aims to complete the puzzle of a key historical moment. This story will certainly spark conversation about critical topics in society, the role of Catholicism, and judgment by society on homosexuality, among others. While keeping an open mind, I enjoyed reading this book, and I found the candid views of the author refreshing and compelling. The story is well-structured and well-conceived, the plot flows well, and despite being short, the authors cleverly selected and constructed the story to emphasize the most important parts. The focus on the diary was brilliant, especially referencing Michael Collins's death and the lead-up to his commemoration; it made for a gripping read.