 October - December 2003
Roses Are Thorns,
Violets Are True
by Shelia M. Goss
Sibling rivalry rears its ugly head and is seen on a brand new level in Roses Are Thorns, Violets Are True, the impressive debut novel by author Sheila M. Goss. We get the author's view of twins with distinct differences between them in weaving contrasting personalities and still are able to tell a unique and crafty story. In terms of the craft, Goss does a fine job creating rich, layered, three-dimensional characters. She does an outstanding job of laying the foundation by structuring the prologue in which she shows the then six year old twins fighting over a Barbie doll. This is a key scene as she manages to give illustration that shows the nature of the two sisters, as it foreshadows the events and sets the stage for the plot. The characters are well-written within the storyline, as the plot flows well and is fast-paced which adds to its page-turning appeal. When this happens it makes for a good story whereas major and minor conflict is woven throughout keeping the action fresh, realistic and interesting.
Rose is a successful Hollywood actress and recording artist. She doesn't hesitate to do whatever she has to in order to remain in the public spotlight, managing as she does so, hurting anyone or anything in her way. This evil twin doesn't think twice about getting to the top by any means necessary. Her sister Violet on the other hand, is a social worker for a local community organization in her Texas town, and it is clear that this one is the good twin. However, Rose takes Violet's kindness for weakness and perceives her as the weaker twin because she is loving, caring and nurturing--everything she is not. Those differences are the catalyst for a series of awful things that Rose does to Violet and are what sets a wonderfully dramatic storyline in motion. Then there's Rose's lover, Lance, a determined record label executive...and Marcus, a tall handsome pro basketball player who's not what he appears to be.
On the down side, the settings in this novel could have been fleshed out better to give a clearer sense of the time and place in which the plot is unfolding. As such, there could have been more descriptive analysis so that the readers could feel as if they're there experiencing first hand the plot vicariously through the characters. With these elements missing, it was hard to know where and when certain things were happening, as it took immediacy and excitement away from the plot. With this aside and in retrospect, Goss is a new author to watch based on the better things that this novel presented. She has learned her lessons well and has written a work that raises the bar on mainstream African-American women's fiction. Roses Are Thorns, Violets Are True will get readers emotionally invested in its intricate storyline and is sure to keep them riveted until they've finished the last word.
Reviewed by Nathasha Brooks-Harris,
he Romer Review Contributing Writer
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