MacLeish Sq.


Fiction - Literary
216 Pages
Reviewed on 03/06/2023
Buy on Amazon

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.

Author Biography

I have resided in Salem, Ma. for two decades now and it is virtually impossible if you are a writer not to be influenced by Hawthorne, Melville, and the sea with their literary presence all about. Moby Dick and The Scarlet Letter influenced me greatly as a younger man. Here, often, it feels as if I am living inside those works.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Cloie Belle Daffon for Readers' Favorite

John Proctor is about to turn seventy when he decides to buy a small farmhouse on the outskirts of the now mostly desolate mill town where he had grown up. Nostalgia haunts his waking hours and he often reminisces about the happier times in his life. One day in wintertime, John sees a young man in a mackinaw jacket with cloth sneakers that are soaked. He invites him in for some hot tea with lemon. Little does he know how this young man would impact his life most unexpectedly. Read MacLeish Sq. by Dennis Must to find out more.

John Proctor is haunted by the past. He remembers the good old days with old friends when they would confess their sins to a jovial priest who would quiz them on the intricacy of Hell as penance. John would find himself walking past old streets and reminiscing about the good days while making sure not to form any connection. He is content with his solitude and intends to live the rest of his days painting and remembering days long gone. Eli’s abrupt arrival changes all of that in the blink of an eye. John begins to remember not only the good days but the hard ones as well. One of which is his short-lived marriage and the other is remembering the ghost that haunted him in the past.

Dennis Must has skillfully crafted a story of intrigue and mystery. The lyrical narrative drew me and I stayed for the complex characters that served as strong foundations for the story. Must narrates John Proctor’s tale in such an elaborate manner that I couldn’t stop turning the pages. The central focus on John Proctor’s life reminded me of how broken connections can impact a person and it also reminded me of life’s fragility. MacLeish Sq. by Dennis Must is a thoughtful and compelling book with surprising twists and an emotional depth that left its mark on my heart. Outstanding work!