After All...
GENRE
BIOGRAPHICAL
Core Theme
PERSEVERANCE
TIME PERIOD
20th Century (multiple decades)
COMPARABLE TITLES
MI FAMILIA, ANGELA’S ASHES, BROOKLYN
CHARACTER LIST
MARIA: LEAD, DETERMINED, PATIENT, FORGIVING
ANGELINA: MEAN, ABUSIVE, INTOLERANT, SELFISH, MARIA’S MOTHER
LICINIA: SWEET, CARING, MARIA’S AUNT
GRANDMA: LOVING, NURTURING, MARIA’S GRANDMOTHER AND SURROGATE PARENT
MR. SANTOS: CRUEL, PEDOPHILE, HUSBAND OF MARIA’S FIRST BOSS
DAN: SUCCESSFUL, CARING, MARIA’S SECOND HUSBAND
Logline
Abused and neglected as a child, Maria story is one of survival on the rawest levels. It is a story of tragedy and the strength of the human spirit. Maria turned to faith and her grandmother’s unconditional love to see her through the dark times in rural Portugal. Grandma died when Maria was 8 and s
Target Audiences
Age: 18-34,35-54,55+
Target Gender: Universal
Setting
Portugal and Canada.
Based on a True Story
Yes
Publishing Details
Status: Yes: self-published
Publisher: Maria Trautman
Year Published: 2020 sept 27
Starting Description
Maria's story begins in the village of Granja, in Portugal. Maria was five when her mother who lived in the city, came to the village on one of her rare visits. The child wants her mother's love but that does not happen.
Ending Description
Through perseverance and faith, Maria finds the happiness she always wished for as a child.
Group Specific
Information not completed
Hard Copy Available
No
ISBN
ISBN-13 : 979-8553829742
Mature Audience Themes
Sexual Abuse
Plot - Other Elements
Happy Ending
Plot - Premise
Other
Main Character Details
Name: Maria Trautman
Age: from birth to 50
Gender: Female
Role: Protagonist
Key Traits: Aspiring
Additional Character Details
Name: Angelina (mother)
Age: 26-
Gender: Female
Role: Antagonist
Key Traits: Villainous
Additional Character Details
Name: Licinia
Age: 40
Gender: Female
Role: mentor
Key Traits: Gracious
Additional Character Details
The author has not yet written this
Genre
DRAMA
Brief
A young girl abandoned by her mother, raised by her grandmother is forced to move in with her estranged mother upon the death of her grandmother. She grows up neglected and abused until she is invited to live with her aunt in Canada. Arriving in a new country gives her a new lease on life. She ultimately overcomes obstacles and makes a good life for herself.
Overall Rating
GOOD
Narrative Elements
Authors Writing Style: GOOD
Characterization: FAIR
Commerciality: FAIR
Franchise Potential: FAIR
Pace: FAIR
Premise: FAIR
Structure: GOOD
Theme: GOOD
Accuracy of Book Profile
The profile accurately describes the book.
Draw of Story
Rooting for the little girl because of her underdog status is good hook to draw a reader into the story.
Possible Drawbacks
The book spans many years so the sheer volume of reading can drag the pace down. Truncating some of the years and experiences would help eliminate some of the pacing issues.
Use of Special Effects
THE STORY DOES NOT RELY ON SPECIAL EFFECTS
Primary Hook of Story
The story has a positive message and shows the main character ultimately overcome adversity and have a successful and happy life.
Fanbase Potential
This would probably have a small base since it a personal story without broad appeal.
Awards Potential
It is doubtful that this would be an Award winner because of its small scope. However, the writing is good and there are some strong acting opportunities available should this be adapted.
Envisioned Budget
MEDIUM BUDGET
Similar Films/TV Series
ANGELA’S ASHES; BROOKLYN
What’s New About the Story
It is already an original and unique story since it is a true story based on the author's life.
Lead Characters
She is very patient and resilient.
Uniqueness of Story
This is a good biography of someone who had to overcome big obstacles in life. It is hard to say what should be improved since the story is limited by facts and experiences.
Possible Formats
Film - Indie, TV Series - Limited Run / Mini-Series
Analyst Recommendation
WORK IN PROGRESS
Justification
Though it a compelling story of one woman's life, it is most likely of little interest as a mainstream entertainment property.
Tips for Improvement
Again, it is well-written account of the author's life, but is doesn't have the range for adaptation. It would require marketing to a niche audience.
Brief
Abused and neglected as a child, a resilient young woman overcomes adversity so she can live a life of happiness, forgiveness and hope.
What We Liked
It tells a positive story of a young girl who had to endure unimaginable hardships and neglect. The story fosters empathy and hope for the main character who, to the writer’s great credit, is never sappy or self-indulgent. The uplifting theme of forgiveness and hope could be a beacon to audiences coming out of dark times.
Film: The story of Maria’s life could make a nice indie film about the power of perseverance and strength in the face of adversity.
TV: The story of Maria’s life could be fit into a limited television series or even be adapted as part of a documentary featuring survivors of childhood neglect and abuse.
Key points: Based on a real person; Takes on tough topics; Strong female lead; Offers hope to victims of abuse; Positive message
Synopsis
Maria was abandoned as a baby by her birth mother, Angelina, who resented her greatly for being born out of wedlock. Treated with disdain and contempt, Maria was never able to build a bond with her mother. She was raised in a very loving home by her devoted grandparents in rural Portugal. At the age of 8, Maria’s beloved grandmother passed away and her grandfather, in ill health, was no longer able to care for her. Maria was reluctantly sent to live in Lisbon with mother.
Maria’s existence with Angelina was horrible. Her mother was neglectful, cruel and abusive to her while treating her half siblings with loving care. Maria was starved, forced to eat only scraps left over from the family’s meals and was not allowed to continue in school past the age of 11. Though Maria wanted to be in school, Angelina made her join the workforce and contribute the money she made to the family’s living expenses.
While on the job, Maria was sexually abused continually by Mr. Santos, her pedophile boss. She didn’t dare tell anyone of the abuse for fear of something worse befalling her. When she was 18, her aunt Licinia, who had always loved and supported her, wanted her to come live with her family in Canada. Desperately, hoping for a fresh start, Maria longed to go to Canada and finally Angelina conceded and let her go.
Maria was welcomed into Licinia’s loving home in Canada where she was allowed to learn English and continue her education. However, Licinia’s husband, Roberto, sexually abused Maria as well, making her new life incredibly uncomfortable. Maria soon began dating a man and though her family was not supportive, she married him in an effort to escape mistreatment with her family. It soon became clear that the marriage was not going to be a loving one and she divorced.
On her own, Maria felt freedom she hadn’t had before. She got into belly dancing and made close friends. Belly dancing led her to meet Elizabeth and George who look her under their wings. They watched out for her and ultimately introduced her to a compassionate and successful man named Dan.
Dan had children from a previous marriage, and though it was difficult at first, Maria was able to integrate as part of the family. They ultimately married and build a happy life together. Since Dan traveled a lot for work, he bought Maria a Subway franchise to keep her busy. She happily operated the shop until they moved to the country as retirement age neared.
Throughout everything Maria never lost her faith, sense of hope, drive to persevere or her capacity to forgive. With Dan and Licinia’s support, Maria was able to complete a quest to learn about her biological father, reconnect with half-siblings and family she never knew she had and ultimately forgive and accept her mother before her death.