Silence: A Novel

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Silence: A Novel by Julia Park Tracey

272 pages | Published by Sibylline Press

The Set Up: Silence Marsh is a Separatist woman who has always done what’s asked of her, but in a matter of months she loses her mother, her husband, and her only daughter. Grief stricken, she publicly questions God and her faith. Her punishment: one year of silence. During her silent year, she finds friends in unlikely people, and begins to wonder if there is a better life waiting for her outside the community she’s grown up in.

This was a totally different vibe than what I’ve been reading and I really enjoyed it! Little hints of witch trial made this a good one as we creep into spooky season.

This was a fast paced book about grief and resilience. I liked Silence right from the beginning. I felt every bit of her sadness as it slowly transformed into rage and, eventually, defiance. Alexa, play Mad Woman by Taylor Swift. Her friendship with Zuriel was a bright spot in her otherwise pretty bleak situation, and I loved seeing their bond grow.

It took me a second to get used to the writing style - the author went true to the time period here - but after a bit I fell into it. I did feel like some of Silence’s inner monologue felt a bit repetitive at times, but the plot itself was fascinating.

One of the coolest aspects is that the book is inspired by real people in the author’s family. Despite being a quick read, I’ll be thinking about it for a while.

Thanks to the publisher for the advanced eBook through PW Grab a Galley!