BelEdit Book Reviews
When We Were Silent is an extraordinary debut from Fiona McPhillips.
Now I know ‘extraordinary’ is a strong word. And the novel’s themes are not exactly unusual, sadly. Grooming and abuse in a catholic school in the 20th century, the closing of ranks and the failure of authorities to protect children from paedophiles. Same old, same old.
What I think is extraordinary here is the clarity of expression. It’s a difficult, at times harrowing, book to read, immersive in the worst possible way. It follows Lou Manson in a dual timeline as a schoolgirl and later as an adult.
I know the Dublin areas and social levels in which this novel is set, and boy does every line ring true. The realism of the setting makes the story feel very real and true, and as a reader the author’s anger is infectious.
The entire novel is a raging, screaming #MeToo. But it is also, as a novel, highly successful: well constructed and vivid, with strong characterisation and plot. I’m not surprised that it has received such glowing endorsements, by the likes of no less than the master storyteller Stephen King himself!
Thank you to @NetGalley_UK, @fionamcp and @randomhouse for giving me a free copy of this book. All my reviews are 100% honest and unbiased, regardless of how I acquire the book.
WhenWeWereSilent #fionamcp #NetGalley_UK #bookreview #MeToo #randomhouse
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