A review by tessa_talks_books
When We Were Silent by Fiona McPhillips

4.0

Before writing this review, I had to sit with my thoughts about When We Were Silent for a few days.  Make no doubt about it - this is one incredibly tough read. It delves into topics such as societal silence in the face of injustice, the psychological impact of trauma, and the struggle for personal identity in a hostile environment. Still, it is also very eye-opening and thought-provoking on these topics we don't want to think about but need to.  It is frighteningly impactful, authentically illuminating, and handled with so much skill that it's hard to believe this is a debut book.

My encounter with this narrative was a fortunate blend of reading and listening.  India Mullen's portrayal of Lou, the first-person narrator, was nothing short of atmospheric, drawing me deeper into the story and holding my attention.  The subtlety of her delivery, mirroring the shifts in timelines and focus, was a testament to the authenticity of the character's voice, making me feel like I was being personally confided in.

Events in the current day have propelled Lou back to her past, forcing her to relive a story that tragically defined her for the rest of her life.  She's dealing with a world that refuses to listen to her, despite her repeated attempts to be heard and seen.  Her journey takes her through a series of heart-wrenching experiences, but as the tale unfolds and the mystery from the past is exposed, it reveals a life-altering truth that shook me to my core.

As I've already emphasized, this is not always an easy story to read or listen to, but its message is incredibly important. It's a message that needs to be heard, understood, and acted upon.  So important, that the power of the last sentence-a sentence that encapsulates the entire journey of the protagonist and leaves a lasting impression-still gives me chills.