The Disharmony of Silence by Linda Rosen

Is keeping secrets the same as lying?

​This question regularly pops up throughout this book and also considers whether 'white lies are as bad as 'standard lies'. The book is about a family and what constitutes a family. And, like all families, there are things that are kept secret with devastating consequences.

The story has a dual timeline, one in the present and one over eighty years ago. The focus is two families who had been friends and then had a fall-out. Then the children grow up and marry, so the squabbling friends become one family. The ramifications of the major secret affect the descends almost a century later.

The modern day main character and narrator justifies her own 'white lies' both in her everyday activities and during her marriage and family relationships. The main character in the past has no such qualms, believing in telling the truth as it happens to build trust and avoid future anguish. This is a good contrast and provides depth to the tale.

There are no secrets for the reader, so this is not a mystery. The story in the past is a 1920s romance and sets the scene for the present day quandary. However, the overriding appeal in this book is the status of family and the feelings all families invoke. Weddings, funerals, traditional gatherings, whether they are religious or just conventional - we have all been there. The awkward glances, comments and expectations, the over familiarity. And of course, the silences. 

Of particular poignancy is the part all families face at some point when a relative moves on, whether that is to a care home or at the end of life, the aspect of dealing with their property and possessions. The memories and regrets, all relatable to all of us.

This book is a gentle telling of family disharmony and the title is very clever in that it captures the essence of family secrets. Identifiable and easy to follow. At times the pace is a little slow and plodding and the timelines don't seem to have equal weighting, which makes It feel a little off balance. But isn't that typical of families.

Overall, The Disharmony of Silence is a pleasant if uncomfortable read at times, uplifted by demonstrating that maybe we focus on the wrong issues with regard to what family is and the real value we should place on it.

​✒️Debut novel

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Published by Black Rose Writing on 5 March 2020.
This book was reviewed as part of the WOW! Women on Writing book tour. 
​Advance review copy supplied by the tour organiser.