What do you think?
Rate this book
Hear No Evil
In the burgeoning industrial city of Glasgow in 1817 Jean Campbell - a young, Deaf woman - is witnessed throwing a child into the River Clyde from the Old Bridge.
No evidence is yielded from the river. Unable to communicate with their silent prisoner, the authorities move Jean to the decaying Edinburgh Tolbooth in order to prise the story from her. The High Court calls in Robert Kinniburgh, a talented teacher from the Deaf & Dumb Institution, in the hope that he will interpret for them and determine if Jean is fit for trial. If found guilty she faces one of two fates; death by hanging or incarceration in an insane asylum.
Through a process of trial and error, Robert and Jean manage to find a rudimentary way of communicating with each other. As Robert gains her trust, Jean confides in him, and Robert begins to uncover the truth, moving uneasily from interpreter to investigator, determined to clear her name before it is too late.
Based on a landmark case in Scottish legal history Hear No Evil is a richly atmospheric exploration of nineteenth-century Edinburgh and Glasgow at a time when progress was only on the horizon. A time that for some who were silenced could mean paying the greatest price.
No evidence is yielded from the river. Unable to communicate with their silent prisoner, the authorities move Jean to the decaying Edinburgh Tolbooth in order to prise the story from her. The High Court calls in Robert Kinniburgh, a talented teacher from the Deaf & Dumb Institution, in the hope that he will interpret for them and determine if Jean is fit for trial. If found guilty she faces one of two fates; death by hanging or incarceration in an insane asylum.
Through a process of trial and error, Robert and Jean manage to find a rudimentary way of communicating with each other. As Robert gains her trust, Jean confides in him, and Robert begins to uncover the truth, moving uneasily from interpreter to investigator, determined to clear her name before it is too late.
Based on a landmark case in Scottish legal history Hear No Evil is a richly atmospheric exploration of nineteenth-century Edinburgh and Glasgow at a time when progress was only on the horizon. A time that for some who were silenced could mean paying the greatest price.
336 pages, Paperback
Published February 2, 2023
30 people are currently reading
1394 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
October 30, 2022
Excellent. Really excellent.
February 11, 2025
reading vlog: https://youtu.be/b-73mayi7Zk
a fascinating look at the justice system meeting deaf rights + accessibility. a quiet, small book that I really enjoyed my time in
a fascinating look at the justice system meeting deaf rights + accessibility. a quiet, small book that I really enjoyed my time in
December 4, 2021
For a story that centres around some weighty themes including infanticide, poverty and domestic violence, Hear No Evil is a surprisingly gentle novel. The prose is measured and a little underwhelming at times, although I did enjoy the Victorian-style short chapters and character descriptions. Smith uses Jean Campbell’s case to explore the lives of deaf people in Regency-era Scotland, and as such the plot is often secondary to the historical context.
But in many ways this is no bad thing: Smith’s exploration of deaf experience makes for a unique piece of historical fiction. I was interested to find out more of the history of sign language, and Smith raises some thought-provoking questions about communication, disability and social attitudes. I also enjoyed the descriptions of 1817 Edinburgh and Glasgow: following in Jean’s footsteps, you feel as if you are moving through a fully-realised historical world.
The plot may not be the strongest, but Hear No Evil is one to read for its brilliant historical world-building and captivating exploration of deaf experience.
*Thank you to Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review*
But in many ways this is no bad thing: Smith’s exploration of deaf experience makes for a unique piece of historical fiction. I was interested to find out more of the history of sign language, and Smith raises some thought-provoking questions about communication, disability and social attitudes. I also enjoyed the descriptions of 1817 Edinburgh and Glasgow: following in Jean’s footsteps, you feel as if you are moving through a fully-realised historical world.
The plot may not be the strongest, but Hear No Evil is one to read for its brilliant historical world-building and captivating exploration of deaf experience.
*Thank you to Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review*
January 3, 2022
This is such a fascinating and evocative novel, set in Edinburgh and Glasgow in 1817. I found the rendering of the deaf experience - the history of sign language and the social attitudes of the time - particularly interesting. I've not read many novels which describe this experience and in particular, none set in historical times and found this aspect of Hear No Evil particularly fresh and intriguing.
The writing is even-handed yet moving, telling the tale of young Jean Campbell who is arrested for being seen throwing her baby in the River Clyde. It's based on a landmark case and brings the period to life incredibly well, I felt I was walking the streets of Edinburgh and Glasgow alongside the characters!
I'm looking forward to reading more of Sarah Smith's work!
The writing is even-handed yet moving, telling the tale of young Jean Campbell who is arrested for being seen throwing her baby in the River Clyde. It's based on a landmark case and brings the period to life incredibly well, I felt I was walking the streets of Edinburgh and Glasgow alongside the characters!
I'm looking forward to reading more of Sarah Smith's work!
April 10, 2022
Discover the locations in Hear No Evil
This is the kind of novel I love to read. A figure from the past is given a voice and their story fictionalized in novel form with many true life threads woven through. This novel is inspired by the story of Jean Campbell, a deaf woman who lived in 1817 Glasgow. She was arrested for apparently having thrown her child into the River Clyde and that there is someone who saw her. This is her story and the story of the man who recognized that deaf people deserved the same justice as anyone else and so made the court trial possible using ab early form of sign language.
The novel does follow the trial of Jean Campbell but this is more the story of her interpreter Richard Kinniburgh. Now his story is very interesting but I wish I could have read more about Jean Camptell herself. Her story gets a little lost at times but Richard’s is so very compelling!
This is so much more than a story about deafness and the first trial of its kind. The subject of deafness in the 1800s was new and you can see the awkwardness and clumsy way it was dealt with at first. It made me think of the harshness of this time for women and then add the fact Jean was deaf and you have a fascinating story to tell. You get to explore the society at the time and see how people reacted to deafness. More importantly however, I realized how hard it must have been to have got any kind of justice if you were a woman back then. Add the alleged crime of child murder and the fact the suspect is deaf, and you have a great and complex subject to reveal.
I found out so much about deafness and speech, ways of communicating and the birth of sign language. What a story! I am now inspired to learn sign language as it’s something I have wanted to do for ages but never have. It would be wonderful if BSL was taught in schools but that’s another story.
A very unique read which places a spotlight on a often missed part of history.
April 13, 2023
“”It is not god who says what will happen to Jean. It is a group of men who look down on her because she is deaf and poor and a woman.”
An immensely important debut that gives a voice to those from our history who are often forgotten, who didn’t have their own voice and who have always been here. Most of the truth of Jean Campbell’s life has been lost to history. But Sarah Smith’s novel ensures we never forget.
The fact that Jean was a deaf woman adds such a unique concept to this that I’ve never see explored before. Born in a time when it was near on impossible to communicate with the majority of society, Jean stands trial for the murder of her baby boy. I found the history around the “deaf and dumb” societies and schools fascinating and it has helped fill in a lot of my ignorance around the subject. It really made me think of how much has actually changed between then and now and whether there is more to be done.
Imagine standing trial and facing the death penalty for something that only you know the truth of. Imagine being unable to hear what is being said around you as men stand in court and decide your fate. Imagine being unable to stand up for yourself and to rely on a complete stranger to communicate on your behalf.. and trust that he has your best interests at heart. Now add in a time when women were seen as a lower class citizen, a commodity for men to enjoy and possess. A time when even women who could speak, hear and communicate freely we’re not allowed to have a voice.
Jean’s deafness means isolation, confusion and silence. However, it also added a layer of intimacy and tenderness that I did not expect. I loved the way the signs were described by the author, really helping the reader to envision and feel part of the story. I felt this especially in the chapters when Jean finally met people through the church that she could communicate freely with, giving her a sense of community and no longer being shut off from the world. It showed just how alive this language actually is; reminding me of how my own “mother tongue” feels to me.
I loved how the author described the cities through the use of smell and sight for the most part, even outwith Jean’s own narrative. It really made me appreciate the story more being able to picture our cities the way they were back then… resulting in many a black hole (and a message to the author at times too!)
Sarah Smith has given us an extremely important, thought provoking piece of work that will really help to change the way people think about the deaf community; making us think about our own privileges and the importance of language and communication.
An immensely important debut that gives a voice to those from our history who are often forgotten, who didn’t have their own voice and who have always been here. Most of the truth of Jean Campbell’s life has been lost to history. But Sarah Smith’s novel ensures we never forget.
The fact that Jean was a deaf woman adds such a unique concept to this that I’ve never see explored before. Born in a time when it was near on impossible to communicate with the majority of society, Jean stands trial for the murder of her baby boy. I found the history around the “deaf and dumb” societies and schools fascinating and it has helped fill in a lot of my ignorance around the subject. It really made me think of how much has actually changed between then and now and whether there is more to be done.
Imagine standing trial and facing the death penalty for something that only you know the truth of. Imagine being unable to hear what is being said around you as men stand in court and decide your fate. Imagine being unable to stand up for yourself and to rely on a complete stranger to communicate on your behalf.. and trust that he has your best interests at heart. Now add in a time when women were seen as a lower class citizen, a commodity for men to enjoy and possess. A time when even women who could speak, hear and communicate freely we’re not allowed to have a voice.
Jean’s deafness means isolation, confusion and silence. However, it also added a layer of intimacy and tenderness that I did not expect. I loved the way the signs were described by the author, really helping the reader to envision and feel part of the story. I felt this especially in the chapters when Jean finally met people through the church that she could communicate freely with, giving her a sense of community and no longer being shut off from the world. It showed just how alive this language actually is; reminding me of how my own “mother tongue” feels to me.
I loved how the author described the cities through the use of smell and sight for the most part, even outwith Jean’s own narrative. It really made me appreciate the story more being able to picture our cities the way they were back then… resulting in many a black hole (and a message to the author at times too!)
Sarah Smith has given us an extremely important, thought provoking piece of work that will really help to change the way people think about the deaf community; making us think about our own privileges and the importance of language and communication.
October 13, 2024
An excellent debut novel, shortlisted for many awards. Based on the true story of Jean Campbell, a deaf woman living in Scotland in 1817, who was charged with allegedly throwing her baby into the river. The writing is beautiful and engaging. We get a real sense of 1817 Edinburgh and Glasgow, and the author skillfully reveals what it was like for the deaf at this time. Jean Campbell's landmark case led to a significant impact in the deaf community. Thought-provoking and an easy 5* read!
March 1, 2022
Sarah Smith's stirring novel is a fictionalised account of the real-life criminal prosecution of a deaf woman for infanticide. So many things work well here: the setting in early nineteenth century Scotland is clearly well-researched; the story bounces along; the characters are believable and engaging; the plot is well-paced. I enjoyed the portrayal of the language barriers faced by the deaf characters and their overcoming.
The novel centres around the potential injustice faced by a poor deaf woman and the man who supports her in the fight against that. To have two such sympathetic characters as Jean Campbell and Robert Kinniburgh at its heart and for there to be such a tense edge to the story all the way through is a real achievement. Smith uses a roving perspective and this is handled effectively, her shifts in register and tone consistently applied. This aspect of the writing gives room for many of the other characters to emerge strongly and helps give the novel a strong and realistic texture. Alongside that, there are wonderful sensory descriptions of life at that time in urban Scotland - I can still smell the streets!
Smith explores the life for deaf people then, as societal attitudes, although slowly changing, are overwhelmingly dismissive and cruel or, at best, paternalistic. Kinniburgh is in the vanguard of change. This central theme intertwines with poverty, anti-Irish racism, violence and mental illness. It is a story of people reaching across strict social barriers. It is a story where fortitude and wisdom are pushed to their limits. This insightful, well-researched and powerful novel had real impact on me.
The novel centres around the potential injustice faced by a poor deaf woman and the man who supports her in the fight against that. To have two such sympathetic characters as Jean Campbell and Robert Kinniburgh at its heart and for there to be such a tense edge to the story all the way through is a real achievement. Smith uses a roving perspective and this is handled effectively, her shifts in register and tone consistently applied. This aspect of the writing gives room for many of the other characters to emerge strongly and helps give the novel a strong and realistic texture. Alongside that, there are wonderful sensory descriptions of life at that time in urban Scotland - I can still smell the streets!
Smith explores the life for deaf people then, as societal attitudes, although slowly changing, are overwhelmingly dismissive and cruel or, at best, paternalistic. Kinniburgh is in the vanguard of change. This central theme intertwines with poverty, anti-Irish racism, violence and mental illness. It is a story of people reaching across strict social barriers. It is a story where fortitude and wisdom are pushed to their limits. This insightful, well-researched and powerful novel had real impact on me.
February 8, 2023
This was such a fun read, I really enjoyed it!
I loved the scene setting, the characters, the dialogue, the focus on sign language and the whole plot was really interesting.
I do think the last bit dragged a bit and the “climax” didn’t quite hit in the way it could’ve, hence the four stars.
I loved the scene setting, the characters, the dialogue, the focus on sign language and the whole plot was really interesting.
I do think the last bit dragged a bit and the “climax” didn’t quite hit in the way it could’ve, hence the four stars.
February 20, 2023
Set in 1817 Glasgow, and based on the real-life case of Jean Campbell, a young deaf woman, accused of infanticide. Due to her inability to communicate with the authorities, Robert Kinniburgh, a teacher at the Edinburgh Deaf & Dumb Institution, is hired to interpret Jean's account of what happened. Can he ease the truth out of Jean and help her receive a fair and just trial?
The pace of this book is slow. I honestly would have struggled to get through it if it hadn't been such an easy and engaging read.
The writing is so amazing for a debut novel! We have Jean, deaf and unable to tell her story. Therefore, we never receive her POV. Instead we develope events of the plot by the POV of the characters Jean encounters, as well as the POV of Robert as he interprets her story and investigates what led to the events of 24th February 1817 and Jean's arrest. While this made it a compelling read, I do feel that this somewhat took the emotion out of Jean's story, and I was unable to connect to her character as much as I hoped to.
Overall, the conclusion was well rounded and satisfactory as all the interwoven stories came together. And even I managed a little smile at the end.
The pace of this book is slow. I honestly would have struggled to get through it if it hadn't been such an easy and engaging read.
The writing is so amazing for a debut novel! We have Jean, deaf and unable to tell her story. Therefore, we never receive her POV. Instead we develope events of the plot by the POV of the characters Jean encounters, as well as the POV of Robert as he interprets her story and investigates what led to the events of 24th February 1817 and Jean's arrest. While this made it a compelling read, I do feel that this somewhat took the emotion out of Jean's story, and I was unable to connect to her character as much as I hoped to.
Overall, the conclusion was well rounded and satisfactory as all the interwoven stories came together. And even I managed a little smile at the end.
July 15, 2024
A riveting story based on a real case in Scottish legal history of the early 1800’s. The author draws on her own background of working with people who are deaf in Scotland and produces a fight and yet sensitive case for equality that was absent in times past and also a bit now.
Great read.
Great read.
February 3, 2022
What a debut from Sarah Smith! The writing talent coming out of Scotland at the moment is immense and Smith is right up there with the best.
Based on a real case, and featuring some real characters from history, "Hear No Evil" is a fictionalised account of the trial of Jean Campbell at the High Court in Edinburgh in 1817 - a time when women were under the guardianship of either their fathers or husbands. Smith writes beautifully and has clearly researched her subject extensively, displaying great attention to detail.
Through the inclusion of sign language, and discussion around the provisions for deaf people at the time, I gained a valuable insight into the deaf community. I was also fascinated to learn about Robert Kinniburgh and the Deaf and Dumb School in Edinburgh. I found the process of development, and standardisation, of sign language extremely interesting, as well as the links between signing and etymology.
I enjoyed the author's use of some Scots words and phrases, some of which I haven't heard in years. Smith's vividly painted locations really brought the cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh to life. I could almost smell the animal carcasses on King St! The author also illustrates, with sensitivity, the effects of privation and exclusion.
Jean Campbell's case is intriguing, the cast of supporting characters diverse and well-drawn. Smith's compassion for Jean really comes through. "Hear No Evil" is a book about preconceptions and prejudices, and ultimately about justice. I found it an incredibly engaging, moving novel and I expect it will be a huge hit!
Based on a real case, and featuring some real characters from history, "Hear No Evil" is a fictionalised account of the trial of Jean Campbell at the High Court in Edinburgh in 1817 - a time when women were under the guardianship of either their fathers or husbands. Smith writes beautifully and has clearly researched her subject extensively, displaying great attention to detail.
Through the inclusion of sign language, and discussion around the provisions for deaf people at the time, I gained a valuable insight into the deaf community. I was also fascinated to learn about Robert Kinniburgh and the Deaf and Dumb School in Edinburgh. I found the process of development, and standardisation, of sign language extremely interesting, as well as the links between signing and etymology.
I enjoyed the author's use of some Scots words and phrases, some of which I haven't heard in years. Smith's vividly painted locations really brought the cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh to life. I could almost smell the animal carcasses on King St! The author also illustrates, with sensitivity, the effects of privation and exclusion.
Jean Campbell's case is intriguing, the cast of supporting characters diverse and well-drawn. Smith's compassion for Jean really comes through. "Hear No Evil" is a book about preconceptions and prejudices, and ultimately about justice. I found it an incredibly engaging, moving novel and I expect it will be a huge hit!
February 13, 2022
Country #2 - Scotland 🏴
Ok so I'm going to put it out there and say that I'm Scottish but ashamedly haven't read a lot of Scottish books but this year I'm wanting to change that and have started with this (not to mention a perfect choice for my Around the World Challenge); what a book I chose to change things.
This is historical fiction (although at the end found out it is based on a real case) about a deaf woman that has been charged with the murder of a baby and resulting in the subsequent case and trial.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book for numerous reasons; it was really refreshing to read a book based not only in the country I am from but also reading names and places that I am so very familiar with. It also really made me so happy to read a book written largely in the Scottish vernacular.
I mostly liked all of the characters apart from the obvious villains of the piece and I could vividly imagine both them and their surroundings; I particularly felt so much for poor Jean and I am away to search more on her case and her life and I can't wait to see what other books the author comes out with and hope each one will be as enjoyable as this.
*Thanks to NetGalley, John Murray Press and Sarah Smith for the copy of this book. All views are my own.*
Ok so I'm going to put it out there and say that I'm Scottish but ashamedly haven't read a lot of Scottish books but this year I'm wanting to change that and have started with this (not to mention a perfect choice for my Around the World Challenge); what a book I chose to change things.
This is historical fiction (although at the end found out it is based on a real case) about a deaf woman that has been charged with the murder of a baby and resulting in the subsequent case and trial.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book for numerous reasons; it was really refreshing to read a book based not only in the country I am from but also reading names and places that I am so very familiar with. It also really made me so happy to read a book written largely in the Scottish vernacular.
I mostly liked all of the characters apart from the obvious villains of the piece and I could vividly imagine both them and their surroundings; I particularly felt so much for poor Jean and I am away to search more on her case and her life and I can't wait to see what other books the author comes out with and hope each one will be as enjoyable as this.
*Thanks to NetGalley, John Murray Press and Sarah Smith for the copy of this book. All views are my own.*
March 15, 2022
Hear No Evil is based on the true story of Jean Campbell, a deaf woman accused of throwing her baby into the Clyde.
The author has taken the scant details of the case and created an immersive tale. Despite the book being based on Jean’s story Robert Kinniburgh vies for the central character spot. Kinniburgh, a teacher at the deaf school is called in to communicate with Jean when she is imprisoned in Edinburgh's tolbooth.
As their relationship develops he moves from interpreter to investigator as he seeks to find the truth of what happened. Through Kinniburgh and his acquaintances we get a fascinating insight into the deaf community and the development of sign language which I enjoyed greatly.
The book was just packed with detail and writing that took you to the busy, dirty streets of early 19th century Edinburgh and Glasgow. I could almost smell the Nor’ Loch.
The use of Scots words and phrases scattered throughout the text was a great touch that added to the sense of place and time.
I very much enjoyed this book. The story and the writing were absolutely compelling.
The author has taken the scant details of the case and created an immersive tale. Despite the book being based on Jean’s story Robert Kinniburgh vies for the central character spot. Kinniburgh, a teacher at the deaf school is called in to communicate with Jean when she is imprisoned in Edinburgh's tolbooth.
As their relationship develops he moves from interpreter to investigator as he seeks to find the truth of what happened. Through Kinniburgh and his acquaintances we get a fascinating insight into the deaf community and the development of sign language which I enjoyed greatly.
The book was just packed with detail and writing that took you to the busy, dirty streets of early 19th century Edinburgh and Glasgow. I could almost smell the Nor’ Loch.
The use of Scots words and phrases scattered throughout the text was a great touch that added to the sense of place and time.
I very much enjoyed this book. The story and the writing were absolutely compelling.
March 4, 2022
5 Stars
IN THE BURGEONING CITY OF GLASGOW IN 1817 JEAN CAMPBELL
- A YOUNG DEAF WOMAN - IS WITNESSED THROWING A CHILD
INTO THE RIVER CLYDE
I'll just add this:
Based on a landmark case in Scottish legal history, Hear No Evil a richly atmospheric story of a woman's refusal to be identified by her deafness.
I will say no more...read this book! One of my most favorite books!!!
IN THE BURGEONING CITY OF GLASGOW IN 1817 JEAN CAMPBELL
- A YOUNG DEAF WOMAN - IS WITNESSED THROWING A CHILD
INTO THE RIVER CLYDE
I'll just add this:
Based on a landmark case in Scottish legal history, Hear No Evil a richly atmospheric story of a woman's refusal to be identified by her deafness.
I will say no more...read this book! One of my most favorite books!!!
February 3, 2024
.
This book ended up being such a weird experience because while I think technique wise the author can write, she definitely doesn't seem to know how a book works? There were threads of the story that were dropped and never gotten back to in the same context. There's a point where Robert promises to look for Jean's son in exchange for the truth. He doesn't attempt to do anything regarding that until the end of the book and not in the context of his promise. And Jean never brings it back either. There's also a huge part where multiple characters discuss whether Robert is obliged to fully translate Jean's words on witness stand or should he hide them to protect her. It goes on for a bunch of chapters. And then when it comes to the moment itself... There's no consideration to his choice whatsoever. We just... Swiftly move on from what Jean says. It feels like such a narrative mess. Not to mention extremely disgusting to have this man who's charged with giving a voice to Jean even consider lying in his translation just because he thinks he knows better.
I think the problem steams from the fact that this book is less interested in the crime aspect and more interested in the aspect of teaching deaf people and sign language. Which is understandable taking into consideration the author's background but that is NOT the book she was writing. So the crime and Jean herself ends up feeling like an afterthought in the story where we spend a whole page on just Robert writing a letter, not the content of the letter mind you, just his action of writing. The amount of unnecessary descriptions and side thoughts this book contained was honestly hard to get through.
I think my biggest disappointment was the fact that Robert is the main character. Like I said, Jean feels like an afterthought in her own story. Instead we get a brave hearing hero on the quest to save Jean and the whole deaf community. It was grating how very little this book cared about the feelings and internal life of the actual deaf character and instead focused almost entirely on romanticising Robert. When Jean refuses to tell him the truth it isn't treated like a deaf person who has been failed and constantly rejected by hearing world having valid trust issues but rather Robert throws a hissy fit and refuses to keep helping her. As if he didn't take this job because he was being paid for it. He behaved like Jean owed him something for his "kindness" and yet we were supposed to see him as the hero of this story.
Honestly if it wasn't my book club read I wouldn't have finished it.
This book ended up being such a weird experience because while I think technique wise the author can write, she definitely doesn't seem to know how a book works? There were threads of the story that were dropped and never gotten back to in the same context. There's a point where Robert promises to look for Jean's son in exchange for the truth. He doesn't attempt to do anything regarding that until the end of the book and not in the context of his promise. And Jean never brings it back either. There's also a huge part where multiple characters discuss whether Robert is obliged to fully translate Jean's words on witness stand or should he hide them to protect her. It goes on for a bunch of chapters. And then when it comes to the moment itself... There's no consideration to his choice whatsoever. We just... Swiftly move on from what Jean says. It feels like such a narrative mess. Not to mention extremely disgusting to have this man who's charged with giving a voice to Jean even consider lying in his translation just because he thinks he knows better.
I think the problem steams from the fact that this book is less interested in the crime aspect and more interested in the aspect of teaching deaf people and sign language. Which is understandable taking into consideration the author's background but that is NOT the book she was writing. So the crime and Jean herself ends up feeling like an afterthought in the story where we spend a whole page on just Robert writing a letter, not the content of the letter mind you, just his action of writing. The amount of unnecessary descriptions and side thoughts this book contained was honestly hard to get through.
I think my biggest disappointment was the fact that Robert is the main character. Like I said, Jean feels like an afterthought in her own story. Instead we get a brave hearing hero on the quest to save Jean and the whole deaf community. It was grating how very little this book cared about the feelings and internal life of the actual deaf character and instead focused almost entirely on romanticising Robert. When Jean refuses to tell him the truth it isn't treated like a deaf person who has been failed and constantly rejected by hearing world having valid trust issues but rather Robert throws a hissy fit and refuses to keep helping her. As if he didn't take this job because he was being paid for it. He behaved like Jean owed him something for his "kindness" and yet we were supposed to see him as the hero of this story.
Honestly if it wasn't my book club read I wouldn't have finished it.
August 4, 2023
This was a really interesting book set with a deaf lady, Jean, as the main character and a man, Robert, who ran a deaf school and who was charged with interpreting for Jean in her trial. Lots of interesting information about sign language and how deaf people were perceived and the story was good too.
November 11, 2023
Very meh prose and plot was lacking. Lots of inconsequential chapters - swathes of Robert going to Glasgow multiple times to look for Donnelly and not finding him? Really? And no reason for Jean to draw out/be so reluctant to tell her story. The lecture given about deaf education and sign language at the time was probably the best bit!
February 26, 2023
3.5/5, but rounded down! An enjoyable read and super easy. Some of the short chapters felt unnecessary, but it was still interesting. Towards the end, it really picked up and I read it quite quickly!
October 23, 2025
I enjoyed this book a lot more than I thought I would.
It was a book club pick, and it's not my go-to genre. However, I really enjoyed the gentleness of the story. The short chapters kept me wanting to read more.
The plot wasn't the strongest, but it was a nice insight into the struggles deaf people had (and still have).
I am looking forward to discussing this at our book club meeting.
It was a book club pick, and it's not my go-to genre. However, I really enjoyed the gentleness of the story. The short chapters kept me wanting to read more.
The plot wasn't the strongest, but it was a nice insight into the struggles deaf people had (and still have).
I am looking forward to discussing this at our book club meeting.
May 24, 2023
Was slow and didn’t pick up until three quarters of the way through the book
June 9, 2023
A unique, complex and very well told story. A highlight of the last few years in Scottish fiction in my opinion.
July 3, 2023
Honestly maybe even a 4.5! The writing was refreshing and innovative, with an engaging story to boot. Would recommend to anyone.
February 6, 2025
"Cities are patriarchy built into stone"
Loosely based on true events. This book follows the story of Jean Campbell, a member of the deaf community that finds herself accused of murder.
Loosely based on true events. This book follows the story of Jean Campbell, a member of the deaf community that finds herself accused of murder.
September 14, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up
July 3, 2022
I found the historical aspect of this very interesting.
It was well-written and easy to read, although I didn’t find the prose to be anything amazing.
It was well-written and easy to read, although I didn’t find the prose to be anything amazing.
March 21, 2023
What a beautifully written novel which captures the atmosphere of the city of Glasgow and period so well! The story is fascinating and the research impeccable! My favourite book so far this year!
May 7, 2022
This one caught my eye on the library shelf and it was a good read. An interesting account, based on a true story. A little slow going in parts, but overall a good story.
May 2, 2023
//bookclub read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews