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Silenced
At first I thought there were technical problems – something wrong with the sound system – because when I opened my mouth I couldn’t hear a thing. But it was more serious than that . . . I was completely dumb.
Chris loses the power of speech completely when his best friend dies in a car crash. Why? What terrible secret is he hiding? And can he find his voice before it’s too late?
Powerful and original, this is a thought-provoking new thriller from the author of comin 2 gt u and The Bex Factor.
Chris loses the power of speech completely when his best friend dies in a car crash. Why? What terrible secret is he hiding? And can he find his voice before it’s too late?
Powerful and original, this is a thought-provoking new thriller from the author of comin 2 gt u and The Bex Factor.
- GenresFictionYoung Adult
192 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2012
1 person is currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Simon Packham
14 books10 followersSimon Packham has written several highly acclaimed books for young people, including 'Silenced', which was shortlisted for multiple awards, 'comin 2 gt' u, a novel about cyberbullying and World War Two which is read widely in German schools, and 'Firewallers', chosen as one of The Independent’s children’s books of the year.
His first middle-grade novel, 'Has Anyone Seen Archie Ebbs?' (Firefly) was selected for the Empathy Lab’s 2023 Reading Collection and shortlisted for The Stockton Children’s Book of the Year and The James Reckitt Hull Children’s Book Award. His latest book 'Worrybot' (UCLan) was described by Kitty Empire of The Observer as, ‘a gentle but profound story about friendships, confidence and school refusal with an absolutely audacious plot twist'.
His first middle-grade novel, 'Has Anyone Seen Archie Ebbs?' (Firefly) was selected for the Empathy Lab’s 2023 Reading Collection and shortlisted for The Stockton Children’s Book of the Year and The James Reckitt Hull Children’s Book Award. His latest book 'Worrybot' (UCLan) was described by Kitty Empire of The Observer as, ‘a gentle but profound story about friendships, confidence and school refusal with an absolutely audacious plot twist'.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 28, 2012
When Piccadilly Press tweeted for any bloggers interested in reading Silenced, I read the synopsis and quickly tweeted back. Along with the intrigue of finding out what Chris’ secret was, I was also interested in the selective mutism aspect.
We find out from a newspaper article that Facebook tributes for 15 year old Declan Norris are flooding in. We’re then transported to 8 months after the crash and Chris has gone to visit the site of the accident for the first time. He’s chatting to Declan and the reader feels there has been a resolution of some kind.
Starting from the morning after the crash until we’re back to 8 months after crash at the same scene, we become involved in the St Thomas school community dealing with their grief and specifically, Chris’ healing journey.
Narrated in the first person, we become a part of Chris’ pain and guilt. He can speak up until 5 days after the crash when at the memoriam at school, he is unable to perform his part. It only takes a few more weeks before CAMHS become involved (the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service). Despite all the support available for Chris, he still remains mute. As the story progresses we get to know more about his friendship with Declan and come to understand that Chris isn’t mute from his best friends death but from the secret he is hiding.
Chris’ peers and family add depth to the story … Ariel, (Declan’s girlfriend) knows there is something underlying his inability to speak and doesn’t give up trying to help him and Will, who is a new boy and leads Chris into some daredevil escapades. These key characters are quite interesting in their juxtaposed roles. Will’s high jinx leads Chris to forget for a short time while Ariel is drawing him out to make him remember.
“Ariel was like a truth drug. The longer I spent with her, the more likely I was to crack. She seemed to have worked out I was hiding something. And she wasn’t going to let go.” (page 105)
The frustration of his parents at his inability to talk is poignantly shown in an overheard conversation.
The intrigue of what could possibly have had such a huge impact on Chris draws the reader on and the language is apt for the YA audience. So is the perspective of the adolescent – as adults I think we sometimes forget that maturity (usually!) brings an emotional intelligence.
I would like to thank Piccadilly Press for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
We find out from a newspaper article that Facebook tributes for 15 year old Declan Norris are flooding in. We’re then transported to 8 months after the crash and Chris has gone to visit the site of the accident for the first time. He’s chatting to Declan and the reader feels there has been a resolution of some kind.
Starting from the morning after the crash until we’re back to 8 months after crash at the same scene, we become involved in the St Thomas school community dealing with their grief and specifically, Chris’ healing journey.
Narrated in the first person, we become a part of Chris’ pain and guilt. He can speak up until 5 days after the crash when at the memoriam at school, he is unable to perform his part. It only takes a few more weeks before CAMHS become involved (the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service). Despite all the support available for Chris, he still remains mute. As the story progresses we get to know more about his friendship with Declan and come to understand that Chris isn’t mute from his best friends death but from the secret he is hiding.
Chris’ peers and family add depth to the story … Ariel, (Declan’s girlfriend) knows there is something underlying his inability to speak and doesn’t give up trying to help him and Will, who is a new boy and leads Chris into some daredevil escapades. These key characters are quite interesting in their juxtaposed roles. Will’s high jinx leads Chris to forget for a short time while Ariel is drawing him out to make him remember.
“Ariel was like a truth drug. The longer I spent with her, the more likely I was to crack. She seemed to have worked out I was hiding something. And she wasn’t going to let go.” (page 105)
The frustration of his parents at his inability to talk is poignantly shown in an overheard conversation.
The intrigue of what could possibly have had such a huge impact on Chris draws the reader on and the language is apt for the YA audience. So is the perspective of the adolescent – as adults I think we sometimes forget that maturity (usually!) brings an emotional intelligence.
I would like to thank Piccadilly Press for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 15, 2022
This story follows teenager Chris through the aftermath of the sudden loss of his best friend, Declan, starting at the morning after the accident, the trauma of which causes Chris to lose the power of speech. This story explores an element of mystery as there seems to be information that the narrator of Chris doesn't want us to know, and as the story progresses we are given more thoughts as to what and why this is. Although the concept is heavy, I felt it was well explored and represented, as well as being portrayed and written in such a way that felt like each topic was handled delicately but also able to be absorbed accessibly. As the book was short I thought this might leave little room for exploration, but in fact it felt the right length to cover all the information in a natural and enjoyable amount of detail. Overall, I felt this story's exploration of guilt linked to loss was handled very well and presented in a very accessible way that created a book I could definitely recommend.
July 29, 2012
I was offered the opportunity to review this book and jumped at the chance as Piccadilly Press have some cracking reads. The first thing that struck me was how beautiful and striking the cover was, and it matched the book so well.
This book was slightly too slow paced for me at times, hence the 4 stars, but being able to write about death and loss from the point of a 15 year old boy, and doing it well, seems an impossible feat to me, but Simon Packham pulls it off with aplomb. There are moments in this book where your heart breaks for the main character, as he struggles with his loss, new condition...and the secret behind it all.
Well worth a read for teens, especially boys, and it should be required reading for children dealing with loss. The touch about the poem is pure genius. Read it for yourself.....
This book was slightly too slow paced for me at times, hence the 4 stars, but being able to write about death and loss from the point of a 15 year old boy, and doing it well, seems an impossible feat to me, but Simon Packham pulls it off with aplomb. There are moments in this book where your heart breaks for the main character, as he struggles with his loss, new condition...and the secret behind it all.
Well worth a read for teens, especially boys, and it should be required reading for children dealing with loss. The touch about the poem is pure genius. Read it for yourself.....
May 1, 2022
I was recommended this by one of my y8s - it was very well written. Although it was clear it was written a good 15 years ago, I feel it has stood the test of time. It covered some issues around selective mutism and grief.
June 1, 2020
I was surprised how much I loved this book. I don't know why I didn't think I would, but I ended up falling in love with the characters.
July 5, 2012
Silenced was a quick easy read that contained many life lessons and so many emotions it makes your heart break. Silenced is aimed at teens and it focuses on Chris as he goes through the stages of grief after the death of his best friend and other half of their comedy duo. Silenced is told from Chris' point of view as if he was talking to Declan. It's a very interesting thing to read and you really see Chris's personality and humor shine through. You feel the grief he has towards his best friend and a secret that makes him lose himself.
Silenced joins Chris the day after his best friend is killed in a car crash. Chris' world is turned upside down, he falls in on himself and doesn't feel anything. The grief swallows him whole so he can't think straight. To top it off he loses his voice. There's a secret tugging at his mind but he can't quite grasp it. It holds the key to why he cannot talk and when he finds it he will be able to slowly recover. Silenced is a very interesting tale about a teenage boy coping with grief, one that I would recommend to teenagers so that they can understand the dark reality of how grief can affect a person, even a young boy.
Chris and Declan were a comedy duo and best friends. They were very close. It's understandable how badly the grief effects Chris especially as there's something he won't admit to himself. Chris is funny and the way he still talks to Declan even though he is dead is heartbreaking. Some of the things he says to Declan are so sad. Other times it's just like Declan is still alive and they are sharing a joke. They had a brilliant bond and it's still conveyed even after one of them has died.
The new boy Will tries to replace Declan. Will is funny but it's a harsh sense of humor. I didn't like his character he was a stuck up brat who made Chris do horrible things to take his mind off of Declans death. Ariel is a tough, different girl whose all about being Eco friendly. She also happened to be Declan's secret girlfriend. Ariel knows there's something Chris is hiding and she tells him she will always be there for him. After all Declan wanted them both to be friends.
Silenced is a great teen book about the reality of death and how it can have such a large affect on young people. It shows the journey some teens have to go on when someone close to them dies. It's hauntingly real, it's a gripping read that I would recommend to all teens. It's definitely one that will teach you a life lesson or two. It was a quick enjoyable read that will leave a huge impact on the reader.
Silenced joins Chris the day after his best friend is killed in a car crash. Chris' world is turned upside down, he falls in on himself and doesn't feel anything. The grief swallows him whole so he can't think straight. To top it off he loses his voice. There's a secret tugging at his mind but he can't quite grasp it. It holds the key to why he cannot talk and when he finds it he will be able to slowly recover. Silenced is a very interesting tale about a teenage boy coping with grief, one that I would recommend to teenagers so that they can understand the dark reality of how grief can affect a person, even a young boy.
Chris and Declan were a comedy duo and best friends. They were very close. It's understandable how badly the grief effects Chris especially as there's something he won't admit to himself. Chris is funny and the way he still talks to Declan even though he is dead is heartbreaking. Some of the things he says to Declan are so sad. Other times it's just like Declan is still alive and they are sharing a joke. They had a brilliant bond and it's still conveyed even after one of them has died.
The new boy Will tries to replace Declan. Will is funny but it's a harsh sense of humor. I didn't like his character he was a stuck up brat who made Chris do horrible things to take his mind off of Declans death. Ariel is a tough, different girl whose all about being Eco friendly. She also happened to be Declan's secret girlfriend. Ariel knows there's something Chris is hiding and she tells him she will always be there for him. After all Declan wanted them both to be friends.
Silenced is a great teen book about the reality of death and how it can have such a large affect on young people. It shows the journey some teens have to go on when someone close to them dies. It's hauntingly real, it's a gripping read that I would recommend to all teens. It's definitely one that will teach you a life lesson or two. It was a quick enjoyable read that will leave a huge impact on the reader.
July 2, 2012
Full review here on TotalTeenFiction
This book tells the story of Chris, who becomes mute following the death of his best friend Declan in a car accident. We follow his journey as he comes to terms with what happens and tries to find his voice again.
I really loved the idea of this story. It's showing the reality of grief through a teenager's eyes, and even though what's happening to Chris is a tough subject matter, the way this book approached it was brilliant. Both the topics of grief and mental health are handled really well - not once did I sit there feeling depressed or uncomfortable, but at the same time you felt the realness of what Chris was going through. I think this book is a prime example of how to tackle these subjects for young adult readers.
The way the book is narrated was one of the things I loved most. The story is told through Chris as if he were talking to Declan. This means we get a real insight into their friendship even though his best friend is no longer alive. It also helps give Chris this really witty, brilliant personality, even though for most of this book he isn't able to speak.
There's some really great humour in this book too - totally not what you'd expect when you hear the plot summary! But Chris and Declan saw themselves as comedians; dreaming of the Edinburgh Fringe and writing their own sketch show, so with Chris's point of view comes all these fantastic witty lines and observations. I'd find myself chuckling along throughout!
I loved that the book felt really current, too. In a generation of Facebook and smartphones this book felt like it fitted right in with teenage life, and even what happens to Declan is something you hear about on the news far too often.
The climax towards the end maybe felt a little rushed - maybe I just wanted more time with the characters! But I really liked that every character got their own sort of conclusion. It was a very satisfying ending.
It's a nice easy read; fairly short length and not too wordy. I'd thoroughly recommend this book to anyone of any age, young and old as I think anyone could get something out of reading it. I look forward to reading more by this author!
This book tells the story of Chris, who becomes mute following the death of his best friend Declan in a car accident. We follow his journey as he comes to terms with what happens and tries to find his voice again.
I really loved the idea of this story. It's showing the reality of grief through a teenager's eyes, and even though what's happening to Chris is a tough subject matter, the way this book approached it was brilliant. Both the topics of grief and mental health are handled really well - not once did I sit there feeling depressed or uncomfortable, but at the same time you felt the realness of what Chris was going through. I think this book is a prime example of how to tackle these subjects for young adult readers.
The way the book is narrated was one of the things I loved most. The story is told through Chris as if he were talking to Declan. This means we get a real insight into their friendship even though his best friend is no longer alive. It also helps give Chris this really witty, brilliant personality, even though for most of this book he isn't able to speak.
There's some really great humour in this book too - totally not what you'd expect when you hear the plot summary! But Chris and Declan saw themselves as comedians; dreaming of the Edinburgh Fringe and writing their own sketch show, so with Chris's point of view comes all these fantastic witty lines and observations. I'd find myself chuckling along throughout!
I loved that the book felt really current, too. In a generation of Facebook and smartphones this book felt like it fitted right in with teenage life, and even what happens to Declan is something you hear about on the news far too often.
The climax towards the end maybe felt a little rushed - maybe I just wanted more time with the characters! But I really liked that every character got their own sort of conclusion. It was a very satisfying ending.
It's a nice easy read; fairly short length and not too wordy. I'd thoroughly recommend this book to anyone of any age, young and old as I think anyone could get something out of reading it. I look forward to reading more by this author!
July 29, 2012
'That's when it hit me: a sadness so overwhelming it felt like all the lights in the universe were going out.'
Chris narrates this story throughout, addressing his words directly to his best friend Declan, who has just died in a car crash. The two of them had evidently been inseparable friends; they had been a comedy double act together, with dreams of appearing at the Edinburgh Festival one day. One cherished episode of the sitcom they created together is all that is left now.
After a while, the novelty of Chris’s silence wears off amongst his peers, with only Ariel and new boy Will spending any time with him. Ariel, together with her mother, lives a kind of alternative lifestyle that acknowledges an awareness of the world and its resources. She realises there is something Chris is keeping to himself with regard to Declan and his death, and as Chris gets to know Ariel more, he realises that, as Ariel says, 'Declan was full of surprises.' Will however encourages Chris into dangerous actions to try and escape from himself and his silence, to stop him from dwelling on Declan and his death.
Chris loses the power to speak, enduring a selective mutism – leaving those around him, and the reader, wondering what exactly has caused this in Chris? We learn how low and despondent he feels; 'As if a black cloud of my own making was parked permanently above my head. All I knew was that I'd done something terrible; something so terrible, I simply wasn't ready to face it yet. And even in my head, I was about a million miles away from being able to put it into words.'
What is the secret that he is so scared to divulge? Why does he carry blame for what happened to his best friend? What passed between them? Will he be able to speak up? I felt intrigued and compelled to read on and understand Chris, to discover his feelings and his reasoning.
The author handles this subject well, exploring the enormous feelings of grief and loss that Chris is carrying with him. I felt the language and style of a teenage boy was well captured and employed by the author to create an authentic character of that age.
This is a story that readers both young and old could get something out of. It is moving and explores death and guilt sensitively but openly. I will be looking out for this author’s other books.
Chris narrates this story throughout, addressing his words directly to his best friend Declan, who has just died in a car crash. The two of them had evidently been inseparable friends; they had been a comedy double act together, with dreams of appearing at the Edinburgh Festival one day. One cherished episode of the sitcom they created together is all that is left now.
After a while, the novelty of Chris’s silence wears off amongst his peers, with only Ariel and new boy Will spending any time with him. Ariel, together with her mother, lives a kind of alternative lifestyle that acknowledges an awareness of the world and its resources. She realises there is something Chris is keeping to himself with regard to Declan and his death, and as Chris gets to know Ariel more, he realises that, as Ariel says, 'Declan was full of surprises.' Will however encourages Chris into dangerous actions to try and escape from himself and his silence, to stop him from dwelling on Declan and his death.
Chris loses the power to speak, enduring a selective mutism – leaving those around him, and the reader, wondering what exactly has caused this in Chris? We learn how low and despondent he feels; 'As if a black cloud of my own making was parked permanently above my head. All I knew was that I'd done something terrible; something so terrible, I simply wasn't ready to face it yet. And even in my head, I was about a million miles away from being able to put it into words.'
What is the secret that he is so scared to divulge? Why does he carry blame for what happened to his best friend? What passed between them? Will he be able to speak up? I felt intrigued and compelled to read on and understand Chris, to discover his feelings and his reasoning.
The author handles this subject well, exploring the enormous feelings of grief and loss that Chris is carrying with him. I felt the language and style of a teenage boy was well captured and employed by the author to create an authentic character of that age.
This is a story that readers both young and old could get something out of. It is moving and explores death and guilt sensitively but openly. I will be looking out for this author’s other books.
July 17, 2016
After the death of his best friend, Chris finds himself unable to speak a word, or even let out a sound. Everyone around him thinks his muteness is due to his unspeakable grief, which is partly true. But it's also because he is carrying a secret – a secret so ugly and vile that he doesn't dare to even think about it – about the death of his best friend.
But when he befriends Ariel, who apparently was together with Chris' best friend for three weeks before he died, it becomes hard to keep mute. He wants to come clean to her so badly, especially as he grows more attached to her. As a defense mechanism, he accepts the friendship of the new kid in their class; a rich boy whose only hobby seems to be causing trouble for others. But will it be enough to keep it all inside? Because Chris is certain he'll explode if he doesn't speak soon... but who would ever be able to look at him the same if he did?
This book piqued my interest as it deals with muteness. I don't have any personal experiences with muteness but that only makes me feel more responsible to actually try to educate myself on the subject. And that part of the book was beautiful and sad and just very good.
But I had such trouble liking any characters; well except for Ariel who is constantly slammed by everyone. Even Chris throws some rude remarks at her interest in feminism, but I'm not entirely surprised as he feels much like ”I'm anti-sexism but feminism is so lesbian and gross lol” is something he'd say. It felt very much like a book meant for white cishet boys age fourteen to sixteen in that way, and I feel like at least half the book was completely irrelevant to me because it didn't interest me at all, or it bothered me so much.
I will give the book a four anyway, though, as Chris' struggle with the loss of his best friend is so raw and beautiful and just splendid. Okay.
But when he befriends Ariel, who apparently was together with Chris' best friend for three weeks before he died, it becomes hard to keep mute. He wants to come clean to her so badly, especially as he grows more attached to her. As a defense mechanism, he accepts the friendship of the new kid in their class; a rich boy whose only hobby seems to be causing trouble for others. But will it be enough to keep it all inside? Because Chris is certain he'll explode if he doesn't speak soon... but who would ever be able to look at him the same if he did?
This book piqued my interest as it deals with muteness. I don't have any personal experiences with muteness but that only makes me feel more responsible to actually try to educate myself on the subject. And that part of the book was beautiful and sad and just very good.
But I had such trouble liking any characters; well except for Ariel who is constantly slammed by everyone. Even Chris throws some rude remarks at her interest in feminism, but I'm not entirely surprised as he feels much like ”I'm anti-sexism but feminism is so lesbian and gross lol” is something he'd say. It felt very much like a book meant for white cishet boys age fourteen to sixteen in that way, and I feel like at least half the book was completely irrelevant to me because it didn't interest me at all, or it bothered me so much.
I will give the book a four anyway, though, as Chris' struggle with the loss of his best friend is so raw and beautiful and just splendid. Okay.
March 6, 2016
To see my full review, check it out on my blog Click Here!
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The novel touches on a lot of important issues from mental health, grief and friendship. In this novel our protagonist Chris who becomes mute after the sudden death of his best friend Declan. Packham handles the subject of Chris's mental health and reaction to Declans death very well and carries the theme in a realistic manner throughout the novel.
Although the novel does deal frankly with death, grief and mental health issues, there is a lot of humour and fun scenes in the novel. I enjoyed reading about Chris's new friendships that he forms in the novel.
I enjoyed the plot of the novel, yet although I was entertained by the mystery of why Chris refused to speak, toward the latter end of the novel I began to lose interest in the mystery. I felt that the last 60 pages of the novel and the plot were somewhat rushed and boring. I feel that I lost interest in the ending which may have been due to the predictability of the mystery element.
Overall a quick, easy read that deals with heavy topics well and in an honest way.
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The novel touches on a lot of important issues from mental health, grief and friendship. In this novel our protagonist Chris who becomes mute after the sudden death of his best friend Declan. Packham handles the subject of Chris's mental health and reaction to Declans death very well and carries the theme in a realistic manner throughout the novel.
Although the novel does deal frankly with death, grief and mental health issues, there is a lot of humour and fun scenes in the novel. I enjoyed reading about Chris's new friendships that he forms in the novel.
I enjoyed the plot of the novel, yet although I was entertained by the mystery of why Chris refused to speak, toward the latter end of the novel I began to lose interest in the mystery. I felt that the last 60 pages of the novel and the plot were somewhat rushed and boring. I feel that I lost interest in the ending which may have been due to the predictability of the mystery element.
Overall a quick, easy read that deals with heavy topics well and in an honest way.
May 6, 2013
As someone who works with teenagers, I found this book gave an insight into the destructive behaviour some can get involved in, as well as being a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Chris is shocked to find his best friend Declan has been killed in a car crash. In fact he's so shocked that he finds himself unable to speak. But just what are the words he finds it so impossible to say? And did he really know Declan that well?
A story about growing up, changing, finding new friends, some who are looking to help and some who look only for what they can get. I really felt for Chris as he struggled to find his voice again and get used to life without Declan. Ariel and Will both vie for his attention, and Chris finds it hard to know which way to turn.
The story had a good ending, with an entertaining twist.
Chris is shocked to find his best friend Declan has been killed in a car crash. In fact he's so shocked that he finds himself unable to speak. But just what are the words he finds it so impossible to say? And did he really know Declan that well?
A story about growing up, changing, finding new friends, some who are looking to help and some who look only for what they can get. I really felt for Chris as he struggled to find his voice again and get used to life without Declan. Ariel and Will both vie for his attention, and Chris finds it hard to know which way to turn.
The story had a good ending, with an entertaining twist.
March 24, 2013
A topic that's been covered before, but this is an original take on it. A best friend dies, Chris is struck literally dumb.
Some good writing of a teenage point of view (though Ariel's speech doesn't always ring true) and some standout funny lines here and there.'
Good teenage read.
Some good writing of a teenage point of view (though Ariel's speech doesn't always ring true) and some standout funny lines here and there.'
Good teenage read.
October 24, 2019
Well that was weird. By some computer/Kindle cock up I'd managed to give my own book one star. I tried to delete it. That wouldn't work, but it would let me change it to 5 stars. I wouldn't normally rate my own books - although I quite liked this one - but what are you going to do?
February 10, 2015
This book left me really smiling of what happened in it ! I love it !
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews