Songs for the Deaf

by Kenneth A. Silver, Mariel Hemingway (foreword)

SONGS FOR THE DEAF is an upmarket historical thriller in which history blends with fiction and speculation supplements facts. As opposed to the traditional thriller it prompts the reader to take a closer look at actual events.

Coretta Scott King attended an anti-war rally in Toronto in 1971 to introduce the John Doe author of SONGS FOR THE DEAF, which was dedicated to a U.S. government that was hard of hearing. They were about to announce a new challenge to the constitutionality of the Vietnam War. It wasn’t to be. The John Doe speaker, Marine Captain John Hathaway, who had been listed as M.I.A., never lived to go public.

His next stop would have been home. “Yoo-hoo everyone, the M.I.A. is home.” Only now he’s a deserter. Not a coward. Not a drunk. He put himself out there. The perfect plaintiff. The door to the Supremes. The grieving mother of the M.I.A. would have taken him in before he surrendered. Though the unforgiving father had been outraged by his son’s involvement with R.I.T.A. (Resisting Inside the Armed Forces), he was still his father. They would have argued, fought, torn each other’s hair out. So what?
When push came to shove, was he the general first or the father first? Well, which one was he? It was a risk they chose not to take. But why? It was what Marine Brigadier General Calvin Hathaway knew of Operation Native Soil that killed his son. They could not let him go home.

Haunted by a past that reverberated into the future, the Vietnam War remains the war that refuses to go away. I always knew that Songs For the Deaf was my story to write, but it took me years to decide exactly how to write it. Though some of it is bound to shatter your beliefs, and strikes at the heart of our democracy, I am a novelist, not a historian. I wanted it to be more than an exposé.

Hence the heart and soul of Songs For the Deaf resides in the protagonist, Miles Curtin, his complex relationship with the two strong women in his life, and their different, but essential, roles in his path to redemption.

Alice Curtin, his They were past the point of loving. There was a time, though, when “her Miles” could walk on water. No, he didn’t want her love, but he was starving for her respect. It was a hunger that never left him. It was both a burden and a bond.

Valerie It always seemed that Valerie came along at just the right moment in Miles’ life. But did she? There were times he had reasons to doubt her. “I don’t want your love without your loyalty.”

Miles He made a pretty big splash early on in the game. The world around him was custom made for his fighting spirit. But through no fault of his, chance delivered a punishing blow. He could have bounced back from whatever happened in Canada, but he didn’t. He returned to the States in the ‘80’s. Only now he was a different person. But could that person live with the bombshell discovery that providence left on his doorstop?

In the midst of an agency-mandated archaeological study, it isn’t uncommon for a real estate developer to be saddled with unwelcome “Never like this – one mass burial site. And there was nothing. Absolutely nothing. No beads, jewelry, scraps of clothing, buttons. Not one single article of any kind to help identify them. Valerie, they were clean as a whistle.” Without digging any deeper (hint), Yersinia pestis, the bacillus of bubonic plague, is stable in cadavers for long periods of time, leaving clues and making it possible to detect variations, i.e., the lab strain.

Advance Praise for Songs For the

Winner of the 2024 New York Book Festival Award

Winner of the 2024 Pinnacle Book Achievement Award

Winner of the 2024 Hollywood Book Festival Award

Winner of the 2024 Literary Titan Book Award

Winner of the 2024 International Firebird Book Award

Winner of the 2024 BookFest Book Award

SFTD is a captivating read that is difficult to put down. Kenneth A. Silver masterfully blends historical intrigue with personal transformation, creating a story that is both beautiful and riveting... Miles' transformation is a highlight of the book drawing readers into his journey and making his character unforgettable.

- Winner 2024 Literary Titan Book Award

"Songs for the Deaf is a wonderful story with the unforgettable presence of Miles Curtin, the protagonist. Following his bombshell discovery, the tug-of-war within his soul creates the kind of depth and literary richness that is one of the hallmarks I look for in great writing."

- Mariel Hemingway, Oscar-nominated actress, author, and granddaughter of Ernest Hemingway


"With vivid descriptions and expert storytelling, Songs For the Deaf will transport you to another time and place, immersing you in a world of danger, intrigue, and hope. This book is a true testament to one man's talent as an author."

-A Bookwatch Index Selection


"In a bold move that expands the traditional devices of a thriller into arenas of speculative...

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction

292 pages, Paperback

Published July 19, 2024

About the author

My published memoir takes us back to my first collection of poetry. I wasn’t quite fourteen, and I had already bombed in Brooklyn. Though I was licensed to practice law, I spent many years circling the globe with my camera gear, always photographing the different and the special. As time went by, the different was slowly disappearing beneath a veil of “sameness”. It started at a remote tribe, buried deep in the jungle, that I arranged to photograph, and a native boy in his “I Love New York” t-shirt. In one way or another, I began to see him in that t-shirt everywhere I went. The result was Endangered, the first of many solo gallery exhibits which featured several photo essays to accompany my photos. I continued to compile my photographic record and a journal of photo essays, which began to feel like a swan song that only existed in my writing. The kid who bombed in Brooklyn must have been working behind my back, because I was busy writing poetry again. My memoir, in fact, is introduced by two of my narrative poems. By 2008 I resolved that my voice was best served—and best heard—through the voice that guides my pen. I am currently writing my third novel, though every now and then my photo studio does come ahaunting.

Reviews

[Gianfranco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Completely elevated

This book is a masterpiece; from beginning to end, it has an excellent narrative. I like its literary embellishments and the way the author effortlessly takes us to other eras. It almost feels like landing in whatever moment and place the author has in mind whenever they please.
We then encounter a very distinct character, full of realism, internal conflicts, and questions that are very difficult to resolve from a human perspective. The vestiges of war, the feeling of betrayal, and the challenge to values are aspects that the character will reflect to the reader throughout the entire work.
Let yourself be enveloped by this excellent story. It's been a long time since I've read a work with such good doses of drama and realism.

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The main reason I chose this story is the number of awards it won; of course, as I read it, I could certify that it is extremely delightful. I liked its format and organization, with a read that is agile and easy to follow. The chapters are short and that makes them even more entertaining.
Another positive aspect of this title is the author’s writing style which adds vivid descriptions to the story. The reader is totally transported to a different place full of danger and it’s pretty easy to get lost in the fiction.
The way in which it talks about personal sacrifices makes the story emotional and each person who reads it can relate it to different moments in their own life.

[Aneley Sánchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

The results of the war.

The author has a great skill to write and it is visible in each page of this book. Kenneth A. Silver takes post-war stories to the next level, creating a unique thriller with incredible narrative detail. The story blends real events with fiction to achieve a captivating plot from beginning to end.
I think it is a really good story because the author delves into the depths of the mind of Miles Curtis, the protagonist, and explains how it was seriously affected by the war. This book talks about something that everyone knows but that most of us avoid talking about. It is a compelling story that I completely enjoyed. I recommend it!

[Maps R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wanting to learn more about the reality behind the post-Vietnam War era, I found this book. Even though it is a novel, the main character, Miles Curtin, captivated me with all the conflicts that he faces, both societally and personally. The author's way of writing is marvellous; the storytelling evokes feelings of intrigue, danger, and hope.
By combining history and fiction, Silver goes a step further by providing deeper context on what happened during the war, including government corruption, military war crimes, and all types of injustices during that period. As I mentioned before, the societal aspect is very important in the book, and it is fascinating to gain insight into some aspects that are sometimes forgotten when talking about wars—specifically, the family. He opens the door to understanding the dynamics and how they were affected by the situation. To learn more about an alternative approach to the war effect is to understand that these situations change the whole structure of the society even the basic structure that is the family.

[Saya Jacaranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved every second of it

Wow! This book offers a whole range of different contents. I loved the fact that it covers topics of politics, history, and economy while being fiction. It is a thriller that will not let go of you that easily. It’s very long. I mean it has over 4000 pages. But it is definitely worth the read and time. I loved every second of it, and I am pretty sure that anyone can find their interest here. It does take a while to get warm with the idea of reading a book this size. But once you start, you won’t even notice how the pages pass. The fact that real life events are mixed with fiction is amazing.

[ManOfLaBook.com · Rating 4 out of 5]

For more reviews and bookish posts visit: https://www.ManOfLaBook.com

Songs for the Deaf by Kenneth A. Silver is a historical thriller telling a conspiracy uncovered by a real-estate developer concerning the Vietnam War. Mr. Silver is an author, lawyer, fashion designer and executive.

During a routine survey of a real estate site, a mass grave is discovered and opens up a whole can of worms which took place shortly after the Vietnam War. The developer, Miles Curtin, discovers that a conspiracy called Operation Native Soil took place during that time.

Miles keeps peeling away layers of deceit, secrets, corruption, and war crimes. He also pays a great personal cost to pursue the truth.

The book has a very interesting premise, taking place at a time of upheaval in the United States. The protagonist, Miles Curtis, is very interesting and affected greatly by the Vietnam War.

Songs for the Deaf by Kenneth A. Silver is a good book, and a good story but I just couldn’t get into the story. The author’s storytelling style simply didn’t work for me. I enjoyed the thriller, but the narrative detail didn’t work for me and took me out of the story.

There’s a lot happening in the book, from economic issues, politics, history, and morality. The book is highly descriptive, which can be a Catch-22, as you feel part of the world in the book, but the main story gets lost.

The characters are written very well and are all interesting. Each one has its own personality, ambiguities, and complexities. I think that they added a lot to the story without taking much away.

Handling a whole new sets of information and inconvenient truths are a big part of the story, something that all people have to deal with at some time or another. In this age of post-truth/disinformation and misinformation where it’s difficult to tell what reality actually is, a book like this could really make an impact and help people look into themselves instead of doubling and tripling down on stupidity.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another historical fiction, Songs For The Deaf (2025) by Kenneth A. Silver is set in 1971 Canada, during the Vietnam War era. Miles Curtis is an American working for a large Corporation that takes him from the wilderness of Northern Ontario to the Alberta forest in a not so pristine environment. The narrative then moves to the 1980s as Miles battles to unmask the truth and a potential conspiracy. There are many levels to this tale which tries to balance a tense thriller with substantive issues and one man’s personal struggles. Unfortunately, the ambitious mix of history, thriller and various topical issues combined with the protagonist’s self-realisation, does not quite work. So overall, somewhat of a mishmash story with a three star read rating. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own, freely given and without any inducement. With thanks to MindstirMedia and the author, for an uncorrected advanced review copy for review purposes.

[Almiria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Songs for the Deaf by Kenneth A. Silver is an engaging and immersive historical novel set during the post-Vietnam War period. The protagonist Miles Curtin is on the hunt for the truth in a brutal post-war period, but finds that the search pushes him to the limits of his own conscience and mental endurance. I appreciated the fact that the author delved into under-represented aspects and consequences of the war, including plague epidemics that are not well known.

The writing is fast-paced but still gives a good sense of the period. I enjoyed the complex characterisation as well as the careful reconstruction of a bygone era that nevertheless never dragged or weighed the dramatic plot down. The book comes with a foreword by Mariel Hemingway, the granddaughter of the legendary Ernest Hemingway and is a testament to the success of this book.

[Steven Finkelstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miles Curtis learns some incredible truths about the Vietnam War that change his life. This is the story of how that happens and the way he deals with what he has discovered. It’s a novel about war and what it does to both countries and individuals. Miles is a sympathetic figure, as the reader is brought on a ride deep into this man’s wounded psyche.

This is at its core a novel about not just war and its futility but also families and how they deal with unspoken, serious issues that threaten to tear them apart. It’s a tour de force from the author, a skilled storyteller who probes several societal concepts for the purpose of creating high drama. In every way, this is a thought-provoking book with an undeniable impact.

[Marina Lujan · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Songs for the Deaf” is an incredible historical novel that grabs you from the beginning. Set in the difficult period after the Vietnam War, it follows Miles Curtin, a protagonist who struck me as complex and deeply human. The search for the truth that he undertakes not only reflects the brutality of the postwar period but also the internal shock he experiences while trying to maintain his sanity.

Silver manages to create an immersive narrative that made me feel the weight of each revelation, leading me to reflect on the limits of mental resistance. Plus, it's an easy-flowing read, perfect for starting a weekend if you're looking for something that combines emotional depth with a compelling historical plot.

[Mariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never thought I would be as interested in a book as in this one, but I highly recommend it. It is a book that has a very interesting narrative, which makes you not stop reading. Besides having something that I love and that is highly descriptive, this helps you feel part of the world in which the whole plot occurs. I loved the characters, I think they all bring a lot of body to the book, they have interesting personalities and quite complex in some cases. A book full of mystery and intrigue, seeming like a historical novel about the war and its repercussions. I liked it, give it a chance to immerse yourself in another time.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Songs for the Deaf is a thriller set in the 20th century, starring Miles, who discovers some truths and facts about the Vietnam War, and how these truths affected him.
With an extremely subtle and engaging plot, the author narrates this period story, where historical facts are present combined with fictional facts. Chapter after chapter, this author immerses the reader in an extremely seductive world that makes them unable to leave their chair.
I certainly look forward to reading more titles by this author, as I think his writing style and touch with regards to storytelling are very good. I recommend this book to all lovers of fiction books that contain historical facts.

[Melissa Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read. Kenneth A. Silver dives into the world of what happens when troops come home. We don't talk about it enough. I think this book provides a great example of what it looks like. We see our main character, Miles, trying to grasp what normal is like for him and how it isn't the same before he left. I wouldn't say his eyes were opened, but he did get a whole new set of information and how we do handle that. The world is an interesting place and it can get even more complex for our troops. This book is a great conversation starter.

[Gina Stamper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silver has done a great job of making these characters endearing. I saw it as a story of relationships with all people and with the natural world.

An absorbing and inherently fascinating read from beginning to end. Full of so much more than I was expecting. A great read.

[C. Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting and well-written book that tells a beautiful story.

I thought it was fast-paced in a good way, which I wouldn't have expected.

I devoured this in one go. Great characters and a really good storyline.

[R.K. Emery · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a welcome breath of fresh air. It was ultimately uplifting, hinting at a way forward through the darkness of the present. Drawing on deep wells of history and experience

This story was difficult, yet beautiful, both sad and hopeful.

[Kiana Saumalu · Rating 1 out of 5]

Decided to DNF after about 25%. I couldn’t get into the book, it just wasn’t for me.

[Carla Small · Rating 5 out of 5]

**★★★★★ – A haunting, brilliant excavation of war, silence, and buried truth**

*Songs for the Deaf* is that rare novel that not only grips you with its mystery but echoes long after with its emotional and political resonance. Blending fact, fiction, and bold speculation, this is a masterfully layered story that forces us to confront the legacy of war—not just in history books, but in the ground beneath our feet.

From the very first chapter, the novel pulls you into a world where the past refuses to stay silent. The chilling discovery of an unmarked mass grave by developer Miles Curtin sets off a chain reaction of revelations tied to the Vietnam War, government betrayal, and one man’s doomed attempt to speak truth to power. Marine Captain John Hathaway, a would-be whistleblower, becomes both a ghost and a symbol in a story that stretches from anti-war protests in Toronto to the bloody shadows of “Operation Native Soil.”

The writing is razor-sharp yet deeply human, unspooling layers of trauma, guilt, and buried love through Miles’s fraught relationships with both his ex-wife Alice and the elusive Valerie. These personal struggles run parallel to a wider reckoning—about silence, complicity, and the cost of telling the truth in a world built to forget.

*Songs for the Deaf* is not just a political thriller or a historical mystery—it’s a reckoning. It asks: what are we willing to hear, and what do we bury to keep living? This novel doesn’t flinch, and neither should its readers.