The Silent One

by Joy Cowley

A deaf-mute boy who has tamed a huge white turtle becomes the target of the superstitious people of his small village.

Genres: Childrens, Young Adult, Fiction, Disability

96 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1980

About the author

Cassia Joy Cowley is a New Zealand author best known for her children's fiction, including the popular series of books Mrs. Wishy-Washy.

Reviews

[Kit · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Silent One
Joy Cowley

This Fits into my Book written by a NewZealander Box,

I read this book because I needed a book to Put into this box, and I like turtles.

This is an unusual book about a boy named Jonasi, a gifted boy that makes a special relationship with a giant white turtle

fave quote- ''then perhaps your face will learn to smile again'' I liked this quote because it shows how some one can be down then slowly rebuild their confidence and become happy again.

I learnt that friendship comes in different forms as shown by Jonasi making friends with a Giant white turtle, as they stick together as they are seen by the villagers as evil spirits.

[Charlotte Avery · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good book is all I really can say.

[Runa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book for Year 9 (Form 3) literature. This book is a great book for young teens and is beautifully written. The language used is very descriptive and a joy to read. While the story itself is not too different from other books written about young, islander adults, it stands out due to the beautiful language.

[Kiara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I decided to read this book because I was searching up classics and this popped up and it looked interesting

A character I found interesting in this book was the albino turtle. I found this character interesting not because of what the turtle necessarily did but the effect the turtle has on Jonassi. Because they were both seen as evil spirits to the villages it only drew the friendship together and made them closer. The turtle was the only true friend Jonasi had and gave him a companionship which throughout the book helped him wake up and get through the day sometimes. A quote I found during this book that i thought represented Jonasi was ' then your face will learn to smile again, ' I liked this because it showed me that someone's confidence could be low but with some love, support and care it can be mended. Another quote I found was ' the boy can not hear or speak, and it's no disease. He was born with silence.' This helped be understand what kind of situation Jonasi was in and made me sympathise that he was born this way and that I after reading the book gave him a lot of issues with socialising and being accepted for who he really was.

A memorable quote was 'the people of the village were very superstitious, they blamed Jonasi for the hurricane. ' this just showed me the lengths of prejudice towards Jonasi just because he was different when really they should of been accepting him and treating home like another human being giving home the respect and treatment he deserves.

If I could ask the author anything I would ask why a turtle Has to be the sea animal that Jonasi formed a relationship with?

If I could change a moment in the book I think I would like to extend more about the villagers and why they were so weary of everything including Jonasi and the white turtle.

[Belinda Mellor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. It's obviously a book for older children/teens but there is a depth to it that makes it a good read for people of all ages and nuances that perhaps adults might appreciate more than younger readers. I loved the ending – which I won't say anything about other than how it made me stop and reconsider whose view I had subconciously sided with only to be wrong-footed.
Beautifully written, thoughtful, sad and uplifting, and an unusual setting that takes the reader out of the ordinary world.

[Veronica-Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this story. Although written for young people, this is a book that appeals to all ages and with a relatable message for everyone which is; not to fear difference, but to embrace it instead. The illustrations by Sherryl Jordan are truly gorgeous. So, a quick read but an inspiring one. Highly recommended.

[Sophia · Rating 3 out of 5]

It ended too quickly

[Becky Lomitusi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it

[Vasemaca Naua · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this book because of the myterious adventures.But my fav was the white albino turtle

[Cheryll · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well written New Zealand story. Very moving.

[Shazeli]

Jonasi is a caring and loving boy but he is never loved by anyone he is very independent and he is deaf and cannot speak he would always care about his surroundings and he would be the one who goes and fishes the fish so the villagers wont go hungry they would first curse the boy then stuff their mouthes with food like they don't care everyone thinks there is a demon inside jonasi that held its tounge so its true identity wont come out. Jonasi has no friends not even his brother dosent wwant him he avoids his shadow that's how scared he is. Jonasi makes a friend with an albino turtle that of course the villagers thought there was a demon in the turtle and it causes bad luck to the village. Jonasi dosent know there saying this because he cant understand anything. The turtle and jonasi become friends because people think there odd jonasi and the turtle have a magnificent connection with each other.

[Shantaya · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was beautifully written with great descriptions. Like other people have mentioned it's a good book to do if you need a new Zealand author one for wide reading at school. I read this book in Fiji and I felt it captured the tropical feeling there completely. The only part I didn't like was the ending, it was kind of random and it annoyed me.

[Robyn Davis · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story is about a deaf boy who befriended a sea turtle because no one would talk to him. It is a great read when discussing belonging and other cultures of the world, specifically Pacific Islanders.

[Serha · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book was an inspirational one to me , as i have learnt that it teaches us a lot of morals n how these people are hurt for not being treated nicely

[A S G Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this book and the movie

[David Marmillon · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the first books I ever read.

[Sajja]

I didn't get to read it because I want to read it on this website today

[Zahra Hrstich]

not very interesting.

[Lucydobbin]

I did not enjoy this book because it was boring

[Piper · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was okay. A good tale about Friendship if your looking for one. Ending was a bit fast, and some patches are boring.

[Rachel (Sfogs) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this at primary school and I really liked the turtle!

[Ct · Rating 3 out of 5]

a bit boring

[Nathan Prasad · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great and wonderful story

[Patricia Taru · Rating 5 out of 5]

To Joy Cowley
what important ceremony took place yearly in this book Silent One