The Silent Women: Inspired by the true story of the Manhattan Project’s secret women

by Tara Lynn Masih

A novel inspired by the real women of Oak Ridge, Tennessee—the Manhattan Project’s “Secret City”—where thousands kept the deadliest secret of World War II.

Oklahoma, 1935. Black Sunday. From the moment a wall of black dust devours the plains and buries her world, Song Holloway’s life is marked by dislocation and loss. Even in the rural New England town she now calls home, that dark cloud continues to follow her.

Then the army asks her to take up work at a classified facility in the muddy outpost of Oak Ridge, a city that doesn’t appear on any map. Trained to test pipes, Song searches for leaks in a system no one will explain. The work is dangerous. People vanish. Yet it’s here, behind the barbed wire and watchtowers, that she finds what the dust storm stole: a place to belong and women who become her second family. And there is Hol—a gentle soldier who gives her, for the first time, peace.

Until she’s summoned. A small room. Two agents. Men with power she will never have. Song is given a command: spy on the women in your life. In a city built on secrets, keeping quiet used to be enough. Now it makes her complicit. But Song’s choices will haunt her long after she learns what flowed through those pipes.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, World War II, War, Historical

422 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication September 9, 2026

About the author

New historical novel, The Silent Women: Inspired by the true story of the Manhattan Project’s secret women, forthcoming Sept. 9 from Storm Pub. Available for preorder!

My Real Name Is Hanna, Tara's multi-award-winning debut novel for young readers and adults set in WW II Ukraine, was a finalist in the National Jewish Book Awards and received the Julia Ward Howe Award for Young Readers, a Florida Book Award (YA, Gold), a Skipping Stones Honor Award, a Foreword Book of the Year Award (Historical, Gold), and it appeared on Shelf Unbound's 2019 Notable List, Goodreads' 2018 Ultimate Fall YA Reading List, and their Best of the Month Sept. YA list. Hanna also released in Slovakia and Poland, and is forthcoming in Romania in 2026. Her latest story collection, How We Disappear, received a 2022 Florida Book Award (Bronze) for General Fiction, was a Book Marks "Best Reviewed Book," on THE MILLIONS "Most Anticipated" Fall List, nominated for a Clara Johnson Award, and a Readers' Favorite book.

AITL Media selected Tara for an Inspirational Woman in Literature Award. She is also editor of the acclaimed Rose Metal Press Field Guide to Writing Flash Fiction. She founded The Best Small Fictions series.

Tara has been widely anthologized, and her essays have been read on NPR and translated into dance (see under Videos).

Once a regular contributor to The Indian-American and Masala magazines, she's now a member of the Historical Novel Society and serves on the editorial board of the place-based online journal Terrain.org and the advisory board for the Flash Fiction Institute. She lives in the historical town of Plymouth, Massachusetts.

Online you can find her on Facebook @Tara.Masih.1 and Instagram and LinkedIn @TaraLynnMasih

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book that I have read by the talented Tara Lynn Masih.
This story begins in Oklahoma 1935, on Black Sunday when a horrific dust storm comes through and young Song’s family was stuck in the middle of it.. they could have died.
Song’s parents decide to move to Andover, Massachusetts where her mother is from and move in with her Aunt Bea.
Later, as World War II is raging overseas..
everyone is looking for a way to help out in the war effort...
Song joins the CEW, which took her to Tennessee, what they worked on was top secret, Song was a leak tester, a very dangerous job…later they found out they had helped make the Atomic Bomb.
There is Song’s personal story throughout the novel.. her friends, her loves,, and later her marriage.
The novel also shows how men come back from war very damaged by what they had seen.

The author writes at the end of the story about all the research she did to write this novel.

Another great book, beautifully written, Tara!
All three that I have read have been 5-star reads!

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the free ebook in exchange for my honest review!

[jv poore]

I cannot wait for this one!!

[Jenée · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always learn something new in a well written historical fiction. Thank you NetGalley and to the Publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Set during WWI, the book tells the story of women determined to serve their country in any way they can by taking in traditional male jobs, running a household, and maintaining what sense of normalcy they can. This story plays out like a movie. The characters have depth and grow. In the midst of trudged and hard times a love story blossoms and steals your heart.

[Luisa Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Women are called to step up and clean up the broken pieces, even if they themselves are broken.”
The Silent Women gives long-overdue recognition to the vital role played by women on the American home front in WW2. It presents a fascinating and evocative account of one fictional woman through the Dust Bowl and, later, the preparations for possible invasion, until she’s called to serve her country by working on a mysterious project. It highlights the terrible impact of war on individuals and communities: on the men and women who serve, and on those from different social backgrounds.
Impressively researched and beautifully written, in this book Tara Lynn Masih has given a voice to those who are rarely listened to: the young female school-leaver looking for a way to be useful; the gay couples forced to live in the closet; the black and Native American workers doing dangerous work in dreadful conditions; the soldiers and civilians fighting on fronts so secret they can confide in no one, made to spy on one another and navigate an environment filled with uncertainty and mistrust. Finally, we are reminded of the many victims of war, the terrible lengths to which humans will go in order to achieve their ends, and the trauma this imposes on those who are caught up in it on all sides.
It’s also a book about the possibility of healing, and the strength people have when they pull together.
Recommended reading for any fans of literary historical fiction.

[Erik · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible, emotional read. I loved the historical parts coupled with deep family stories and connections. The characters all feel so real exploring so many themes of humanity. Highly recommended! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Silent Women by Tara Lynn Masih

Synopsis /

Oklahoma, 1935. Black Sunday. From the moment a wall of black dust devours the plains and buries her world, Song Holloway’s life is marked by dislocation and loss. Even in the rural New England town she now calls home, that dark cloud continues to follow her.

Then the army asks her to take up work at a classified facility in the muddy outpost of Oak Ridge, a city that doesn’t appear on any map. Trained to test pipes, Song searches for leaks in a system no one will explain. The work is dangerous. People vanish. Yet it’s here, behind the barbed wire and watchtowers, that she finds what the dust storm stole: a place to belong and women who become her second family. And there is Hol—a gentle soldier who gives her, for the first time, peace.

Until she’s summoned. A small room. Two agents. Men with power she will never have. Song is given a command: spy on the women in your life. In a city built on secrets, keeping quiet used to be enough. Now it makes her complicit. But Song’s choices will haunt her long after she learns what flowed through those pipes


My Thoughts /

3.5 rounded up

First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and author, Tara Lynn Masih for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

"We waited until the blast had passed, walked out of the shelter and then it was entirely solemn. We knew the world would not be the same. A few people laughed, a few people cried. Most people were silent."
— J. Robert Oppenheimer (immediately following the Trinity Test—the world's first nuclear weapon detonation on July 16, 1945, in the New Mexico desert.)

With thousands of men serving overseas during World War II, women filled jobs in record numbers on the home front, including at the Manhattan Project. Women worked as nurses, teachers, librarians, food-service workers, and secretaries. They also worked in traditionally male-dominated industries such as welding and on the assembly lines building war equipment. A limited number of women worked as scientists and technicians across bigger and smaller Manhattan Project sites.

This is my first book by this author, and it had many things going for it. Although this reader thought the story very slow-going (there isn't really much in the way of 'action'), the great atmosphere and setting brought up the slack and the author's world-building is impressive.

…in the tilled earth that mixes with the faint smell of ever-bearing strawberry flowers and the bitter scene of centipedes. Warm air fills with the gentle hum of worker bees.

A novel inspired by the real women of Oak Ridge, Tennessee — the Manhattan Project’s “Secret City”—where thousands kept the deadliest secret of World War II.

This book had a killer hook, but for this reader, the actual story completely failed to deliver. Yes, it was a pleasant and (as mentioned earlier) atmospheric read, but it ultimately offered absolutely nothing new or groundbreaking – other than a well written character-centred period story. As a reader who loves character-driven novels, good character writing is still not enough on its own. A character-driven story must still have a compelling, substantial plot behind it to succeed.

At 422 pages (it's a little too long) the reader follows the decade long story of Song Holloway, beginning in 1935 during the devastating Dust Bowl crisis in Oklahoma; then moving to New England, Oak Ridge where Song is put to work as a leak tester, testing pipes for the Manhattan Project (unbeknown to her); and then eventually concluding at the end of WWII in 1945 when Song re-settles in Florida with her husband, Hol. I'm not sure we needed such a sprawling timeline; or, to devote 'so many pages' to Song's life before and after working at Oak Ridge. If you're going to use the Manhattan Project as a 'hook' to entice readers, that's what I'm going to look for. The background detail and page count were as empty as the actual secrecy surrounding the project, and left this reader wanting.

While the novel’s deeply human focus shines a compelling light on the resilient women of Oak Ridge, the overarching plot unfortunately struggles to match the strength of its characters. Readers seeking a tightly wound historical thriller may find that the narrative momentum frequently stalls, as the high-stakes tension of the Manhattan Project takes a back seat to daily routines and interpersonal dynamics. Ultimately, the story's dramatic peaks and espionage elements feel somewhat understated, leaving the central conflict feeling less like a gripping historical mystery and more like a quiet, character-driven slice of life.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to one of my favourite publishers, Storm Publishing 💗 for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for September 9, 2026.

[moonlitbookwitch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tara Lynn Masih

The Silent Women by Tara Lynn Masih is a beautifully researched historical fiction novel with authentic, emotionally layered characters. We follow Song from the windstorm that devastates her family farm when she is a child through World War II, first as a plane spotter and later at Oak Ridge, where she becomes involved in a top-secret project. Song’s journey is especially compelling as she finds herself torn between duty and the people who have become her family. Her assignment creates a constant inner conflict and raises difficult questions about loyalty, trust, guilt, and what it truly means to do the right thing. I appreciated that the story never made these choices feel simple or black and white.

What made this story special for me were the details of everyday life and the relationships Song develops along the way. I haven’t read much about ordinary American life during this period, so I found that aspect particularly fascinating. I also appreciated the perspectives on Black and Indian characters and the challenges and discrimination they faced. The postwar storyline, especially Song and Hol’s struggle to make ends meet, was another aspect I thought was well worth exploring. I admired Song’s integrity, honesty, generosity, and strength, and especially enjoyed her relationship with her mother. The author’s notes at the end were also informative and added even more value to the reading experience.

While I really enjoyed the historical elements and the depth of the characters, I did struggle with the pacing. At times, the story felt extremely slow, which made it difficult for me to stay fully engaged. That said, The Silent Women is a thoughtful and compelling look at an often-overlooked time in history, and Song is a character I won’t soon forget. 4 stars for a moving story filled with history, difficult choices, and beautifully human relationships.

Thank you Storm Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Angela M · Rating 5 out of 5]

The novel is told with historical accuracy, pitch perfect prose, emotional truths and a compassionate understanding of the impact of war on those who serve and those left behind. The writing is meticulous and detailed and beautiful in places that take the reader directly to the farm in Oklahoma where 8 year old Song Holloway and her family endure the horrendous dust storms in particular on April 14, 1935 , Black Sunday. From the first pages I could see the farm. I was in the dust storm and could feel their heartbreak.

The detail continues in this excellent historical fiction as Masih depicts war time at home with rationing, air raid sirens, empty shelves , Victory Gardens, alien citizens sent to detention centers and the fear - reflecting her years of in depth research. It continues throughout when Song is recruited to work at a government facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee in top secret work as a “leak detector” examining pipes. So top secret that Song and her coworkers have no idea that they are working on The Manhattan Project, developing the atomic bomb.

So much covered here, the signs of the times - the unfair treatment of “colored people” , the stigma of “unacceptable” behavior such as close relationships between women, PTSD. All the while I was learning so much about the Manhattan Project that I never knew about, especially the role of women behind the scenes. Masih has done a fine job of telling of the time and events through a tough and caring character.

Be sure to read her Historical Notes . She does one of the things I always hope for when reading a novel by revealing her inspiration for writing it . We also learn what is real and what is fictional, a plus in finding the story so meaningful. I also recommend My Real Name Is Hanna and How We Disappear: Novella & Stories.

I received a copy of this from the author and Storm publishing through NetGalley.

[Sabiha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

"The Silent Women" is a moving and thought-provoking historical novel inspired by the true story of the women connected to the Manhattan Project. Knowing that many of the events in this novel actually happened to real people made the story even more impactful.

One of the aspects that stood out most to me was the honest portrayal of the emotional aftermath of war. The novel doesn't just focus on history—it explores the lasting effects of trauma, grief, and PTSD, showing how deeply war changes the lives of those who survive it. It was heartbreaking at times, but incredibly well done.

The characters felt authentic and emotionally layered. Song's journey is especially compelling as she finds herself torn between duty and the people who have become her family. Her assignment creates a constant sense of inner conflict, raising difficult questions about loyalty, trust, guilt, and what it truly means to do the right thing. I appreciated that the story never presented these choices as simple or black and white.

I also loved how the novel highlights perspectives that are often overlooked in historical fiction. The inclusion of Black and Native American experiences added important depth to the story and painted a broader picture of the people whose lives were touched by the Manhattan Project. Song's relationships—especially with her mother and the remarkable women around her—bring warmth and humanity to a story rooted in secrecy and uncertainty.

Despite tackling difficult subjects, the novel still leaves room for hope. It's a story about resilience, friendship, sacrifice, and the quiet courage of ordinary women living through extraordinary circumstances.

If you enjoy historical fiction that combines emotional depth with fascinating real-life history, "The Silent Women" is well worth picking up. It's a powerful reminder that some of history's most important contributions came from people whose stories have remained untold for far too long.

[Armando Ramirez · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Silent Women by Tara Lynn Masih is a powerful and very enjoyable work of historical fiction that shines a much-needed light on the women whose efforts helped shape the outcome of WWII. Through its characters and carefully rendered setting, the book lets you delve deep into the often overlooked ways women contributed to the war effort and kept the nation running during an era of intense conflict.
One of the most compelling aspects of this novel is how clearly it portrays the demands placed on women, both emotionally and morally. Masih doesn’t shy away from the difficult realities: the expectation to work tirelessly, to shoulder heavy responsibilities, and even to monitor coworkers and report on them. That tension; between duty, loyalty, and personal ethics, adds a thoughtful layer to the story and makes the historical context feel real and immediate.
The book reads almost like two distinct sections: wartime and post-war. This division works well because it shows not only how heavily women were depended upon during the war itself, but also how their lives, identities, and roles evolved afterward. In the wartime portion, you feel the urgency and constant pressure. In the post-war section, you see the lasting impact of those experiences and how the women navigate shifting expectations once the immediate crisis is over.
As a whole, The Silent Women is a strong manuscript that succeeds in highlighting the importance of women’s labor, courage, and resilience during WWII. It offers a vivid reminder of how women helped keep the nation afloat, not just as support staff in the background, but as central actors in both the war effort and its aftermath. While there may be moments where the pacing or structure could be a bit tighter, the book’s thematic depth and historical insight make it well worth reading, especially for anyone interested in women’s history or World War II fiction.
Overall, this is a memorable and meaningful novel that earns its 4-star rating for its compelling portrayal of women’s experiences in a pivotal era.

[Bev Walkling · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this story was inspired by the true story of women who worked on the Manhatten Project often doing jobs with no idea of what they were working towards, it is so much more than that. It also provides a look at the Ghost Army, which was a top secret unit of about 1,100 men who had not received formal training in battle but were expected to fool the Germans into thinking they were a much larger group than they really were. I had not heard of this unit before and found it fascinating. One of the larger arches in the story is the way that soldiers reacted to their wartime experiences and developed what we have now come to know as PTSD.

Overall though, the story which quickly captured my attention was the story of Song Holloway, a young girl when the story began, living in the Oklahoma Dust bowl, traumatized by a horrific storm that led to a move to Andover Mass, and the ultimate loss of her father. As a teenager, Song was trying to figure out what her future might hold in love and life's opportunities. Masih is an exceptional writer and her words drew me in and made me feel as if I was right there experiencing things with Song. When Song graduated from high school and her teacher encouraged her to apply for a war job, she had no idea where she would be going or what she would be doing. She found herself in the secret city of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, that was still under construction. Life was pretty rigid there and the amenities were few and far between. She would be asked to spy on those around her which was something she had never been prepared to do.

I loved to see how Song maintained her beliefs that people of colour were just as valuable as white people and developed friendships with some even if it took time for trust to develop. The friendships she made with her co-workers also meant alot to her, and opened her eyes to relationships between women, a new concept to her. The relationship that came to mean the most to her though, was one developed through a blind date with a young soldier who loved to draw and would soon be headed overseas. Even as bombs were dropped and workers at Oakridge had to deal with emotional consequences of the destruction it caused that they now knew they were a part of, Song had support from friends and family. When the war was over and her soldier returned, they quickly married and moved on to Florida, but life was far from easy and the mental health issues faced by her new husband became overwhelming. Would their marriage survive all they had to face?

This is a book that I read quite slowly to really experience all that it had to offer. Masih is an award winning author who clearly did some deep research into the various plot lines offered throughout the story.The details made all the difference to my enjoyment while reading. The Silent Women would make an excellent choice for a book club to study and I could see it being studied as part of a literature class in college as well. I would encourage people to read it not just as a fascinating look into history but also for the fine writing it has to offer. It is a story of love and loss, of unique characters , hope and hardship. It does not disappoint.

Many thanks to #NetGalley #StormPublishing and author #TaraLynnMasih for allowing me to read an ARC of this novel. All opinions are my own.

[Meg Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Silent Women is a beautifully written, deeply moving work of historical fiction that completely captivated me from the very first page. Tara Lynn Masih brings an often-overlooked chapter of World War II history to life with remarkable detail, creating a story that is both educational and profoundly emotional.

Following Song Holloway from the devastation of the Dust Bowl through her work in the secret city of Oak Ridge, I was completely invested in her journey. Song is a wonderfully resilient and compassionate protagonist whose search for belonging, purpose, and truth makes her impossible not to root for. Her relationships—especially with the women who become her chosen family—are the heart of the novel and add so much warmth to a story set against the backdrop of secrecy and war.

What impressed me most was how seamlessly Masih blends meticulous historical research with compelling storytelling. The world of Oak Ridge feels vivid and authentic, and I learned so much about the women who played vital roles in the Manhattan Project while often never knowing the true significance of their work. The novel also thoughtfully explores issues of race, identity, loyalty, trauma, and the moral complexities that come with living in extraordinary times.

The writing is immersive, lyrical, and filled with quiet moments that linger long after you've finished reading. Rather than relying on dramatic twists, the story draws its power from the emotional lives of its characters and the impossible choices they are forced to make.

Be sure to read the author's historical notes at the end—they add an extra layer of appreciation for the incredible research behind this novel and the real people who inspired it.

The Silent Women is an unforgettable story of courage, friendship, sacrifice, and the hidden contributions of women whose voices history too often overlooked. I absolutely loved it and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys rich, character-driven historical fiction

[Betsy Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through the story of one woman named Song, author Tara Lynn Masih does something quite stunning. In this 422-page historical fiction saga of women who worked in the secret atom bomb assembly town of Oak Ridge, TN, she creates a genre I have no name for.

On one hand, you might call the book “Women’s Fiction” because of the quiet, steady narrative that has people saying their feelings—which I don’t normally love, but here Masih has done a different and magical little crafting trick.

PTSD or shellshock has a role in this story, as there are men who suffer mightily. In today’s treatment of PTSD (yes, I’ve gone through that), therapists have learned that immersion in traumatic events does not help. Instead, these experiences as well as the concurrent emotions are given room, space, a certain remove from the person who is suffering so that they can learn to contain and regulate themselves.

Well, this book—intentionally or by instinct—does a version of the same thing. The steady storytelling both gives you distance from what could be overwhelming emotionality and allows you to feel deeply moved. Honestly, I don’t know how Masih did it, but it works.

The writing is beautiful and visceral, so much that I felt as if I were in Song’s body as I read the tale from her traumatic beginnings during Oklahoma dust storms, to her young life in Andover, MA, to her recruitment to top-secret life and work at Oak Ridge, to her marriage in Florida. I felt as if I were living it, and although I was moved, it was never too much.

The book is meticulously written and researched, and the back-of-book sections give the “receipts” (as journalists like to say)—sources as well as the whole history of writing this book.

I have received an education, and it was both entertaining and moving.

Thanks to the author and Storm Publishing for the advance copy.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Silent Women is one of those rare historical novels that feels both sweeping and intimate, capturing the enormity of wartime secrecy while never losing sight of the quiet, personal battles fought by the women at its heart. Song Holloway is an unforgettable protagonist—resilient, wounded, and searching for a place where the dust storms of her past can’t reach her.

The novel’s portrayal of Oak Ridge is wonderfully immersive. The “Secret City” feels alive with tension: barbed wire, watchtowers, whispered rumours, and work no one is allowed to explain. Yet within that claustrophobic world, the friendships Song forms are warm, fierce, and beautifully drawn. The women she meets become her chosen family, and those relationships are the emotional core of the book.

I loved how the story balances hope with moral complexity. Song’s assignment—to spy on the very women who have given her belonging—adds a powerful layer of conflict. The novel explores loyalty, guilt, and courage with a tenderness that never feels heavy‑handed. And when the truth of Oak Ridge finally comes into focus, the impact is quietly devastating.

This is a rich, absorbing read perfect for fans of The Women of Arlington Hall, The Frozen River, and The Women. It’s a story about secrets, survival, and the strength it takes to live with what you’ve seen—and what you’ve done.

A moving, memorable novel that I’m so glad I picked up.

With thanks to Tara Lynn Masih, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and to the author, Tara Lynn Masih, for an advanced copy of the book on Netgalley.

I had read a previous book by this author and really enjoyed it so I was excited for this book. I liked the topic and the exploration of women's contributions to the building of the atomic bomb and work in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. I liked that this was a slice of life novel and did follow the main character, Song, through the entirety of the war and the aftermath of trying to go back to normal life afterwards. Song begins her life in the Dust Bowl in Oklahoma and is left with some PTSD from that experience. She moves with her mother to Massachusetts, where the war finds them, and Song, like many young women of that time, chooses to try to help her country in any way she can. This takes her from the fields of strawberry fields to plane spotting at night, and finally to the secretive operations of the atomic city in Tennessee.

Along with the slice of life aspect, I also really liked Song's connection to the Earth as I share that with her. I did wish the dialogue in the novel felt a little bit more natural. There were times where I felt the conversation was stilted or forced. There were also a lot of characters and at times I had a hard time keeping track of all the side characters and their importance as they seemed to go in and out of the characters life. I'd say this was a 3.75 rounded up.

[Angelie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Silent Women was a beautifully written historical fiction story inspired by true stories about women and their critical involvement with the Manhattan Project. Wonderfully researched and intricately woven through the years of pre and post WWII.

The story is so full of great history, and Song is such a wonderfully crafted character, so the story flows well and is easy to stay connected. You could truly feel how much love was put into creating Song for this story.

The atmospheric descriptions of the land, the farming, Black Sunday in Oklahoma, the stargazing in Andover, the heavy heat and red muddy dirt in TN, and the home in FL, are so well done, you can feel the places as if you are there in the moment with Song.

It’s full of heart, grief, longing, and character depth. I will remember this story. So why 4 stars instead of 5. The main reason for that is that this read like two stories. The 70% mark is when the post war experiences takes hold, and it felt like that was it’s own story. While it’s connected, there is certainly enough here for two solid books with two solid themes. So, that is to say I will read more by this author!


Huge thanks to Tara Lynn Masih, NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own.

[Rustic_Reads_ Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written so beautifully, this is one of those historical novels that quietly draws you in and never lets go.

Following Song from the devastation of Black Sunday through World War Two and her time working at the secret city of Oak Ridge, I became completely invested in her life. Following the everyday experiences of ordinary Americans during that time is fascinating. It isn’t just about the Manhattan Project – it’s about friendship, family, sacrifice and finding somewhere you belong.

The amount of research behind this book really shows, but it never feels too much. The little details of daily life make everything feel authentic, and I especially appreciated how the story explored the experiences of Black and Native American communities alongside Song’s own journey. The relationships she builds, particularly with her mother and the women around her, give the novel so much heart.

Don’t miss the author’s note at the end - this added another layer to an already powerful story. Knowing how much was inspired by real people made it even more impactful. A beautifully written and deeply moving piece of historical fiction that blends remarkable events with a genuinely human story. An easy five stars from me.

[Sue - Recos and Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to NetGalley for the ARC

I enjoy historical fiction that introduces me to a part of history I know little about, and this certainly did that. The story follows Song beginning with her surviving a devastating dust storm in 1935 Oklahoma to her move north then a more unexpected move to Tennessee, where she becomes a part of the secretive war effort at Oak Ridge.

This was a slow burn, with a large portion of the book focusing on Songs early life, her friendships with unusual characters such as King, her work on the farmland, and demonstrating her high intelligence before she ever reaches Oak Ridge. Once at the secretive city, the story shifts toward her growing moral dilemma as she’s asked to spy on her colleagues and friends. I enjoyed the touch of romance with Hal and loved reading the letters they shared during his time away at war.

I found the historical detail fascinating, but the 400+ pages sometimes seemed heavy on background, making this feel more like a character driven story than the wartime thriller I was anticipating. Songs journey and the glimpse into life at Oak Ridge made this an interesting and worthwhile read demonstrating just how important the womens roles were during this period.

This was a 3.75 rating for me

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

A historical fiction tale, The Silent Women (2026) by Tara Lynn Masih, features Song Holloway’s life and work at the Clinton Engineer Works in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The story begins in 1935, with a vicious dust storm in the Oklahoma, Panhandle, which leads the Holloway family to move to Massachusetts. As Song Holloway and her mother adjust to small-town life, America’s involvement in World War II sees sixteen-year-old Song working on a farm and spotting aircraft at night. She is offered a paid job aiding America’s war effort, moving to Tennessee for top-secret work. Inspired by the true story of the Manhattan Project, this ode to the women's work is an acknowledgment of their crucial role. The story finishes on an uplifting note, showing the cost of war and adjustments people made. An enjoyable enough tale of one woman’s life that is a three star read rating. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own, freely given and without any inducement.

[Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this story we follow Song from the windstorm at her family farm when she is a child, to her life in World War Two, first as a plane spotter, then later at Oak Ridge, working on a top secret project. The details of everyday life in this book and the relationships she develops make this book something special. I haven’t read much about everyday life in America in this time period, so that was particularly interesting. I enjoyed the perspectives about coloured and Indian people, and the situations they faced. Lastly, the post war situation, especially with Hol, and Song having to make ends meet was also well worth exploring. I admired Song’s character, her integrity, honesty and generosity and appreciated reading about her relationship with her mother. The author’s notes at the end of the book were informative and something that makes the reader’s experience more worthwhile. Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for bringing this book to my attention.

[Patricia Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

The main observation I made whilst reading this book was the author's intense attention to detail. Be it the pattern of the blanket Song hid under on Black Sunday or the process used to check and identify a leak in a pipe. This alone had the effect of placing the reader directly in the story alongside the characters. Not something that happens often for me. The research was simply amazing. Not just for the Manhattan Project but everyday life for American women. As noted in the acknowledgements most of the events covered in The Silent Women actually happened and to real people. It is an amazing book covering an unprecedented time in US history. I thoroughly enjoyed it and learnt so much as well. Recommended+++
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

5-stars! I was completely absorbed in this book. Song is the main character and the story follows her from her childhood in Oklahoma, to her displacement/move to Massachusetts with her mother, to doing what she can during the early days of WW2 to provide for her family, to being recruited to work on a secret war project, to meeting the love of her life, moving to Florida to start her married life, to navigating the dark world her husband is living in due to PTSD.
There are friendships that carry Song through the hardest times and she gathers strength through so many challenges that life throws her way.
The author definitely did her research and takes the reader along through the challenges those on the homefront faced during WW2.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for access to this eARC.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

From that gorgeous cover to the exquisitely written story of the Manhattan Project's "secret women," I was swept away by this meticulously researched histfic tale unlike any other.

Superb character development, especially of the MFC named Song, and a cinematic narrative kept me reading addictively past the midnight hour, my husband and two kittens snoring beside me.

The author details her incredible research behind this splendid book in her must-read "Historical Notes" section, which I found as fascinating as the beautifully written tale.

A historical fiction masterpiece, highly recommended for readers who love character-driven stories about courageous women who "silently" change the world.

[BONNIE SMITH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Speechless.

That's what I am after this book.
Yesterday was one of those days you enjoy the beautiful weather and sit outside with a book...
And apparently don't move until you finish it.

The Silent Women is many things. Part history lesson, part science and nature exploration and also- a tale of quiet strength and determination by Song Holloway, out FMC.

So much history swept into a story, I love it. I teared up, I rooted for her passion- it was everything I needed for a quiet Saturday of reading.

Thank you to the author and GetRedPR for a physical copy, I cherish it.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Silent Women is a fascinating, informative, but also emotionally charged story about a young woman who ends up working at the Oak Ridge secret manufacturing facility for the Manhattan Project. I really appreciate all the research which the author has done for this historical novel, but also the way she has made the main character, Song, such an earnest and likable person.

I highly recommend this book - you will not be disappointed.

Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for an advanced review copy of the book.

[Eddie 🌈 · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 27%
I really wanted to read and like this book. The premise sounded amazing, and I'm very picky when it comes to historical fiction, but when written from the women's point of view, I'm automatically drawn to it, and this one about the Manhattan Project was not exception.
That being said, I unfortunately could not get into the story. I felt like it took too long to really start and get into the thick of the action, so I had to stop reading. I'm sure this is a great story for people who do not mind the slower pace, but ultimately this wasn't for me.

[Lauren Kotrys · Rating 4 out of 5]

—A WWII women’s/historical fiction of a woman’s role during the war, and her ability to survive as her husband struggled with PTSD.

All historical fictions read slow to me but I enjoyed this story because the main character worked in Oak Ridge building the atomic bomb during WWII. I used to live ~20 min from there, so think my Knoxville friends especially will appreciate this story.
Thank you NetGalley for the arc!

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Silent Women
By: Tara Lynn Masih
Pub Dat: Sept 9, 2026
Publisher: Storm Publishing
Tour: Get Red Pr

This novel explores the Manhattan Project’s “ Secret City”. I was not aware of this happening in World War II.

Song Holloway had to leave Oklahoma in 1935 after “Black Sunday”. She is now living in rural New England, but the past haunts her.

She is recruited by the army to work in Oak Ridge in a classified area. She is not able to talk about her work. Her work is dangerous and people are disappearing.

One day she finds herself with two agents and an unimaginable ask!!!

This novel gripped my soul and did not let go.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I began writing this novel almost 7 years ago. It was a very long journey.

First, it was Kate's story, then, it became Song's. I fell in love with Song's spirit and her role at Oak Ridge, Tennessee, one of the secret sites of the Manhattan Project. Song is the daughter of a farmer. She lives and breathes soil, flowers, nature. Then she volunteers in a scientific role. I loved the juxtaposition. I hope you will, too, and learn to care about her and her family and friends as much as I do! My characters become like family to me (one of them really is family, my grandfather), and after 7 years of creating them and watching them take off on their own, this proud mama-author sends them off into the great big world (with the help of the amazing team at Storm). I hope the story will fly!

Thanks to my readers for all your past support, emails, and reviews. They kept me going when I almost gave up. I know it was a loooong wait. I hope y'all will feel it was worth it!

Kindle and audio are available now for preorder, paperback coming soon! On Net Galley July 10.