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Walls of silence
Living in the mountains of Sicily, Maria has the perfect childhood until the tragic accident that changes her life forever. The events that follow will take her away from her home town to the streets of Milan, in an ever-increasing spiral of abuse and deception. Will she ever be able to trust anyone ever again? Set in turbulent 1960s Italy, Walls of Silence is the story of a girl who must find the courage and strength to survive her family’s betrayal and the prejudices of her country.
156 pages, ebook
Published November 3, 2016
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66 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
July 21, 2019
Having read the blurb on this one, I was sold. A new to me author that after reading this story, find myself wondering why I’ve not read anything of this author before.
What a story packed with a punch! Once I opened this book, I was sucked in and obsessed with reading it.
Maria as a young girl growing up in Sicily was carefree, loving life and her close friends. Everything was perfect in her life!
Then it was as if a black cloud started following Maria. Every time she turns, something horrible is happening. I wanted to reach through this book and give Maria a hug!!
This story travels through years. The sad times, the happy times. I would give this book more stars if it would have been a tad bit longer. Concentrating on more of the 'happier' times at the end. Just my opinion.
A well written story that will hook you until you read the last page. It’s a book that I will recommend and definitely will be checking out this author’s other work!!!
What a story packed with a punch! Once I opened this book, I was sucked in and obsessed with reading it.
Maria as a young girl growing up in Sicily was carefree, loving life and her close friends. Everything was perfect in her life!
Then it was as if a black cloud started following Maria. Every time she turns, something horrible is happening. I wanted to reach through this book and give Maria a hug!!
This story travels through years. The sad times, the happy times. I would give this book more stars if it would have been a tad bit longer. Concentrating on more of the 'happier' times at the end. Just my opinion.
A well written story that will hook you until you read the last page. It’s a book that I will recommend and definitely will be checking out this author’s other work!!!
April 14, 2017
I cannot believe how quickly I found myself engrossed in this story and desperate for a happy ending. The wonderfully written characters and the world in which they find themselves in, Italy in the sixties is captivating and superbly done. I found the topics behind the story, such as abuse, violent relationships and prostitution difficult to read at times because the Author made me feel so deeply for the characters. Although a work of fiction, it is a very moving story and beautifully written, I commend the Author, Helen Pryke on a wonderful work and highly recommend it.
October 17, 2017
Walls of Silence is one of those books that I will remember. I had no idea what to expect as knew nothing about the author or the subject matter beforehand. I felt emotionally drained by the end of it, as it’s a tale of a woman who is sexually and emotionally abused and disbelieved from childhood. I was livid with so many characters in the book, both the vile perpetrators and those who turned a blind eye to the torrent of endless abuse that came Sicilian Maria’s way. Her father was such a spineless creature, I still feel angry when I think of him. My hackles rose so often during reading this powerful book because the author breathed life into the characters so well. If the reader has been abused and disbelieved in any way, this book will reignite those feelings. It was hard to credit that so much relentless abuse and injustice could fall on one poor woman’s head, but it can happen and does. Although there was much sexual abuse in the book, it was not gratuitously sexual, because this difficult subject was handled with great sensitivity. Maria is not the only woman to come to harm in the book, but it is mostly her hard-hitting story. The author painted such a vivid picture of life in Sicily and Milan, places I’ve never visited, she gave me a strong sense of the place, time, and people due to her beautifully crafted, well-edited text. I look forward to reading more of Helen Pryke’s books and thoroughly recommend Walls of Silence.
March 19, 2017
A very powerful novel that is filled with abuse, strength, sadness and love. It talks about subjects such as sexual abuse and prostitution. Although this book is fiction there is cases like this going on today and this novel may just give victims the strength needed to seek help. Fantastically written, intense and powerful this book grips you from start to end. Fantastic well done to the author for this success and hope to read more from you. Highly recommended xx
June 30, 2017
Wow. This book was so beautifully written. Superbly edited too, which is a plus.
Based in Italy in the 60s, it approaches the taboo subject of sexual abuse. The story of Maria broke my heart and because it triggered some unwanted feelings, I almost tossed it away. But I'm glad I kept reading, as it showed me how Maria persevered and how the human spirit can conquer fear, and succeed, despite being beaten down to a low that many only hear about. I loved how author Pryke pulled everything together at the end sharing that we need to keep talking about this subject, be a supportive network, and most importantly, help change women's attitudes towards themselves.
The author is also donating a portion of this book's proceeds to a woman's center. Kudos for her continued compassion about the abuse of women in Italy and around the world.
Based in Italy in the 60s, it approaches the taboo subject of sexual abuse. The story of Maria broke my heart and because it triggered some unwanted feelings, I almost tossed it away. But I'm glad I kept reading, as it showed me how Maria persevered and how the human spirit can conquer fear, and succeed, despite being beaten down to a low that many only hear about. I loved how author Pryke pulled everything together at the end sharing that we need to keep talking about this subject, be a supportive network, and most importantly, help change women's attitudes towards themselves.
The author is also donating a portion of this book's proceeds to a woman's center. Kudos for her continued compassion about the abuse of women in Italy and around the world.
June 27, 2017
In this novel, author Helen Pryke explores the life of Maria, a young Sicilian girl whose life changes dramatically as the result of a family tragedy. Her idyllic childhood disrupted, she endures extraordinary suffering as she grows into a young woman whose life is controlled by others.
Throughout, as I was reading, I wanted to scream No! This can't be happening! I wanted to say the story was stereotyped or exaggerated...but that would be a lie. There are women in the world whose stories are way too close to Maria's, and it's too easy to ignore that reality in my cozy white world where I get to do whatever I want.
Set mostly in the 1960s, Walls of Silence examines the limits placed on Maria by her traditional father, by the Church, and more. Without giving too much away, the book deals with a number of uncomfortable themes, starting with the way abusers are often protected, while a child's version of what's going on is discounted.
This book stirred up deep emotions in me as I wanted so much for Maria to succeed. We know at the beginning that somehow she does, and that's what kept me going as I witnessed her struggle.
This is a powerful book, one that will linger with me for a while, I think. I look forward to reading more of Pryke's work.
Throughout, as I was reading, I wanted to scream No! This can't be happening! I wanted to say the story was stereotyped or exaggerated...but that would be a lie. There are women in the world whose stories are way too close to Maria's, and it's too easy to ignore that reality in my cozy white world where I get to do whatever I want.
Set mostly in the 1960s, Walls of Silence examines the limits placed on Maria by her traditional father, by the Church, and more. Without giving too much away, the book deals with a number of uncomfortable themes, starting with the way abusers are often protected, while a child's version of what's going on is discounted.
This book stirred up deep emotions in me as I wanted so much for Maria to succeed. We know at the beginning that somehow she does, and that's what kept me going as I witnessed her struggle.
This is a powerful book, one that will linger with me for a while, I think. I look forward to reading more of Pryke's work.
October 25, 2017
Walls of Silence starts with a grieving husband and a daughter who find a hand written book, which explains how Maria (the main character) became the person she ended up to be prior to her death.
The sudden loss of her mother tumbles Maria’s life into turmoil. Her childhood ends when her father remarries and his new wife brings along a brother who takes advantage of a child with no one to confide in or to trust. When she finally has the courage to tell a kindly nun, who believes her story and seeks counseling from her superior, Maria is ostracized from her family, from her village, and is forced to live under the austere supervision of her Nonna until she’s forced into an arranged marriage.
From here, Maria’s life spirals downward. Circumstances go from bad to worth in a short time. It’s remarkable how Maria tries to deal with her plight in life and not resorts to drugs or alcohol. She eventually finds her savoir and escapes. Her new life’s work is to better the world of prostitution by offering a way out to willing participants.
The story is written in a fast paced style, with interesting insights into Sicily, Milan and later Rome. I had some difficulty accepting Maria’s and her future husband’s escape from the clutches of her pimp in Milan. The circumstances were somewhat strange, including the quick acceptance of Maria by her husband’s well endowed parents. None the less, I breathed a sigh of relieve that Maria finally got a break from her horrifying life so far. The character’s are well developed and interesting. Though the catholic church played a large, negative role in the early days of Maria’s life, the kindly nun give the church some redemption. The overall story is engaging and I had a hard time taking breaks between reading. 4 out of 5 stars.
The sudden loss of her mother tumbles Maria’s life into turmoil. Her childhood ends when her father remarries and his new wife brings along a brother who takes advantage of a child with no one to confide in or to trust. When she finally has the courage to tell a kindly nun, who believes her story and seeks counseling from her superior, Maria is ostracized from her family, from her village, and is forced to live under the austere supervision of her Nonna until she’s forced into an arranged marriage.
From here, Maria’s life spirals downward. Circumstances go from bad to worth in a short time. It’s remarkable how Maria tries to deal with her plight in life and not resorts to drugs or alcohol. She eventually finds her savoir and escapes. Her new life’s work is to better the world of prostitution by offering a way out to willing participants.
The story is written in a fast paced style, with interesting insights into Sicily, Milan and later Rome. I had some difficulty accepting Maria’s and her future husband’s escape from the clutches of her pimp in Milan. The circumstances were somewhat strange, including the quick acceptance of Maria by her husband’s well endowed parents. None the less, I breathed a sigh of relieve that Maria finally got a break from her horrifying life so far. The character’s are well developed and interesting. Though the catholic church played a large, negative role in the early days of Maria’s life, the kindly nun give the church some redemption. The overall story is engaging and I had a hard time taking breaks between reading. 4 out of 5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2017
A powerful story of repression and hope. I was moved and gripped in equal measure by this powerful story of Maria's life and all that she overcame. It was heartbreaking to read in parts; painful scenes depict the other side of humanity and characters whose hearts are stone. But this is such an important book. Its message is clear: equality between the sexes has come so far... but it has much further to go. Helen Pryke retains a beautiful writing style throughout and I particularly loved the bittersweet memories of childhood Sicily; the sights, sounds and smells. A must read for raising awareness of domestic violence, as well as the importance of female empowerment.
May 30, 2017
Sad story with a good ending
I read the beginning of the book and loved the writing so bought it. It's an interesting and very sad story that no doubt reflects much very real pain in this world we live in. However, I almost felt as though someone else wrote the rest. I'm not sure if the book has been translated to English or what the problem is but I found the story a bit jarring and jolted and quickly changed from one circumstance to the other often a little unrealistically. I finished it only because I wanted to know what happened and didn't like the rushed sudden happy semi perfect ending. Sorry.
I read the beginning of the book and loved the writing so bought it. It's an interesting and very sad story that no doubt reflects much very real pain in this world we live in. However, I almost felt as though someone else wrote the rest. I'm not sure if the book has been translated to English or what the problem is but I found the story a bit jarring and jolted and quickly changed from one circumstance to the other often a little unrealistically. I finished it only because I wanted to know what happened and didn't like the rushed sudden happy semi perfect ending. Sorry.
April 12, 2017
Maria's story is set in Italy and it interested me from the first page. This story is one of struggles and diversity, yet even after all the horrible events she's had to overcome, Maria still became someone that others could rely on. A great read and very well written book. Highly recommended.
April 17, 2019
What a gripping book. I'm glad I took the chance to read it. This author is new to me. But I for one, will be looking to move books by her.
Walls of silence was about a very young girl That had lost her mother and was being raised by her father who married. At the age of thirteen she was raped by her step uncle, her step mothers brother. Without believing his daughter, her father sent her away to live with the grandmother. Maria's life didn't get any better. It only became worse.
I will not go into any future detail of the book. However, I will say, I wished the author would have put more about Maria and Pietro. I wanted to see Maria happy with someone she loved and loved her in return. Pietro was amazing. Please don't get me wrong. I just wanted more of them after they were in Rome.
Side note: Nonetheless, this book deserved more than a five star.
Walls of silence was about a very young girl That had lost her mother and was being raised by her father who married. At the age of thirteen she was raped by her step uncle, her step mothers brother. Without believing his daughter, her father sent her away to live with the grandmother. Maria's life didn't get any better. It only became worse.
I will not go into any future detail of the book. However, I will say, I wished the author would have put more about Maria and Pietro. I wanted to see Maria happy with someone she loved and loved her in return. Pietro was amazing. Please don't get me wrong. I just wanted more of them after they were in Rome.
Side note: Nonetheless, this book deserved more than a five star.
August 21, 2017
My Review of Helen Pryke's Walls of Silence
Read August 21 2017
A wonderful, vivid, and powerful story which follows a girl who must deal with abuse, the betrayal of adults in her life and worse, losing touch with her sister, hoping she will not have the same fate. Later, she is married off to a man who eventually betrays and sells her into prostitution. Will she ever escape? Helen's book is superb, moving, sharp, to the point and a must read.
Read August 21 2017
A wonderful, vivid, and powerful story which follows a girl who must deal with abuse, the betrayal of adults in her life and worse, losing touch with her sister, hoping she will not have the same fate. Later, she is married off to a man who eventually betrays and sells her into prostitution. Will she ever escape? Helen's book is superb, moving, sharp, to the point and a must read.
December 23, 2022
I really did not expect to love this book and to be so gripped by the story line
It’s been in my collection for a while and because of the subject matter, I wasn’t sure I wanted to read it as it would be highly emotive, and probably a chance for the author to write about all the bad things her poor heroine had to go through.
However, I came across it again and thought if it doesn’t grab me immediately, I’ll look for something thing else. I hadn’t expected it to start with a man talking to his daughter.
Sharp writing all the way through, it didn’t dwell on the bad bits, it just told it how it was. I’m always a believer that good comes out of bad, and this story was certainly that.
As I said, a truly great read.
It’s been in my collection for a while and because of the subject matter, I wasn’t sure I wanted to read it as it would be highly emotive, and probably a chance for the author to write about all the bad things her poor heroine had to go through.
However, I came across it again and thought if it doesn’t grab me immediately, I’ll look for something thing else. I hadn’t expected it to start with a man talking to his daughter.
Sharp writing all the way through, it didn’t dwell on the bad bits, it just told it how it was. I’m always a believer that good comes out of bad, and this story was certainly that.
As I said, a truly great read.
September 22, 2019
Interestingly enough, when I picked up this book I was under the distinct impression it was non-fiction. It does read as the same also. It was not until the end of the book, when I got confused as to whom was 'speaking', it simply didn't make sense to me when reading the acknowledgements page as to the connections between the author and the characters etc. After a little digging I found it to be fiction...there were not any connections whatever.
The story-line itself being derived from a notebook left by a deceased character being read by another character still living does give the impression of a memoir. I was immersed, although a short book, and a quick read, it does hold the reader close and keeps one engaged.
The story-line itself being derived from a notebook left by a deceased character being read by another character still living does give the impression of a memoir. I was immersed, although a short book, and a quick read, it does hold the reader close and keeps one engaged.
December 8, 2022
I couldn‘t stop reading. Trigger warning - it‘s really hard to follow Maria‘s story through child abuse, abuse from the church, teachers, family and it‘s getting worse when her father marries her off to a drunk.
Her resilience is amazing. A well told story and the topic is still such an important one.
Her resilience is amazing. A well told story and the topic is still such an important one.
May 28, 2018
Another lovely book. The interesting characters and a gritty storyline keep you turning the pages to the end.
August 2, 2018
While reading, my emotions were in a real roller roaster.
This book ‘Walls of Silence’ made my emotions going from the very beginning. First the Prologue confused me a bit, was I reading the right book? But then it became all clear, I was. The focus of the novel was indeed on Maria, a Sicilian girl, who suddenly rolled in a family tragedy and felt from one suffering into another one.
The novel is set in the 50-60s when the catholic church played a huge role in most of Europe. When Maria was a schoolgirl and in deep trouble, a friendly nun wanted to help her. But Sister Superior, didn’t agree. As a reader, I felt my blood cooking. And it became worse after what her father and grandma did, after the arranged marriage…
But when the rich guy Matteo bought her free, took care of her… then I felt myself protesting, saying that this is not real… And while my emotions as a reader arrived again in a roller coaster, the main character of the book, Maria, she again and again found ways to deal with it, in her mind leave the opening for a way out some day.
I love Helen Pryke’s writing style. Her description of the settings and the story is brilliantly evocative. Maria became a survivor, a strong woman, though I can imagine it would be hard to read for women living sexual and domestic violence. It was with the help of another rich man, Pietro’s father, that Maria could get away. There are not that many rich people, and amongst them not many who would help battered women. But then I thought, ‘hey, we were in the 60s, and Antonella, Maria’s daughter was continuing her mother’s work to help battered women and prostitutes. In the 80s Women’s Refugee Houses came up, Women Against Rape, etc. Not only women got convinced, that it is not OK that violence is used against, and that women are not free… Women are equal! Help and support don’t only depend on a ‘good’ ‘rich’ man nowadays.
Because the book came in so intense, because I couldn’t escape all those emotions, I give it 5 stars. And I for sure look out for Helen Pryke’s new book!
This book ‘Walls of Silence’ made my emotions going from the very beginning. First the Prologue confused me a bit, was I reading the right book? But then it became all clear, I was. The focus of the novel was indeed on Maria, a Sicilian girl, who suddenly rolled in a family tragedy and felt from one suffering into another one.
The novel is set in the 50-60s when the catholic church played a huge role in most of Europe. When Maria was a schoolgirl and in deep trouble, a friendly nun wanted to help her. But Sister Superior, didn’t agree. As a reader, I felt my blood cooking. And it became worse after what her father and grandma did, after the arranged marriage…
But when the rich guy Matteo bought her free, took care of her… then I felt myself protesting, saying that this is not real… And while my emotions as a reader arrived again in a roller coaster, the main character of the book, Maria, she again and again found ways to deal with it, in her mind leave the opening for a way out some day.
I love Helen Pryke’s writing style. Her description of the settings and the story is brilliantly evocative. Maria became a survivor, a strong woman, though I can imagine it would be hard to read for women living sexual and domestic violence. It was with the help of another rich man, Pietro’s father, that Maria could get away. There are not that many rich people, and amongst them not many who would help battered women. But then I thought, ‘hey, we were in the 60s, and Antonella, Maria’s daughter was continuing her mother’s work to help battered women and prostitutes. In the 80s Women’s Refugee Houses came up, Women Against Rape, etc. Not only women got convinced, that it is not OK that violence is used against, and that women are not free… Women are equal! Help and support don’t only depend on a ‘good’ ‘rich’ man nowadays.
Because the book came in so intense, because I couldn’t escape all those emotions, I give it 5 stars. And I for sure look out for Helen Pryke’s new book!
July 28, 2017
This book is amazing. The topic is not something you want to think much about. It is mostly hidden behind a wall of silence and if it gets public attention, it’s usually garish sensationalism. Not so in this book. It is completely beyond me how the author managed to write about severe abuse – both as a child and as an adult woman – without it being garish and shocking. The atmosphere is one of quiet pain and that gets under your skin. I could not put the book down and read it in one go deep into the night. I have read things like this before, but usually I either mentally squeeze my eyes shut and hurry through to get it over with or I want to scream with outrage. Here, I found myself trapped right along with Maria in the wide-eyed disbelief that this could really be happening, enduring the suffering with her.
***SPOILER ALERT***
If there are any complaints I have – and I am complaining on a very high level – it’s that there is a rift at the end when Pietro takes over the telling of the story. Maria’s narrative stops at the most dramatic point and I would have expected Pietro to pick it up there, to tell how he got out of the car, how he scrambled over to Maria just in time before Matteo could see him, how he found her unconscious and accompanied her to his father’s house. But nothing like that happened. His narrative drifts on rather superficially and doesn’t carry the same intensity that the first part of the book has.
Then there are a few questions that I have. How come Pietro fell in love with Maria? In the story it doesn’t take very long for Maria to start trusting him. How can that be if she only shortly before that decided never to trust anyone ever again? And how did she manage to enjoy sex with him when all her experience in that field was painful and abusive? Those things are not resolved to my satisfaction, but it doesn’t bother me enough to reduce the rating. The book is truly a piece of art.
***SPOILER ALERT***
If there are any complaints I have – and I am complaining on a very high level – it’s that there is a rift at the end when Pietro takes over the telling of the story. Maria’s narrative stops at the most dramatic point and I would have expected Pietro to pick it up there, to tell how he got out of the car, how he scrambled over to Maria just in time before Matteo could see him, how he found her unconscious and accompanied her to his father’s house. But nothing like that happened. His narrative drifts on rather superficially and doesn’t carry the same intensity that the first part of the book has.
Then there are a few questions that I have. How come Pietro fell in love with Maria? In the story it doesn’t take very long for Maria to start trusting him. How can that be if she only shortly before that decided never to trust anyone ever again? And how did she manage to enjoy sex with him when all her experience in that field was painful and abusive? Those things are not resolved to my satisfaction, but it doesn’t bother me enough to reduce the rating. The book is truly a piece of art.
June 15, 2017
Wow! What a bold story! A very candid look at the Catholic Church's opinion of women in the 60's and how its attitude ruined the lives of so many. Maria was a young girl living with her parents and younger sister in a seaside village in Sicily. When her mother dies, she tries to help out but eventually her father remarries. When his new wife's brother moves in things go downhill for Maria. Sergo threatens her to have his way with her. She loses interest in everything. A young nun befriends her and she tells her what is going on. The nun believes her but the head of the school does not. Her father catches them one night and instead of rescuing his daughter, he believes she seduced Sergo and she is removed from the house. It goes down hill from there. Love the way the truth comes out. Great book, well written, interesting.
February 5, 2018
This book seriously brought tears to my eyes. Some of the things that happened to the woman in this story I can relate to. Her tears, her pain, wanting to just give up, & her feelings of never being able to lead a normal life. The feeling that absolutely no one cared. Having her daughter hear her written words, & then to continue her mother's reality in helping other girls & women get off the street was the most beautiful part of the story. I think that's when I cried the most. Have tissues ready before diving into these pages, especially if you are an emotional person. You will need them! I know I did! A definite 5 star book in my eyes, & I would absolutely recommend this story to others. There is always a silver lining, a glimmer of hope, a dream to come true. Never let your dreams fade away.
May 28, 2017
A story of abuse in many forms
For a debut novel this is a captivating read and it stirs emotions in you which is exactly what a good story should do. At times it made me feel very angry and frustrated, I do not want to give any spoilers as to the outcome so I won't comment on the ending. As with books written by more established authors there are some areas that are slower paced than others which is why I have given 4 rather than 5 stars. It is a mix of two parts some very descriptive nice parts and gritty page turning episodes which could have the story going one way or another, taking it up a notch or two either way would determine it. Depends which sort of ending you would favour. I recommend this book to others and look forward to more by Helen Pryke
For a debut novel this is a captivating read and it stirs emotions in you which is exactly what a good story should do. At times it made me feel very angry and frustrated, I do not want to give any spoilers as to the outcome so I won't comment on the ending. As with books written by more established authors there are some areas that are slower paced than others which is why I have given 4 rather than 5 stars. It is a mix of two parts some very descriptive nice parts and gritty page turning episodes which could have the story going one way or another, taking it up a notch or two either way would determine it. Depends which sort of ending you would favour. I recommend this book to others and look forward to more by Helen Pryke
May 19, 2021
A Poignant Must-Read!
This heart-wrenching work of fiction breaks down the walls of silence that have imprisoned victimized women. Set in Italy during the 1960s, the reader witnesses the raw ordeals suffered by Maria, the protagonist in the story.
I clenched my teeth in anger while reading every plausible scenario of deception and betrayal heaped upon Maria through cruel intentions blind-eye enabling, archaic beliefs, and institutional hypocrisy. Although I condemned so many of the characters, Maria is commendable for her courage, determination, and compassion.
The author’s storytelling grace and vivid details bring victimization of woman to fruition with conviction. A truly poignant must-read!
This heart-wrenching work of fiction breaks down the walls of silence that have imprisoned victimized women. Set in Italy during the 1960s, the reader witnesses the raw ordeals suffered by Maria, the protagonist in the story.
I clenched my teeth in anger while reading every plausible scenario of deception and betrayal heaped upon Maria through cruel intentions blind-eye enabling, archaic beliefs, and institutional hypocrisy. Although I condemned so many of the characters, Maria is commendable for her courage, determination, and compassion.
The author’s storytelling grace and vivid details bring victimization of woman to fruition with conviction. A truly poignant must-read!
June 11, 2017
There's times when you read a book an it captures a little piece of you and won't let go. This is a story of hopelessness, of fear, of pain, of desperation, and coversly, of courage, strength and hope. The story follows Maria's life from a sexually abused child, to a battered wife and then a woman forced into prostitution. It is harrowing and upsetting, but written very sympathetically by this very talented author. I wouldn't have been brave enough to write about such taboo subjects, but Walls of Silence is a wonderful example of sensitive story telling written extremely well. I highly recommend this book, but get your tissues ready, you're going to need them!
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June 4, 2017A journey I’m glad I took.
I was immediately drawn in by the high quality of the writing. A very well executed novel about a woman whose life is taken out of her own hands.
I found the story particularly moving. Although the reader is taken through some dark places along the way, it is ultimately an uplifting tale. And a journey I’m glad I took.
I would also like to congratulate the author on having the courage to tell such a story. It is honest, real and took me through a whole gamut of emotions. A very worthwhile read I highly recommend.
I was immediately drawn in by the high quality of the writing. A very well executed novel about a woman whose life is taken out of her own hands.
I found the story particularly moving. Although the reader is taken through some dark places along the way, it is ultimately an uplifting tale. And a journey I’m glad I took.
I would also like to congratulate the author on having the courage to tell such a story. It is honest, real and took me through a whole gamut of emotions. A very worthwhile read I highly recommend.
July 28, 2019
I actually finished this yesterday but such was the impact on me I needed a day to process the story. I really didn’t know how to even begin with writing the review. I will say this that the pure strength and determination to write this to spread the message was evident. Maria and her story will stay with me forever I have found myself thinking of her constantly. Her sheer and utter love and the message of hope she gave is beautiful. I thank Helen for writing this powerful, poignant, inspirational and beautifully tragic tale, I will treasure it always.
April 7, 2017
This book is a slow-burner, but once it gets going, it gets going. What makes Walls of Silence powerful is that everything which happens to Maria could have happened in the place and the time: Italy in the 1960s. What makes Walls of Silence even more powerful is that some of the things which happened to Maria could still happen today, in most countries but perhaps more in Italy. This is a story which leaves you thinking at the end. Well done.
March 29, 2018
This is a fantastic story by Helen Pryke. At times It was difficult to read the treatment Maria received at the hands of her oppressors, and I wondered if there was any hope of salvation for this broken young woman. Pryke handles the emotions of abuse well, avoiding flowery prose and writing a tightly-woven story that I read in a couple of sittings. I commend the author for writing about this little-discussed topic. Highly recommended reading.
April 14, 2021
Maria's story is both heartbreaking and beautiful..A young girl's life sullied and broken ..The years of abuse that follow as she is broken down in the cruelest of ways imaginable..Life on the streets..where she is caught in a trap, where it seems there is no escape..Helen Pryke's writing touches on broken Innocence, abuse ..prejudice..The dark and ugly side of life ...and the beauty of life ..A thought provoking powerful and emotive read ..
May 12, 2017
First of all, I'd like to say how fascinating the Book Description is. Just enough to tempt the readers in without giving away the story, as so often happens.
I always try not to give spoilers with my reviews but with Walls of Silence I found it difficult to write the following without giving any of the story away. I hope I've succeeded.
To say I enjoyed the whole of this book isn't totally true; I enjoyed Helen Pryke's writing style and the fact that all the way though she convinced me of the danger to the protagonist, Maria, if she revealed what was happening to her. There are deeply disturbing sections and the actions of some of the characters are distressing. It is a dark book.
I did have a few problems with pace of Walls of Silence. After being instantly drawn into the story through the Prologue, it then slowed, drastically. I love Prologues and this one was strong; I was intrigued by Pietro's story. But then the abrupt change to Maria's story; the flashback, left me a bit stranded. I kept wanting to know the reactions of both Pietro and his and Maria's daughter, Antonella, who, presumably , were learning about Maria's life together. I have to be honest though; I'm not at all sure how else the author could have written it. I just wanted more of these two characters after such an interesting introduction to them
I felt the first half of the first chapter was too drawn out (although I realised later that it was to introduce some of the characters we, as readers, would meet again towards the end of the book). But I did like the second half; Maria's early family life in Sicily and the descriptions of the characters in her community, ruled so completely by the Catholic Church during the era of the 1950/60s.
This variation in the pace of the plot, some parts too drawn out, others too quickly passed over, was, I felt, a little awkward.
But I thought the characters that Maria met throughout her difficult life were well drawn and the dialogue was believable and rounded out most of them.
However I did have a problem with the relationship between the protagonist and Pietro; it did feel a little contrived and unsatisfactory. to me as a reader.
Still, as I've said I did like the author's style of writing, I found the descriptions of the settings brilliantly evocative and the story very moving. And Walls of Silence is an excellent title; it gives the claustrophobic sense on enclosure, secrecy, despair that Maria and the other women experience.
And, I must say i do like the cover; to me it embodies the whole story.
After I wrote this review I read the book description. Part of the proceeds from this book will go to a women's centre in the UK. This kind of statement always gives me a problem; I feel guilty if I don't rate the book higher. But then I always try to give an honest review, so will leave the above as written.
What I can say yet again, is that Helen Pryke writes well and I look forward to reading more of her work.
I always try not to give spoilers with my reviews but with Walls of Silence I found it difficult to write the following without giving any of the story away. I hope I've succeeded.
To say I enjoyed the whole of this book isn't totally true; I enjoyed Helen Pryke's writing style and the fact that all the way though she convinced me of the danger to the protagonist, Maria, if she revealed what was happening to her. There are deeply disturbing sections and the actions of some of the characters are distressing. It is a dark book.
I did have a few problems with pace of Walls of Silence. After being instantly drawn into the story through the Prologue, it then slowed, drastically. I love Prologues and this one was strong; I was intrigued by Pietro's story. But then the abrupt change to Maria's story; the flashback, left me a bit stranded. I kept wanting to know the reactions of both Pietro and his and Maria's daughter, Antonella, who, presumably , were learning about Maria's life together. I have to be honest though; I'm not at all sure how else the author could have written it. I just wanted more of these two characters after such an interesting introduction to them
I felt the first half of the first chapter was too drawn out (although I realised later that it was to introduce some of the characters we, as readers, would meet again towards the end of the book). But I did like the second half; Maria's early family life in Sicily and the descriptions of the characters in her community, ruled so completely by the Catholic Church during the era of the 1950/60s.
This variation in the pace of the plot, some parts too drawn out, others too quickly passed over, was, I felt, a little awkward.
But I thought the characters that Maria met throughout her difficult life were well drawn and the dialogue was believable and rounded out most of them.
However I did have a problem with the relationship between the protagonist and Pietro; it did feel a little contrived and unsatisfactory. to me as a reader.
Still, as I've said I did like the author's style of writing, I found the descriptions of the settings brilliantly evocative and the story very moving. And Walls of Silence is an excellent title; it gives the claustrophobic sense on enclosure, secrecy, despair that Maria and the other women experience.
And, I must say i do like the cover; to me it embodies the whole story.
After I wrote this review I read the book description. Part of the proceeds from this book will go to a women's centre in the UK. This kind of statement always gives me a problem; I feel guilty if I don't rate the book higher. But then I always try to give an honest review, so will leave the above as written.
What I can say yet again, is that Helen Pryke writes well and I look forward to reading more of her work.
January 22, 2018
Pietro and his daughter Antonella are grieving. Pietro's wife an Antonella's mother, Maria, is dead. When the two find a book she left behind, they are going to find secrets of Maria's past reveal an amazing story of abuse, hard subjects and the strength of a woman who survived it all. This is an interesting, well written story that tackles hard subjects with a great story.
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