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The Silent Land
This is an alternate cover edition for B01GE1USVO
It is 1904 and Rebecca Lawrence, a shy young woman tied to the village she was raised in, is taken by her father across England and placed into a society that will bring her confidence and conflict, and also set her on a path to falling in love.
When years later the First World War threatens the life she has built for herself, she is faced with the choice of either protecting those she cares for, or revealing a great secret that will destroy them.
It is 1904 and Rebecca Lawrence, a shy young woman tied to the village she was raised in, is taken by her father across England and placed into a society that will bring her confidence and conflict, and also set her on a path to falling in love.
When years later the First World War threatens the life she has built for herself, she is faced with the choice of either protecting those she cares for, or revealing a great secret that will destroy them.
377 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2017
1431 people want to read
About the author
David Dunham
1 book60 followersDavid explores more about his debut novel The Silent Land in a Q&A you can read by following this link
http://www.clairewingfield.co.uk/blog...
David is the author of The Silent Land, a novel set in England between 1903 and 1919 that explores the complexities of love through the eyes of Rebecca, a young woman from the Fens.
When David is not working on his current novel, The Legend of Caradoc, he can be found daydreaming about the Malvern Hills in Worcestershire and taking his dogs for a stroll. He is fond of fountain pens, strong tea, good chutney and New Zealand, where he lives.
http://www.clairewingfield.co.uk/blog...
David is the author of The Silent Land, a novel set in England between 1903 and 1919 that explores the complexities of love through the eyes of Rebecca, a young woman from the Fens.
When David is not working on his current novel, The Legend of Caradoc, he can be found daydreaming about the Malvern Hills in Worcestershire and taking his dogs for a stroll. He is fond of fountain pens, strong tea, good chutney and New Zealand, where he lives.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 2, 2024
*Thank you to the author David Dunham, for providing me with a paperback copy in exchange for a fair and honest review*
The Silent Land is primarily about the coming of age of Rebecca Lawrence, both pre and post World War 1. It charts her life through ups and downs, marriage and motherhood, and so much more.
Rebecca lives in a small English village with her parents James ( the village doctor) and Elizabeth. It's New Years Eve 1903, and Rebecca attends a local dance, though she really didn't want to, she was so worried about her mother who has been sick for quite some time. She returns home to the dreadful news that her mother has passed away.
Her father decides that they should move back to his home town, and Rebecca has to accustom herself to a whole new way of life - a life that will see her grow in confidence, as it takes her into the homes and parlours of the rich, titled and privileged. The Great War features prominently later in the book, as Rebecca's husband Rupert is a serving officer. Though the focus is very much on the home front, the horrors of the war are felt strongly - the worry, the despair, the dread every time you hear the postman's feet crunching on the gravel drive, fearful that it might be a telegram relaying the news that you pray will never happen.
The author has captured a time and place in history with such accuracy that I could imagine myself taking afternoon tea with Rebecca and her family and friends. The utter devastation of World War 1 is not only covered, but comes with a secret of enormous proportions, and Rebecca has to choose whether to bring it to light or let it remain in the past.
This was a lovely gentle story with a great sense of time and place and there was a surprising twist to come too. The author made me experience every emotion along the way with Rebecca, and I might just add - it's best to keep a box of tissues handy, you might need to wipe a few tears away - well I did!
The Silent Land is primarily about the coming of age of Rebecca Lawrence, both pre and post World War 1. It charts her life through ups and downs, marriage and motherhood, and so much more.
Rebecca lives in a small English village with her parents James ( the village doctor) and Elizabeth. It's New Years Eve 1903, and Rebecca attends a local dance, though she really didn't want to, she was so worried about her mother who has been sick for quite some time. She returns home to the dreadful news that her mother has passed away.
Her father decides that they should move back to his home town, and Rebecca has to accustom herself to a whole new way of life - a life that will see her grow in confidence, as it takes her into the homes and parlours of the rich, titled and privileged. The Great War features prominently later in the book, as Rebecca's husband Rupert is a serving officer. Though the focus is very much on the home front, the horrors of the war are felt strongly - the worry, the despair, the dread every time you hear the postman's feet crunching on the gravel drive, fearful that it might be a telegram relaying the news that you pray will never happen.
The author has captured a time and place in history with such accuracy that I could imagine myself taking afternoon tea with Rebecca and her family and friends. The utter devastation of World War 1 is not only covered, but comes with a secret of enormous proportions, and Rebecca has to choose whether to bring it to light or let it remain in the past.
This was a lovely gentle story with a great sense of time and place and there was a surprising twist to come too. The author made me experience every emotion along the way with Rebecca, and I might just add - it's best to keep a box of tissues handy, you might need to wipe a few tears away - well I did!
April 14, 2018
Great book! I loved this book! Historical.
I can not figure out what happened to the rest of my review-- I just realized it is gone.
Oh well....
The Silent Land begins prior to WWI, and Rebecca is a teenager sitting by the bedside of her ailing mother. She starts reading (what she thinks) is just a book, then realizes, a little way into it, that it is actually her mother's diary. Torn between guilt not to read it, and curiosity to do so, she would often come back to it as the years go by, revealing a shocking secret at the end. She is convinced to get away from the sickroom for the evening, and go to a community dance with some friends for the evening. She reluctantly goes, and when she returns, her mother has died in her absence.
Her father decides to sell the family home and move closer to London, and his sister, to escape the haunting happy memories of his wife, and for his sister to be a female influence on Rebecca. She grows, marries, has a family. WWI begins, and sees her husband and cousin, as well as many of the men in her community be sent off to fight. This is a very good book, taking you through a journey of a portion of Rebecca's life, and an unexpected ending (which to me), made it all even that much better. My thanks to David Dunham for providing me with a copy of this book. It will definitely be reread! : )
Read interview with author David Dunham and enter to win a copy of The Silent Land! Giveaway starts tonight midnight (CST 7/23/2017) and ends 7/30/2017....good luck!
https://twogalsandabook.com/
I can not figure out what happened to the rest of my review-- I just realized it is gone.
Oh well....
The Silent Land begins prior to WWI, and Rebecca is a teenager sitting by the bedside of her ailing mother. She starts reading (what she thinks) is just a book, then realizes, a little way into it, that it is actually her mother's diary. Torn between guilt not to read it, and curiosity to do so, she would often come back to it as the years go by, revealing a shocking secret at the end. She is convinced to get away from the sickroom for the evening, and go to a community dance with some friends for the evening. She reluctantly goes, and when she returns, her mother has died in her absence.
Her father decides to sell the family home and move closer to London, and his sister, to escape the haunting happy memories of his wife, and for his sister to be a female influence on Rebecca. She grows, marries, has a family. WWI begins, and sees her husband and cousin, as well as many of the men in her community be sent off to fight. This is a very good book, taking you through a journey of a portion of Rebecca's life, and an unexpected ending (which to me), made it all even that much better. My thanks to David Dunham for providing me with a copy of this book. It will definitely be reread! : )
Read interview with author David Dunham and enter to win a copy of The Silent Land! Giveaway starts tonight midnight (CST 7/23/2017) and ends 7/30/2017....good luck!
https://twogalsandabook.com/
July 1, 2017
I must admit that whilst I do enjoy reading some historical fiction, from time to time, it is not necessarily the first genre I gravitate towards. Upon reading this book I am beginning to reassess this decision!
Rebecca Lawrence and her father, devastated by the loss of their mother and wife, move from their comfortable village home to reside nearer family and the bustling English society. Her father's sister deigns to introduce the shy Rebecca to her new class of companions, and many factors of her old way of living become now unacceptable by this more metropolitan society's standards. Rebecca is borne along on a ceaseless tide of parties and ladies visiting, until a certain refined gentlemen comes into her sights and the course of her life is altered forever.
Rebecca's character continues to arc, as the novel progresses, from the once overwhelmed and cowed individual to a flourishing independent women, with modern sensibilities regarding societal opinion and knowing her own mind.
The author has cleverly used the narrative to display this point. The earliest portion of the novel is dominated by dialogue. Rebecca says little and, instead, side characters dominate the discussions. Rebecca, as our protagonist, also adds little inner-monologue and opinion, which instead invites the reader to read between the lines of all that is outwardly portrayed and discern her true feelings in all that is not said.
As the novel progresses dialogue is shortened, and Rebecca's direct thought is allowed to the fore. As the novel closes, the text is almost wholly focused on the inner-workings of her fascinating mind. This allows the differences between the character we were introduced to and this latter version of herself to become apparent.
Along with this shifting narrative, the mood of this is also altered. This is an altogether dark piece, as it opens with a close relative's death and focuses on the characters' subsequent grief. This, however, is quickly overshadowed by the new life Rebecca and her father are invited into. Romantic encounters and insights into the historical period this is set in become the novel's nucleus, and this superficial focus allows a brief reprieve from what is to come...
A nine year time gap splits this novel, moving the characters into the midst of war-torn Britain. Rebecca depicts life on the home front, anxiously awaiting news of loved ones in the midst of battle. Her agitation grows, and so do the readers, as information is painfully slow-coming and she is left to dwell on her misery and despair.
This book is brilliant at everything it does, but the emotion in this latter portion dwarfs everything else! Rebecca's grief became my own as the stark realities of war were brutally recounted. Front-line horror intrudes, in the form of letters, and anguish of those left behind is demonstrated first-hand. The intrigue that haunts the text continues, forming an interesting side-plot to distract from the otherwise almost overwhelming sorrow.
This book had been an altogether highly enjoyable read, up until this point, but it wasn't until the last third that it became truly phenomenal. This transformed into an exquisite masterpiece, depicting a dark period of history with both brutal honesty and graceful prowess of penmanship.
Rebecca Lawrence and her father, devastated by the loss of their mother and wife, move from their comfortable village home to reside nearer family and the bustling English society. Her father's sister deigns to introduce the shy Rebecca to her new class of companions, and many factors of her old way of living become now unacceptable by this more metropolitan society's standards. Rebecca is borne along on a ceaseless tide of parties and ladies visiting, until a certain refined gentlemen comes into her sights and the course of her life is altered forever.
Rebecca's character continues to arc, as the novel progresses, from the once overwhelmed and cowed individual to a flourishing independent women, with modern sensibilities regarding societal opinion and knowing her own mind.
The author has cleverly used the narrative to display this point. The earliest portion of the novel is dominated by dialogue. Rebecca says little and, instead, side characters dominate the discussions. Rebecca, as our protagonist, also adds little inner-monologue and opinion, which instead invites the reader to read between the lines of all that is outwardly portrayed and discern her true feelings in all that is not said.
As the novel progresses dialogue is shortened, and Rebecca's direct thought is allowed to the fore. As the novel closes, the text is almost wholly focused on the inner-workings of her fascinating mind. This allows the differences between the character we were introduced to and this latter version of herself to become apparent.
Along with this shifting narrative, the mood of this is also altered. This is an altogether dark piece, as it opens with a close relative's death and focuses on the characters' subsequent grief. This, however, is quickly overshadowed by the new life Rebecca and her father are invited into. Romantic encounters and insights into the historical period this is set in become the novel's nucleus, and this superficial focus allows a brief reprieve from what is to come...
A nine year time gap splits this novel, moving the characters into the midst of war-torn Britain. Rebecca depicts life on the home front, anxiously awaiting news of loved ones in the midst of battle. Her agitation grows, and so do the readers, as information is painfully slow-coming and she is left to dwell on her misery and despair.
This book is brilliant at everything it does, but the emotion in this latter portion dwarfs everything else! Rebecca's grief became my own as the stark realities of war were brutally recounted. Front-line horror intrudes, in the form of letters, and anguish of those left behind is demonstrated first-hand. The intrigue that haunts the text continues, forming an interesting side-plot to distract from the otherwise almost overwhelming sorrow.
This book had been an altogether highly enjoyable read, up until this point, but it wasn't until the last third that it became truly phenomenal. This transformed into an exquisite masterpiece, depicting a dark period of history with both brutal honesty and graceful prowess of penmanship.
December 10, 2016
'The Silent Land' is about the life of a young woman living in rural Britain from 1903 to 1919. The Great War features very strongly in the story and how it impacts on the protagonist. I won't say more for fear of spoiling it for the reader. This is a poignant and beautifully written book that I highly recommend.
October 18, 2016
Well-written coming of age story about a young girl's life in pre and post World War 1 England. Rebecca is the cherished and beloved daughter of James and Elizabeth. Her mother's death forces a move where her life will take a new path. Rebecca's grows from girl to woman, learning life is not what it seems. She falls in love with Rupert and war disrupts her life once again.
This was a moving book. Dunham's description of the home front in rural England where people wait in isolation for word of their loved ones is painfully and realistically recounted. The horror of war intrudes through letters and the suffering of the wounded. This is a dark period of history, filled with heart-breaking losses and the stark reality of how war changes humanity. Written like an episode of Downton Abbey, The Silent Land is a rich novel filled with evocative images of a spinning world that tilts wildly on it's axis, sending well-ordered lives into oblivion.
This was a moving book. Dunham's description of the home front in rural England where people wait in isolation for word of their loved ones is painfully and realistically recounted. The horror of war intrudes through letters and the suffering of the wounded. This is a dark period of history, filled with heart-breaking losses and the stark reality of how war changes humanity. Written like an episode of Downton Abbey, The Silent Land is a rich novel filled with evocative images of a spinning world that tilts wildly on it's axis, sending well-ordered lives into oblivion.
February 4, 2017
This book is a upper class story,a young girl lost her mother reading her diary,her journey moving to a different area,falling in love and dealing with war.a warm story.good read.
November 18, 2016
This was a book I enjoyed for its gentleness and portrayal of a world very different to our own. The author has captured the feel of the era very well, so that I was there in the years before the First World War, and at home with Rebecca during the war. The author writes in the third person, but always from Rebecca’s point of view, so that we see the war through her eyes, the worries and fears, the keeping the home fires burning.
Simply put, The Silent Land was a love story, but not the usual passionate, tearing your heart out love story many readers of romance have come to expect. This was gentle, genteel even. The growing love between Rebecca and the man she was to marry was quiet, but all the more deeply felt for that.
The author, although male, seems to have understood the female mind, how women think and feel. He has the era, ideas, and social mores taped. His research shines through. He understands the irritations of the upper classes, from Emily bemoaning the loss of her maid to the war effort, and the struggles of the lower classes, like the Clarkes and other village people whose sons went off to war on a tide of gung-ho. Of course, some failed to return.
The story opens with the death of Rebecca’s mother and her move to Worcestershire with her doctor father, how they settle into a more rural life, the new neighbours and particularly two young men, who I will not name (in case of spoiler!) In fact, I was not sure which of the two would turn out to be Rebecca’s suitor right until towards the end of the first section when her growing friendship with one of them became more apparent. I particularly liked the demure way they conducted their courtship, because that was in keeping with the time period.
I have to say that the first section seemed to me a little long, and so a little slow, but I was intrigued, so I stayed with it. And I was rewarded for my patience. I did not feel that with the other two sections.
All in all, a good story, with a surprising twist at the end, bringing it to a satisfactory conclusion.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes an tender romance, and who is, like me, intrigued by the people who stayed at home during the Great War.
Simply put, The Silent Land was a love story, but not the usual passionate, tearing your heart out love story many readers of romance have come to expect. This was gentle, genteel even. The growing love between Rebecca and the man she was to marry was quiet, but all the more deeply felt for that.
The author, although male, seems to have understood the female mind, how women think and feel. He has the era, ideas, and social mores taped. His research shines through. He understands the irritations of the upper classes, from Emily bemoaning the loss of her maid to the war effort, and the struggles of the lower classes, like the Clarkes and other village people whose sons went off to war on a tide of gung-ho. Of course, some failed to return.
The story opens with the death of Rebecca’s mother and her move to Worcestershire with her doctor father, how they settle into a more rural life, the new neighbours and particularly two young men, who I will not name (in case of spoiler!) In fact, I was not sure which of the two would turn out to be Rebecca’s suitor right until towards the end of the first section when her growing friendship with one of them became more apparent. I particularly liked the demure way they conducted their courtship, because that was in keeping with the time period.
I have to say that the first section seemed to me a little long, and so a little slow, but I was intrigued, so I stayed with it. And I was rewarded for my patience. I did not feel that with the other two sections.
All in all, a good story, with a surprising twist at the end, bringing it to a satisfactory conclusion.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes an tender romance, and who is, like me, intrigued by the people who stayed at home during the Great War.
December 1, 2016
The secrets that Rebecca's mother had in her diary hit a nerve in Rebecca.
When Rebecca's husband was killed in the War near Belgium. there were truths and lies.
Rebecca chose to leave things alone. She had her sons to occupy her time.
A very thought provoking story.
This book was a gift from the author for my honest review.
When Rebecca's husband was killed in the War near Belgium. there were truths and lies.
Rebecca chose to leave things alone. She had her sons to occupy her time.
A very thought provoking story.
This book was a gift from the author for my honest review.
December 11, 2016
Thank you to the author in providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
The Silent Land follows Rebecca Lawrence both pre and post World War 1.
We experience her life from her grieving for her Mother, marrying and having children but then the turmoil of the harrowing events of the War upon her family.
The book lays bare the emotional impacts on her and those around her and the author writes these so raw and well.
The most moving part of the book was about the home front as families waited to hear information on loved ones, it is a pain that can only be imagined!.
A very moving, Ying and Yang book in that it can be gentle and yet heart breaking in equal measures.
The characterisation was so good and the story had me hooked as hidden secrets are revealed.
A clever, thought provoking, beautiful story that I would highly recommend.
The Silent Land follows Rebecca Lawrence both pre and post World War 1.
We experience her life from her grieving for her Mother, marrying and having children but then the turmoil of the harrowing events of the War upon her family.
The book lays bare the emotional impacts on her and those around her and the author writes these so raw and well.
The most moving part of the book was about the home front as families waited to hear information on loved ones, it is a pain that can only be imagined!.
A very moving, Ying and Yang book in that it can be gentle and yet heart breaking in equal measures.
The characterisation was so good and the story had me hooked as hidden secrets are revealed.
A clever, thought provoking, beautiful story that I would highly recommend.
October 17, 2016
Incredibly moving book, elegantly written. I felt swept up into the world of the novel.
February 25, 2017
If you enjoyed Everyone Brave is Forgiven by Chris Cleve, and/or the Downton Abbey series, this should be your next pick!
Dunham has composed a beautiful book about a young woman's life story in England leading up to World War I. As vivid as scenes in a play--complete with witty and charming banter--the chapters unfold to give us an intimate portrait of Rebecca Lawrence, whose journey is firmly fixed in this particular society and era. I enjoyed the attention to detail orienting the reader to the historical setting. Given the centennial of WWI, I recommend "The Silent Land", which is both timely and enjoyable thanks to the research conducted by the author, coupled with the book's lovely prose.
Dunham has composed a beautiful book about a young woman's life story in England leading up to World War I. As vivid as scenes in a play--complete with witty and charming banter--the chapters unfold to give us an intimate portrait of Rebecca Lawrence, whose journey is firmly fixed in this particular society and era. I enjoyed the attention to detail orienting the reader to the historical setting. Given the centennial of WWI, I recommend "The Silent Land", which is both timely and enjoyable thanks to the research conducted by the author, coupled with the book's lovely prose.
September 25, 2017
I won this book in a giveaway and enjoyed it. Thank you so much to the author, David Dunham for a copy. It reminded me a little of a Jane Austen novel. The main character, Rebecca, goes through many stages-young woman, married woman, mother and learns a few secrets about her family along the way. She suffers the high cost of war and the joys and pain of love. I would recommend to those who like historical fiction that takes place in England during the first World War.
October 13, 2016
A lonely young woman and a story of loss in post-Victorian, World War 1 England.
The author's descriptions of London and Hallow, Worchestershire are vivid and detailed, he set the scene well and puts the reader there. A young woman struggles with the loss of her mother. The first part of the book is about her maturing, becoming engaged, getting married.
The second part of the book is much different, it is about the war and the impact on everyone and everything around her. More loss, more pain and a terrible secret that could destroy her.
Fans of historical fiction will enjoy this book. It was a not a pleasant read, the second half was grim and real, making it a good read, a sobering read, and a very hard book to put down.
The author's descriptions of London and Hallow, Worchestershire are vivid and detailed, he set the scene well and puts the reader there. A young woman struggles with the loss of her mother. The first part of the book is about her maturing, becoming engaged, getting married.
The second part of the book is much different, it is about the war and the impact on everyone and everything around her. More loss, more pain and a terrible secret that could destroy her.
Fans of historical fiction will enjoy this book. It was a not a pleasant read, the second half was grim and real, making it a good read, a sobering read, and a very hard book to put down.
May 7, 2017
My most appreciative thanks to David Dunham, author of The Silent Land, for providing me with a copy of his book in exchange for a fair and honest review. In my opinion,The Silent Land was a very well-written novel. This is the first book that I have read in a long time about the World War I and the way the horrors of the war affected both the soldiers and their families and the countries involved. David Dunham made me feel like I was there feeling the pain and happiness of the characters he created.
The story begins in the early 1900's in Fen, England where the reader meets Rebecca Lawrence. We learn almost immediately that Rebecca's mom is terminally ill. She dies, while Rebecca was encouraged to leave the house to attend an annual dance. Prior to leaving the house, Rebecca finds her mother's diary. Later in the story, the diary reappears and alters Rebecca's insight about her mother and father. Rebecca is beyond devastated when she returns home to learn the news. Rebecca regrets not being able to be there with her mother and not being able to say good-bye to her mother. Her grieving father and Rebecca move to be closer to her father's sister, Emily and her mother's brother, Henry and her two cousins Edward and Alice. They move to Hallow, England where they take up residency on Peachley Lane in the Croft house. Rebecca learns to adjust to her new life with the help of her Aunt Emily. She begins to give piano lessons for a small fee and later works as an assistant at the church's Sunday school. When she meets Rupert, her life starts to become whole again. Theirs is a love story that is both tender and real at the same time. David Dunham made it beautiful and genteel. The two marry and have two sons. Then World War I finds it way to England and Rebecca's life is changed forever.
David Dunham's research of the time period is impressive. He allows the reader to experience the difference between the classes that existed. He accomplished this in his descriptions of her Aunt Emily and how she coped with various situations during the war and in sharing Rebecca's relationship with the Clarkes, a family of a lower class. This was a very moving historical novel. Once I began reading The Silent Land, I did not want to stop. I must admit that I shed quite a few tears but also found myself smiling as well. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I did not want it to end. I highly recommend this book. I hope David Dunham plans on writing more novels and I hope I get to read them.
The story begins in the early 1900's in Fen, England where the reader meets Rebecca Lawrence. We learn almost immediately that Rebecca's mom is terminally ill. She dies, while Rebecca was encouraged to leave the house to attend an annual dance. Prior to leaving the house, Rebecca finds her mother's diary. Later in the story, the diary reappears and alters Rebecca's insight about her mother and father. Rebecca is beyond devastated when she returns home to learn the news. Rebecca regrets not being able to be there with her mother and not being able to say good-bye to her mother. Her grieving father and Rebecca move to be closer to her father's sister, Emily and her mother's brother, Henry and her two cousins Edward and Alice. They move to Hallow, England where they take up residency on Peachley Lane in the Croft house. Rebecca learns to adjust to her new life with the help of her Aunt Emily. She begins to give piano lessons for a small fee and later works as an assistant at the church's Sunday school. When she meets Rupert, her life starts to become whole again. Theirs is a love story that is both tender and real at the same time. David Dunham made it beautiful and genteel. The two marry and have two sons. Then World War I finds it way to England and Rebecca's life is changed forever.
David Dunham's research of the time period is impressive. He allows the reader to experience the difference between the classes that existed. He accomplished this in his descriptions of her Aunt Emily and how she coped with various situations during the war and in sharing Rebecca's relationship with the Clarkes, a family of a lower class. This was a very moving historical novel. Once I began reading The Silent Land, I did not want to stop. I must admit that I shed quite a few tears but also found myself smiling as well. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I did not want it to end. I highly recommend this book. I hope David Dunham plans on writing more novels and I hope I get to read them.
November 20, 2016
A very moving historical novel centered around a young woman about to enter adulthood. The date is the early 1900s in rural England when women at that age were focused on marrying well and settling into a domestic lifestyle. Rebecca grew up in a loving home but was also burdened with the knowledge that her mother was very ill. After her mother's death Rebecca and her father move back to his family's town to settle into a new life. Rebecca does adjust to her new home and she meets the love of her life and settles into happy and fulfilling marriage with children. Like so many others her world is forever changed when the First World War reaches England. The horrors of war and the way it touched her life, and the lives of those around her, is portrayed in a very realistic and honest way. Grief, survival, deception and compassion are all interwoven in Rebecca's story. I liked how the author made Rebecca seem very real by portraying her feelings and emotions. I did stay up late to finish the book. It was that good!
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and this is my honest review.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and this is my honest review.
December 16, 2016
Copy from Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours for an honest review
This is my first time reading David Dunham and it was a very pleasant experience. Rebecca Lawrence is a fantastic heroine. I completely enjoyed the heroine and watching her life develop from a young women to a married woman and ultimately to the wife of a soldier. Dunham doesn't hold back on the emotional stress of WWI and he immediately takes us into the time period. This book was easy to get into and very easy to like.
This is my first time reading David Dunham and it was a very pleasant experience. Rebecca Lawrence is a fantastic heroine. I completely enjoyed the heroine and watching her life develop from a young women to a married woman and ultimately to the wife of a soldier. Dunham doesn't hold back on the emotional stress of WWI and he immediately takes us into the time period. This book was easy to get into and very easy to like.
November 9, 2016
I would like to thank NetGalley and Troubador Publishing Ltd for allowing me to read "The Silent Land" by David Dunham. The story, which takes place in England from 1904 through post War World I, was interesting, well written, and enjoyable. I recommend it to anyone whom enjoys a beautifully told historical fiction story.
December 11, 2016
How the hell can anyone turn the horrors of WWI into a twee-fest???
March 24, 2017
This was a quiet book written of another time when the pace of life was slow and a clear division between the haves and the have not in England.
The story opens when a girl, Rebecca, has just lost her mother to cancer and her father is a doctor. He decides after a time to move to be close to his sister in the hopes that she will give some assistance with his daughter and also, possibly, help find a husband for her.
It was a predictable story that takes us through to WWI.
The story opens when a girl, Rebecca, has just lost her mother to cancer and her father is a doctor. He decides after a time to move to be close to his sister in the hopes that she will give some assistance with his daughter and also, possibly, help find a husband for her.
It was a predictable story that takes us through to WWI.
March 21, 2017
Really enjoyed this book.
I am not usually a fan of historic fiction as I struggle to get into them but this was an easy book to read. Would recommend.
I am not usually a fan of historic fiction as I struggle to get into them but this was an easy book to read. Would recommend.
November 11, 2017
Historical fiction is my favorite genre and this book is just perfect! Other reviewers have given excellent plot summaries, so they only thing I can add is: read this book immediately!
Note: I won this book in a goodreads giveaway.
Note: I won this book in a goodreads giveaway.
March 25, 2017
I've not read a book in years as I've found it hard to concentrate on anything long enough to be drawn into a book, but decided to give this book a go - loved it! I was quickly absorbed into the characters and plot, making me want to read on. Thoroughly recommend reading this book. Thanks for getting me back into reading :)
February 7, 2017
I was graciously contacted by the author, David Dunham, to receive a copy of “The Silent Land” in exchange for an honest review. That being said, it has not altered my opinion of the book whatsoever.
Rebecca Lawrence lives in a time where chivalry thrives, and most of a female’ decisions are made by the men in their lives. Rebecca, 21 at the time, should be living the life of dances, and suitors. Instead, Rebecca sits with her ailing mother, sneaking readings of her mother’s diary. Convinced she should have the night off, Rebecca’s father convinces her to attend a local dance. Upon returning home, she finds her mother has passed away.
Racked with memories and grief, Rebecca’s father moves them from their home and closer to relatives. For Rebecca, starting over is the last thing she wants to do, but she will be closer to her Aunt Emily and cousin Edward. Emily takes the reigns of Rebecca’s life and goads her into offering piano lessons for a small fee. Both Rebecca and her father have been invited to a dinner, where Rebecca will unknowingly gain admiration which continues to follow her throughout the book.
For the full review, please visit:
https://quitterstrip.wordpress.com/20...
Rebecca Lawrence lives in a time where chivalry thrives, and most of a female’ decisions are made by the men in their lives. Rebecca, 21 at the time, should be living the life of dances, and suitors. Instead, Rebecca sits with her ailing mother, sneaking readings of her mother’s diary. Convinced she should have the night off, Rebecca’s father convinces her to attend a local dance. Upon returning home, she finds her mother has passed away.
Racked with memories and grief, Rebecca’s father moves them from their home and closer to relatives. For Rebecca, starting over is the last thing she wants to do, but she will be closer to her Aunt Emily and cousin Edward. Emily takes the reigns of Rebecca’s life and goads her into offering piano lessons for a small fee. Both Rebecca and her father have been invited to a dinner, where Rebecca will unknowingly gain admiration which continues to follow her throughout the book.
For the full review, please visit:
https://quitterstrip.wordpress.com/20...
April 27, 2020
I have read all the 4 and 5 star reviews and now feel as if I missed something. Despite the horrors of the first world war this is a genteel and slow paced novel. I kept waiting for something to happen and when it did the action itself seemed subdued. I enjoyed the setting and learnt a few things about the role of the Worcesters during the war but overall the book was short on characterisation. I assumed there was a great love between Rebecca and Rupert but I didn't get to feel it. I didn't even get the title. Not sure which land was silent?
December 21, 2019
The Silent Land by David Dunham The Silent Land by David Dunham is about Rebecca Lawrence who must make changes in her life following the First World War.
It is an intriguing book. I gave it four stars.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. That did not change my opinion for this review.
Link to purchase: https://www.amazon.com/Silent-Land-Da...
It is an intriguing book. I gave it four stars.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. That did not change my opinion for this review.
Link to purchase: https://www.amazon.com/Silent-Land-Da...
May 22, 2021
* Goodreads Giveaway book
While this was a great story, I felt it needed more. More intrigue perhaps surrounding the mysteriousness of her mother's death or a greater villain throughout the story. It was nice, but needed more of a hook. Also was a bit slow reading as you anticipate something happening only to find nothing happens. A nice read bringing to light that innocent period before the Great War.
While this was a great story, I felt it needed more. More intrigue perhaps surrounding the mysteriousness of her mother's death or a greater villain throughout the story. It was nice, but needed more of a hook. Also was a bit slow reading as you anticipate something happening only to find nothing happens. A nice read bringing to light that innocent period before the Great War.
December 21, 2019
The Silent Land by David Dunham is about Rebecca Lawrence who must make changes in her life following the First World War.
It is an intriguing book. I gave it four stars.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. That did not change my opinion for this review.
Link to purchase: https://www.amazon.com/Silent-Land-Da...
It is an intriguing book. I gave it four stars.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. That did not change my opinion for this review.
Link to purchase: https://www.amazon.com/Silent-Land-Da...
March 21, 2018
Dispointed with the story as it doesn’t quite live up to the synopsis on the back. More detail on what happens to the mother and husband. 3* for the story and 1* as this is the authors first published novel.
April 17, 2017
The Silent Land took me back to a time and place because my childhood was like the homes in the novel. I loved the way it all appeared in my mind, and the romance of it all, particularly the images that were strong. It had charm, like I was there. I believe this book would make a brilliant TV drama as it is picturesque and yet so tragic.
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