One of my sisters recently shared a book she enjoyed reading, The Weight of Silence, by Heather Gudenkauf (published in 2009).
I searched my library’s “infosoup” network and requested a copy, which arrived at our local library a few days later. It’s a good thing we have had rainy, cold days to read by because I could not put it down.
The narrative style of The Weight of Silence is so suspenseful that it's almost like binge-watching a series. The intrigue kept me hooked, and before I knew it, I was halfway through the book!
Petra and Calli's friendship is a central part of the story. They met in first grade, and despite Calli's silence, they formed a deep bond. Petra’s understanding and acceptance of Calli's condition, which she discovered when they had lunch together, is a testament to their friendship.
Petra and Calli vanish from their bedrooms, discovered missing on the same morning, and a search began for the girls to determine whether or not they were abducted or lost.
Regrets and preconceived ideas lead to poor judgment, wasted time, and misunderstanding, making the search for the girls suspenseful.
Gudenkauf writes each chapter in the first person of the character telling their side of the story as the events unfold, except for Calli. Since she does not speak, “her” chapters are told in the third person. I found this to be a very effective way to convey the weight of silence on her family’s relationships.
Calli’s older brother Ben, while keeping a watchful eye on his little sister, comes to appreciate her friend Petra. He realizes that these two girls share a connection that is beyond the comprehension of adults, adding a layer of complexity to the story. Even though Calli doesn’t talk, her friendship with Petra is one of unwavering devotion and unspoken understanding.
The woods behind their neighborhood, a place of both comfort and fear, play a significant role in The Weight of Silence. It's not the dangers of the woods but the people who traverse them that create a sense of tension and fear.
Parents’ actions of mistrust and alcohol abuse have a direct effect on Calli and Ben, revealing the traumatic events in Calli’s life, which silenced her, but also challenge the investigation.
Have you read The Weight of Silence? What did you think about the narrative style Gudenkauf used? I'd love to hear your thoughts. And if you've read any other books by Gudenkauf, please share your recommendations below.
