The Rest is Silence
The Rest is Silence follows the life of introspective schoolgirl Muriel Mead, who disappears on the eve of World War II. However, Muriel's story is more complicated and unexpected than initially believed. Her journey, told by different narrators across two companion novels, reveals Muriel's quiet determination to live on her own terms in search of silence and a place to call home. While a mystery lies at the heart of both books, The Rest is Silence is a beautifully crafted exploration of how we seek out and assess truth and what it means to live a life that is out of step with others.
‘I read the book in two sittings, and a couple of weeks on I’m still thinking about it.’ - JBA Debut Novel Award
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About the Author:
Over a long working life Barbara Whitfield has variously stuffed envelopes, sold fish, books and coffee, carried out research for the OED and the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, and edited non-fiction. She also completed a doctorate in Spanish Art History. She lives on a smallholding between the hills and the sea, in West Wales where she has learnt to re-roof a house, dig ditches, grow vegetables and write novels. Her debut, The Rest is Silence, was shortlisted for the JBA Debut Novel Award 2023 and ranked in the top 6% for the Bridport First Novel Award the same year.