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Thursday, November 12, 2009

review of The Silent Gift

Woah. This book is one of, if not THE most spell-binding book I think I have ever read. It is dark and intense and yet expresses such tender love between a mother and her child that you just read on and read on and hope nothing comes along that would tear you away from the story. I'd put The Silent Gift on the level with The Thirteenth Tale. It is that gripping and haunting in its presentation. The plus side of The Silent Gift is that it leaves some parts of "the dark side" to the imagination whereas Setterfield was a bit more graphic in her story telling.

I really don't want to risk any spoilers and this is a good book to spoil so I'm going to tread lightly. As you may be aware, Michael Landon, Jr. and Cindy Kelley have co-written film scripts together, including for the Love Comes Softly films. This time, the two came together to write a book which deals with human heartache, the gift of prophesy and spiritual warfare. Furthermore, they tell their story through the eyes of a devoted mother which tugs at the heartstrings in an almost physically painful way. Can a young boy who cannot communicate with the world around him, offer people insight into their own lives? That is the question most repeated throughout this book with plenty of hardship, aches and struggles attached.

The book is set in the 1930's, throughout the Great Depression in America. It opens with an absolutely spell-binding scene which sucks you in and refuses to let you go. I don't think I've ever been more on the edge of my seat in the opening paragraphs of a book in my lifetime. I've been delighted, amused and made thoughtful by books, but nothing like what I experienced with The Silent Gift. Simply put, this book is an experience and there's not much else to say.

I feel like this "review" is being reduced to a "woah man, this is like so cool" but I'm petrified of telling you TOO much! The histories of the main characters are slowly unfolded to keep you guessing and give you just enough for the moment you are in and nothing more. The twists and turns were not predictable for me because I was so engrossed with what was happening at any given point in time that I didn't have spare brain cells to think ahead. That's saying something for the storytelling abilities of Landon, Jr. and Kelley right there!

If you did enjoy The Thirteenth Tale then make time to read The Silent Gift. I hardly think you'll regret it!

Thank you, Bethany House, for offering me a chance to engage with this book. It was a true delight and I'm grateful.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

If you would like to read my interview with authors Michael Landon, Jr. and Cindy Kelley, follow the link!

*** This post was originally posted as a giveaway but the contest is now closed.

37 comments:

Amy @ Hope Is the Word said...

You KNOW I want to read this one, Carrie. How can I resist something by Michael Landon, Jr.? When I saw it on your Nightstand post, I thought it would be some sort of autobiography, etc. It sounds fantastic!

Pick me! :-)

Annette W. said...

Oh, you make this sound so, so good! I would be happy to win it!

Just Mom said...

Wow - you really liked this one - count me in on the giveaway!

Lynn said...

Wow, well that certainly makes me want to read it! In fact, I'm sending your review off to a relative and our book club right now. So I'd love to win. :)

Linna said...

Since you compare this one with The Thirteeth Tale, it really makes me want to read more about The Silent Gift. I'd like to win this book. Please enter me.

linna.hsu at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

You made me want to read it so much, I just placed a hold on it at my library in case I don't win! :)

Petunia said...

Ok, I'm sold. I'd love to win a copy.

Anonymous said...

I'm very interested. sometimes I am hesitant to read new books by Bethany House but this one sounds like it is worthy! Thanks.

Kim D

Linda said...

I love most anything from Michael Landon, Jr. He's pretty much taken up where his father left off. Love his stuff!
Please enter me. Thank you.

desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

Shawntele said...

I am with seemommysew, I too placed a copy on hold...just in case...{fingers crossed}...I love the Love Comes Softly movies, but this is the first I have heard of this book, sign me up!! lol

Cassandra said...

I would love to own a copy of this book! It's on my reading list but I have a feeling it will be quite awhile before I can get a copy from the library.

Susanne said...

I saw this at Costco and so wanted to buy it but had to walk away without it. Please enter me. Thanks for the giveaway!

Terri B. said...

After reading your review, I'm sorry I skipped over the opportunity to review this from the publisher. Now I want to win a copy!

Sheila Deeth said...

I loved the Thirteenth Tale, so your review has hooked me. I'd love to read this.

Jen @ Happy Little Homemaker said...

I'm intreged. Count me in!

Jen @ Happy Little Homemaker said...

I'm intreged. Count me in!

Esme said...

Your review has me hooked. Thanks

chocolate and croissants at yahoo dot com

Sherry said...

OK, I think I might enjoy this one --mostly on the strength of your recommendation. If I don't win, I'll search out a copy and read sometime soon.

Anita Yancey said...

Great review. Sounds really good, and I'd love to read it. Please enter me. Thanks!

ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

Willow said...

I'm always up for a new read!

sharon54220 said...

I would love to be entered to win this book. It sounds absolutely wonderful.

Thanks for the chance.

Caryn said...

:) Ok ok, comment. This seems like a book I would very much enjoy.

Anna said...

No need to enter me, as I just received my copy. Just wanted to say I'm glad to hear it's so good. I can't wait to read it.

--Anna
Diary of an Eccentric

Anonymous said...

I'd love to read this :) *Thanks* for the giveaway!
blog[at]theluckyladybug[dot]org

Nancye said...

I would LOVE to win this book! I adore Michael Landon and was heartbroken when he died. He'll always be "Pa" to me!


nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

enyl said...

Although I aven't read the Thirteenth Tale, The Silent Gift is the type of literature I'm intrested in adding to my classroom library.
enyl(at)inbox(dot)com

Winning Readings said...

Terrific book! I posted about the giveaway at Winning Readings: http://winningreadings.blogspot.com/2009/11/silent-gift_19.html

janemaritz at yahoo dot com

Julie said...

I am very interested in reading the Silent Gift. :)

aunteegem@yahoo.com

Katy said...

OK, with that kind of endorsement, how can I resist entering? ;)

srfbluemama at gmail dot com

wmmahaney said...

I would love to win a copy of this book. I just read on of Landon's books a few months ago and loved it.
wmmahaney(at)att(dot)net

Melanie said...

Thanks for the giveaway! It sounds like a great read.
phdserts at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

a wonderful review...please add my name to the giveaway...thanks.

karenk
kmkuka(at)yahoo(dot)com

Heather VanTimmeren said...

I am generally skeptical of Christian fiction, for all the reasons you have mentioned here and elsewhere, but if you recommend it, I'll put it on my TBR list! I also liked The 13 Tale, but a book with less of an 'ick' factor would be even better.

Margie said...

After reading your review, I think this is a book I would enjoy. I read the Thirteenth Tale and enjoyed that one. Thanks for the opportunity!
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Anita Yancey said...

Sounds good, I'd really like to read this. Please enter me. Thanks!

ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

Sue said...

I'd love to read this one!! Thanks for the giveaway.

s.mickelson at gmail dot com

Susanne said...

I felt the same way, how could I review this without giving anything away. So, so, so good. I hope he makes a movie out of his own book.

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