Reverend of Silence

By: Pamela Sparkman

Narrated by: Steven Ritz- Barr

Length: 11 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

A coming of age story about faith, love, and overcoming society's prejudices during the American Antebellum period.

In 1810, Lucy Hallison suffered from a severe illness at the age of three, and later recovered, a deaf-mute. Unable to relate to the world in which she lives, she’s often ignored and sometimes treated with cruelty. Until a boy, Samuel Burke, steps into her life at the tender age of seven, coloring her world and showing her what it means to be seen, to not be invisible, to be understood.

The two become inseparable childhood friends, and as they grow and mature, there is the promise and hope of something more that also grows between them. But the hope of something more is put on hold so she can attend The American Asylum at Hartford for the Deaf and Dumb, the first of its kind, requiring her to leave the only home she’s ever known and the only boy she’s ever loved.

But while she is away, tragedy strikes, and Samuel is now the one unable to relate to the world in which he lives, unable to find his own voice, and withdrawing from everyone and everything he’s ever known.

When Lucy returns home from school, she has one goal in mind - to put color back into his world the way he had once put color into hers.

Because Samuel Burke had been her voice when she had needed him most.

Now, she is determined to be his.

Note: Inspired by real people and true historical accounts.

©2020 Pamela Sparkman (P)2020 Pamela Sparkman

Absolutely beautiful.

I was given a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for a fair and honest review. And, fairly, honestly, this book was one of the most gorgeous, beautiful things I've ever read. It had all the feels, I laughed, cried, choked up a bit, and was completely engrossed. Ms Sparkman's writing is not only vivid, and immersive but, transporting. It took you back to that time. I am totally blind, not deaf, but I am familiar with some of the history, growing up, learning about Helen Keller, and being around the deaf community, both growing up, and in some of my outreach with my job as a reader adviser for The Regional Library for The Blind here in Montgomery. I've had numerous deaf friends over the years, and a close elementay school friend I eventually lost touch with, was deaf. So, I could sort of relate to some of this, and learn from other portions too. It was a very touching emotional story that will stick with me for quite a while. Steven's narration was as beautiful as the writing, and those mandolin interludes, were beautiful segues into each chapter, that added vivid color like a painter's brush. Beautiful job, and beautiful story. Thank you for giving me the honor of reviewing it. I don't think I'm going to be able to top that one. Happy reading yall.

An outstanding story but needed some fine-tuning.

The characters are so well-penned that you are never in doubt of the rationale behind their behaviour. Lucy especially will win your heart with her guts and gumption. Her role is not the typical simpering female of most historical fiction works but that of a girl who tries hard to overcome her physical shortcoming. Even the secondary characters, barring the clichéd villain, will leave their marks.
The book offers amazing detail in how the deaf and dumb were treated in that time period. Every bit related to this is a pleasure to read. The author’s note states how which of the characters were actual people from history. I liked knowing this background as it greatly added to my satisfaction with the book.
There are many sweet and emotional moments in the narrative. The epilogue felt superfluous at first but soon its presence and length is justified. So if you are looking for something simple and yet that will touch your heart, this will certainly work for you. In fact, in term of emotional appeal, character growth, and plot development, the book gets full marks.
The audiobook clocks at a little more than 11 hours and is narrated by Steven Ritz- Barr. He does a decent job but I’m not sure if he is a beginner in this field. There are some mistakes he makes while reading which he then goes on to rectify. (Mine wasn’t an ARC so I didn’t expect such mistakes.) The voice variations of the narrator weren’t enough to make Lucy sound like a young woman. In fact, the narrator sounded exactly the same while voicing Samuel and Noah, which became quite confusing at times. Additionally, I feel like the audio version would have worked better if Lucy had a separate narrator, especially as her pov is also in first person. One thing I especially liked about the audiobook was Ritz-Barr’s musical interludes between scene changes and chapters. That was so helpful!
Overall, what I loved most about this book was its powerful story that embodies the three Christian virtues of faith, hope, and love. It is a beautiful tale of the coming-of-age of two young persons who get bogged down but not defeated by tough circumstances. With well-developed characters, a touching plotline and an accurate historical insight, the book overcomes most of the writing flaws and delivers an impactful experience.
3.75 stars.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book at my request and these are my honest thoughts about it.

Reverend of Silence

This was an excellent read!I t totally enjoyed it. A deaf girl in community that ignores her is finally noticed when a new Pastor and his family comes to town.There is a mean family with a kid who bullies relentlessly.The Pastors son takes a shine to the deaf girl and opens both their worlds.This story is both lovely and gut wrenching. Narration is wonderful.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.'