Devastating. This was a real punch of a historical fiction. From the very first chapter I was hooked and wanted to know more. Jimmie and Raymond were complex and brave men and reading about them brought me to tears several times. I loved the slow pace of the novel, it really allowed us as readers to understand and connect with Raymond & Evelyn and Jimmie. The battle scenes were equally as compelling and felt like the transcript to an epic war movie.

The scenes between Raymond and his men felt incredibly raw, their fears were lively and their determination was admirable. I usually read historical fictions that focus on women’s stories, and while this did focus on Evelyn, I surprisingly enjoyed the focus on the brothers too. Truly a fantastic novel, every single chapter was full of emotion and life. Breathtaking and inspiring, Ford did a fantastic job turning this true story into a novel.

So many WWII era books I have read. Yet, this one hit so close to home. The men who never returned. The families left behind to pick up the pieces. The men who did return. The men who didn't talk about their time during the war. Like my father-in-l aw who served in the South Pacific, the arena for this WWII saga.

What the Silent Say by Emerson Ford was exactly what I expected. A gut-wrenching, heart-ripping story that you couldn't miss a single word yet riveting enough to want you speeding through the pages.

Have your tissues ready because this did not disappoint.

Releases Jan 29th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

what a great historical fiction read!!!! this is based on the author's true life experience and tells the harrowing tale of events that took place in Okinawa. very well done!!!