Book review: The Silent Hours, by Cesca Major

France, 1952. Adeline, a mute living in a refuge. The Sisters trying everything they can to help understand the history of this woman and unlock the secrets she holds.

France, 1940s. Sebastien, a young Jewish banker. His father understands the growing risks to his family in wartime France. Sebastien, initially less sure, falls in love with Isabelle from a nearby village. 

Paris, 1940s. Tristan, a nine-year-old boy whose family flee the dangers in Paris and settle in rural France. 

Through the three interwoven stories of Adeline, Sebastien and Tristan we see the unfolding of a period of history, a shared tale, a story that should not be forgotten.

The gradual build-up is beautifully written, giving descriptions so clear that it is easy to become immersed in the novel. The final few chapters give the full harrowing account of what happened. Told from different perspectives, it gives details of something truly horrific, shocking and totally unexpected. 

This is a must-read, but be prepared to shed a tear or two at the end. Cesca Major's is a sensitive telling and a fitting memorial to the events depicted. I would strongly advise against reading the historical notes at the end before reading the book and don't look up details of the story beforehand as the sudden and unexpected final chapters, that contrast so strongly to the build up, are shockingly raw and deserve to remain so. 

The Silent Hours, by Cesca Major, is published by Corvus Books.

Disclosure: We were sent this book as part of the BritMums Book Club. All opinions are our own. You can read other reviews here.