Christie«SHBBblogger»'s Reviews > Reverend of Silence

Title: Reverend of Silence
Series: standalone
Author: Pamela Sparkman
Release date: January 14, 2020
Cliffhanger: no
Genre: literary fiction



“If I was your warmth and your refuge, you were my shining ray of light in an otherwise dark world.”

Where do I even begin in trying to explain the beauty of this story? It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Pamela Sparkman's work, but she has really outdone herself with Reverend of Silence. It's easily in my top three favorites of hers, and I only say that because I don't think I could ever pick a top favorite story. Each one is very special to me and occupies a little space in my heart, never to be replaced. Sam and Lucy will bring you with them through a lifetime of new beginnings, friendship, first love, as they face prejudice and hatred with faith and courage. There are so many things I want to say about these two extraordinary families and what they overcome, and I hope I can do them justice in this review.

It's upsetting to imagine a time when the deaf were treated with prejudice simply for being different. As a human race, we've treated many groups of people as if they are undeserving of compassion or love. Ignorance breeds hatred, and people fear what they don't understand. Samuel Burke learns this difficult lesson soon after moving to Bridgeport Connecticut, in the year 1814. Sam meets a young girl in his new class named Lucy Hallison, and she makes an immediate impression on him. For someone who has become accustomed to being invisible in a crowd of people, she doesn't quite know what to make of this boy's direct attention.

"I see you, Lucy. I promise I do."

Lucy fell ill at a young age and as a result lost her ability to hear. She was the same person before this event, however, she was now an outsider. Within the city and even her own home, no one bothered to open the door to real communication with her. In fact, no one believed she could in the way that non-hearing impaired people are. Imagine a time when there was no formal schooling or language for the deaf. It's almost impossible in the modern world we live in. There were rudimentary "home signs" for simple words or phrases, but to be able to read and write is a whole other world of expression that was closed off from Lucy. Sam meets her and possesses something no one else does: empathy. The ability to understand her feelings without words. Pamela Sparkman did a wonderful job bringing the reader this same level of understanding simply through body language in the beginning of the book. Although there are alternating POVs, Lucy's does not come until a solid portion into the story. When it does, you feel as if you've just been given the gift of a flood of information from this strong-willed, tenacious, and gentle girl's heart and soul.

Although there is a love story in this novel, the story of these two families is central. It's about the bond they create as Sam and his family encourage the Hallisons to give Lucy the same opportunities as everyone else. Sam, Lucy, and her brother Noah become best friends as they grow up together. An inseparable, unified family that encourage each other through every challenge in life they face. Reverend Burke is the town's pastor, and it's easy to see where Sam's strength of character was formed when you see what a warrior he is for justice on Lucy's behalf.

I remember telling my father once, “The people didn’t know what they were getting when you came to town, did they?” And you know what his response was? “They saw me coming, Son. They knew what they were getting. What they didn’t see coming was you.” I shook my head. “No, Papa,” I said. “It was Lucy they never saw coming. It was always Lucy.”

As friendship between Sam and Lucy blooms gradually into feelings of love, they take tentative steps towards changing the dynamic of their relationship. But Sam must put aside his own wants and desires so she may have the freedom to learn to fly. An opportunity to attend the first school for the deaf in the US would give her unparalleled knowledge. How could he possibly hold her back? They go from sharing their lives every single day, to long distance communication for many years. Your heart is heavy for everyone involved as they struggle to adjust to such a drastic change. Even as they're all hurting, they never fail to lift each other up with words of inspiration.

Time, it seemed, was a cruel albatross around the heart of those who loved and couldn’t have. Time always seemed to be saying . . . not yet . . . wait . . . wait . . . wait.

Mr. Clive is a wealthy, influential man in town who uses his power to fan the flame of hatred towards the Hallisons. He is a morally bankrupt person who feels spite towards anyone he can't control. So called God-fearing churchgoers have long been under his influence, but these two courageous families aren't afraid to stand up for what's right and just. As often is the case in real life, that doesn't come without devastating consequences. Just as you grow to love the main characters, you will despise the antagonists in equal measure.

This is a compulsively readable book, pulling you into their lives effortlessly and refusing to let go until these characters find peace and healing. Along the way, you step inside another time and place that isn't always comfortable to be in. But while it can take only one person to amplify hatred, the same can be said for love and acceptance. Redemption, faith, and hope are tested to the limit, and these two families must continue to shine their light when they are at their darkest. I cannot recommend this book enough! It was exquisitely written with relevant underlying themes that we could all benefit from in modern society. If you love historical novels inspired by real events or people, don't miss out on this one. I learned about a piece of American history that I'm sad to say I never spent much time thinking of in the past. I feel privileged that I was able to experience what this book has to offer, and I'm better for having read it.





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