Florence, South Carolina 1944: Lieutenant Raymond Sellers bids farewell to his brother Jimmie, the weight of what lies ahead hanging heavy in the air. The brothers have always been inseparable—Raymond, the steady protector, Jimmie, the wild-hearted dreamer. But as Raymond embraces his pregnant wife Evelyn one last time, war is about to test the bonds of family in ways they never imagined.
As a summer storm shakes the windows, Evelyn brings her baby into a world at war. Across the vast Pacific theater, Raymond leads his men through brutal combat while Jimmie fights in the skies. One battle forces Raymond to choose between the family he promised to protect and the brothers he swore to never leave behind.
Eighteen years later, a daughter finds a cache of letters in her father’s desk and is shocked to find that some acts of courage echo across generations
What the Silent Say is an emotionally stirring historical fiction novel about family bonds, sacrifice, and the impact of war. Set against the backdrop of World War II, the story follows Lieutenant Raymond Sellers and his brother Jimmie as they navigate the dangerous realities of combat, leaving behind Raymond’s pregnant wife, Evelyn, in South Carolina. The story details the brothers’ wartime experiences and the challenges faced by those on the home front.
Ford’s storytelling is multilayered and rich and it’s hard to believe that this is a debut novel. The characters are relatable and memorable, and readers will easily become emotionally attached to them. The novel, inspired by a true story, has a feel of authenticity, making the characters’ struggles and triumphs very poignant. For readers who don’t normally gravitate towards war stories, this is definitely one that will surprise you. The story encompasses much more than just combat and war. It’s a multilayered story of family bonds, enduring romance, heartbreaking loss, and sacrifice. It’s also a fresh take on a WW2 story as it takes place in Asia, rather than Europe.
Most of the story is told from the perspectives of Raymond and Evelyn, but there are also some compelling scenes during the war where Jimmie’s POV takes over. Evelyn begins as a strong and ambitious young woman. Once the war starts and she’s presented opportunities to fast-track her teaching career and get married, she begins to doubt herself. Raymond is a very positive influence in her life and loves her unconditionally. When she gives birth to their child while Raymond is away at war, she is supported by Raymond’s mother in some very heartfelt scenes.
Raymond’s journey is the real heart of the story. He is a man with big dreams but who sacrifices most of them for the benefit of his family and to appease his father. His inner monologues show him conflicted many times but duty always takes precedence, making him a very admirable character. Jimmie has a close relationship with his brother and is the risk taking trouble-maker counterpart to Raymond’s reliable and protective nature. The war tests both brothers, and neither foresees how profoundly it will shape their futures and their families’ lives. Raymond commands several men in the army and as some aren’t well developed, they can easily be confused—it’s a good idea to jot down their names and associations early on. As the men travel during the war, it is not always clear to decipher where they are exactly—more descriptive prose of their whereabouts would have been helpful.
The most powerful part of the story comes when Raymond is forced to choose between the brother he swore to protect and the soldiers he’s responsible for. This pivotal moment casts a shadow over the rest of the story and will have readers reflecting over themes of sacrifice and family bonds. The novel’s emotional impact intensifies towards the conclusion, and readers are left to contemplate the long-lasting effects of war and what it leaves in its place. The book’s title, “What the Silent Say,” is very symbolic, as after every war there are ghosts and stories left in the hearts of those that survive, who silently carry on but are forever altered.
Overall, What the Silent Say is a beautifully crafted novel with unforgettable characters and a compelling narrative that feels very authentic. It’s a must-read for historical fiction lovers, fans of authors like Kristen Hannah, and readers who appreciate stories that linger long after the final page!
