Sunshine And Rainbows
Out Of Silence by Annie Try is a contemporary Christian novel about trauma, loss and new beginnings. It was incredibly powerful and heartfelt. The tensions and emotions really played on my mind.
Loss and grief can take over a person. “All our prayers and yearnings didn’t halt leukaemia’s destruction.” This is such a powerful statement encompassing loss, anger and despair. Loss never goes away, you just learn how to cope.
With loss comes all sorts of feelings including guilt. “I can’t forgive myself for telling him a lie. We had to believe he would recover.” We all need hope to get up in the mornings. Sometimes the person who needs the most hope is the one trying to give hope to others.
The novel is written in the first person from a male point of view. Males often assign themselves the role of protector and feel a failure when they cannot. “I couldn’t stop him from dying.” None of us has power over death, only God.
Loss is not only the loss of a person but a loss of a homeland and culture.
The effects of trauma are present in the novel. Trauma can trap us. Others need to find the key to unlock us and help us start living again.
There is the theme of new beginnings – literally and spiritually. We all have past memories – some keep us warm, others are too painful to face.
Names are important. A name change can signify a change in circumstances.
The novel concerns therapists and therapy. At times even the therapists can need counselling. Therapy can take many forms. The story focuses on the power of art to unlock and awaken people.
It’s never too late for a second chance. However caution does need to be applied at times.
Misunderstandings can wound, causing heartache and missed opportunities. God can repay the years the locusts have eaten.
Out Of Silence was really powerful. My emotions experienced the highs and lows, along with the characters. My heart was broken by the suffering but God and faith in His goodness ensured that hope remained.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
JULIA WILSON