Reviews

The Silent Stars Go By by Sally Nicholls

mk97's review against another edition

reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

catherine_mack's review against another edition

4.0

This story takes place immediately after the First World War. While it feels like a gentle read, it has the most perfect premise: Margot's fiance is returning home from the front. Should she tell him that her youngest brother is really their son? Margot is the daughter of the local pastor, her parents have adopted him and advised her not to tell anyone, but how can she marry and keep such a big secret from the father of her child? You will agonise along with Margot as she tries to work out what to do, and you will also meet some of the other siblings in this respected family with troubles of their own.

tangodiva's review

4.0

First, this cover is stunning. But how often do I get burned on a good cover?

I downloaded this b/c AAR reviewed Nicholls latest epistolary novel (which I have on audio). When I saw it was only 148 pages I immediately downloaded, b/c I am not doing so well reading these days due to a job that is sucking all my energy and joy.

This book in 148 pages does more than many historical novels do in 300 plus pages. It creates a time and place vividly - a small village in the Yorkshire Dales after the First World War. There is no "happy" ending; maybe a little but life is seldom resolved in perfect ways.

This novel concerns giving up a baby after birth; I will say as an adopted child I could have been triggered but instead it caused me to rethink my feelings and realize all a mother goes through before, during and after this decision.

For that, I am very grateful.

georgiaeharris's review against another edition

slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

itslaurenhornsby's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

sienna_canread's review

2.0

The writing style was good but I did not care for the story at all

rebeccasian274's review against another edition

Bit dull, not my kind of thing

feyelib70's review against another edition

challenging emotional reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

If your have the audio the author made the story drag on. It was hard for me to listen. It was confusing going back and forth between present and past without clear indication.

kenny_2288's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Grief, Alcohol, and War

jhartreads's review against another edition

2.0

I feel like nothing really happened... if you read the summary, you've pretty much read the book. There was no real conclusion or wrap up of the story, it just ended.