If you keep up with book buzz you will have already seen so much about When We Were Silent, the debut novel by Fiona McPhillips. Nobody needs a review of it by me – Steven blooming King just recommended it. Nonetheless, here I am joining in.
Decades ago, Louise Manson, a seventeen-year-old schoolgirl, was admitted to a posh private school hoping to avenge her best friend’s death. Suddenly surrounded by entitlement borne of wealth (while at home her mum is desperately in debt) Lou tries to navigate her way to expose the abusive swimming coach. The details of the time, the music, posters and chatter of young girls, is keenly observed, and the intensity of feelings seems very real.
In the present day Lou is called to give evidence in a young boy’s case against a swimming teacher. I don’t want to spoiler anything so won’t say more than When We Were Silent is a gripping and tense tale that feels grimly plausible. McPhillips ramps the tension up and this becomes a real page turner as we read on to the thrilling conclusion.
Sara Crowley 