Written by Sally Nicholls
Fans of Downton Abbey or other period dramas set in England after the Great War will fall in love with The Silent Stars Go By. As the vicar’s daughter, Margot has always felt that she falls short of her parents’ expectations. However, three years ago, she and her fiance made a decision that has tarnished her reputation forever. Compound that with Harry, her fiance, suddenly reappearing after having been declared missing in action, and you have a drama for the ages. Margot suddenly finds herself confronted with decisions that she never dreamed would plague her: how can she be both mother and sister? Should she tell Harry the truth? If so, how should she tell him? Should she try to reconcile with him to raise their child? Would it be better for her son to continue thinking she is his aunt? This novel does an excellent job of highlighting the challenges of teen parenthood and making determinations based on what is best for the child (even though those decisions might not feel best for everyone involved). There are also references made to the aftermath of the Great War and soldiers suffering from PTSD. I would definitely include this novel in high school libraries. The themes might be a bit too mature for junior high, although there is not on page sex – the characters and ideas are just more advanced than most junior high students are ready to see.
Reviewed by Tricia Fenton, District Library Technology Coach, Educational Technology Dept.
Review shared in January 2023
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 9-12
The Silent Stars Go By
Written by Sally Nicholls
Walker Books
227 pages
Release Date: September 20, 2022 (USA)
ISBN: 9781536223187
A review copy was provided by the publisher.
