The Sound of Silence by Dakota Willink – Review by Jennifer Wolbeck

The Sound of Silence by Dakota Willink
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I lost sleep reading The Sound of Silence. It is an absolute home run of a novel. I deeply respect Dakota Willink’s respectful dedication to revealing the realities of domestic abuse and allowing the countless victimized women to speak their truth through her story. Willink doesn’t use abuse as a literary gimmick, but has a clear and powerful message; Anyone can become a victim, but there is also a chance for a life of security and happiness past the trauma. This is such a delicate subject, and I feel so much more informed after reading this book. I used to wonder things like, “Why would any woman allow herself to be hurt?” or “Why would a woman stay with an abuser?” There is no clear cut answer for every case, but reading this story impresses the subtleties and complexities of these kinds of relationships.

There is a trigger warning for readers in the beginning, but I want to second that warning with another. Some parts of this novel are incredibly difficult to read. Tread with caution. Also, don’t start the book before going to bed because you won’t be going to bed. The Sound of Silence is a must read for anyone who wants to take a step out of their comfort zone and into the shoes of a woman who’s torn apart by the anguish of trauma and is renewed by self-empowerment and love.

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