Book 40 of the 60 book challenge.
The Quality of Silence.
Rosamund Lupton.
Recommended by Kay Pickles an imaginative thriller about fracking in Northern Alaska. The central character being a 10 yr old deaf girl. Plenty twists and turns read it in 2 days and then watched a 5 minute video about fracking as it's not high up on my "know about" list.
173 days to go. Two thirds there... 173÷20 gives me less than 9 days p book problem is the list you have given me are not always that quick.
8/10 ( )

Having lived in Alaska, I look forward to finding new books set there. There's so much going on in this book, I wasn't sure if was focusing on environmental issues, struggles of having and being a deaf child, the challenges of Alaska. Too many threads for me. It's unusual for me to be so harsh, but I wondered if it might have been improved with editing. ( )

A very good description of the conditions that winter brings to Alaska. The vegitation is covered with snow and ice.The animals survive or die by evolution and adjusting.
Its a story of nature, love, a deaf girl, fracking and greed. The courage and determination ( that her husband is still alive) of a wife who can still try to find her husband when he has been partly unfaithful to her
Saying It's far fetched is an understatment that somebody with no experience could drive a hugh truck thru frozen tundra with a daughter, against seasoned truckies and police advice. She went against the polices body count and then to amazingly found her husband in large white desolite landscape defies logic. BS.

AQ ( )

I kept wanting this book to hurry up. But you did need all of the details to get the full impact of the winter. Does anyone else have a question about the ending? ( )

“Gripping”
“This one will have you reading way past your bedtime.”
I made these blurbs up -but for this book, they’re true.
Who would have thought I’d be a captive audience for a thriller involving truckies in the Arctic? Of course, this book is so much more than that but I hate plot spoilers. Suffice to say, I learnt interesting things about sign language, Inupiat people, astrophysics, fracking, Arctic geography, the niche skill of driving trucks in frozen lands and how to best survive a blizzard. A perfect title, too. Recommended. ( )

Ruby lands in Alaska, excited to see her father. That's why her mother, Yasmin, said they were traveling. He should be waiting to pick them up at the airport. But when they get off the plane and a police officer greets them, they know something's wrong. Ruby, who is deaf, must rely on reading lips and the little bits her mother will tell her. She learns there was an accident and her father may be dead. Yasmin and Ruby refuse to believe it, and set out to search for him when the police have all but given up. But winter in Alaska is dangerous. There's a storm rolling in. And there's a small chance someone may be following them. But neither will rest until they know the truth. Whatever that truth may be...

This one pulled me in a bit more than I expected. The writing style, which includes many flashbacks, took a couple of chapters to grow on me. But once I was into it, it seemed to take on a life of its own. The suspenseful adventure for this mother and daughter makes a compelling story. Some of the twists will surprise you. Recommended for readers who enjoy stories that take the reader on the characters' journey.

[Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.] ( )

Hmm. A talented author whose previous works I've enjoyed.

This was well written but somewhat slow until the last 20 pages.

I didn't really appreciate the political angle being pushed in this case.
( )

I couldn't get past the first-person child narrative voice. I think this approach to telling a story should be banned forevermore. ( )

I was so disappointed with this book.
It was plodding, ridiculous and unrealistic ( )

The Quality of Silence is a high-action novel that is filled with suspense and mystery. A mother and daughter set out on a risky journey into unknown land in order to save a loved one that is presumed dead. From the beginning of the novel many questions arise and the readers must figure out who is friend or foe?Even though Yasmin and Ruby's treacherous journey lasts over a number of days, (to the reader) it feels as if it is one, long black night.

The writing is detailed and offers readers a vivid descriptions of the picturesque beauty and the unforgiving cruelty of Alaska's landscape. In one scene we seen a frozen tundra with snowflakes falling gracefully from the sky, and in the next minute the wind forcefully blows trying to wreak havoc on the truck they're driving.

Yasmin feels her marriage is in a downhill slope and this rescue effort for Matt seems somewhat of a last resort. She wants the best for Ruby but ends up putting more pressure on her such as when she tells Ruby to use her real (speaking) voice instead of talking through a computer. While she is courageous and headstrong I was a bit turned off of how she dove headfirst into the situation without thinking of the consequences until things (her & Ruby) became dire. I know she had underlying suspicion of Matt really not being dead nor did she trust the blurred facts of how the village really burned down, but she was very reckless at times.

Ruby, though deaf, speaks the most volume out of any character in this novel. Though she has trouble physically speaking, her use of sign language, twitter account (you'll understand when you read the novel), and voice magic (a computer program) provide an outlet for her to be outspoken on many things. She struggles with a lot of issues such as fitting in at school and speaking out loud, but she sets those things behind her and puts on a brave front.

I enjoyed the scenario presented in this novel and its overall fast reading pace. The characters face the danger of an imminent storm, driving on an icy road in the blackest of nights, and a mysterious creeper who seems to track Yasmin and Ruby's every move. The novel also opened my eyes and helped me to better understand the issues surrounding fracking.

FTC Disclaimer: I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for a fair and honest review.
( )

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion of the book or my review itself.

Yasmin and her daughter Ruby (deaf since birth) set off through the Alaskan wilderness to find Matt, Yasmin's husband and Ruby's father. Everyone is telling them Matt is dead, victim of a tragedy in a small village, but Yasmin and Ruby refuse to believe it. As they travel through one of the most isolated places on Earth, they begin to fear that someone is following them, stalking them through the snow.

Yasmin and Ruby are great characters, especially Ruby. They are strong, complex protagonists who readers can't help but root for. I love seeing such strong complex female characters, and watching them grow.

The setting is incredible as well. Alaska really becomes its own crucial character in the book. Lupton makes you feel like you are there, in the truck, in the snow, and that just ups the suspense even more. This book was highly suspenseful, as I really didn't know what was going to happen to the characters.

I missed the mystery aspect that had been present more in Sister, one of Lupton's previous books. There was a mystery in The Quality of Silence, but it frequently felt like it was on the back burner.

The book also occasionally felt like it got too caught up in communicating a message as opposed to telling a story, particularly at the end. I really enjoy books that teach me something, but I like it better when the message is more integrated.

This was a good book, but didn't live up to how much I loved Sister. I would definitely recommend reading it, as Lupton has a beautiful writing style that really makes you feel like you are right there with her characters. ( )

Clever story! ( )

Yasmin Alfredson arrives in Alaska from London with her deaf daughter Ruby, expecting to meet her photographer husband at the airport. However, she is met instead by the state police, who inform her there has been a horrific fire in the village where her husband, Matt, had been staying. Refusing to believe he is dead, Yasmin and Ruby set off for the far north of Alaska, although someone may not want them to make it...

One thing this novel does really well is provide a true sense of how cold, remote, and dangerous the Alaskan wilderness can be. The author did a great job realizing the setting, and it was really easy to imagine the treacherous highway and brutal storm that Yasmin and Ruby face.

I loved Ruby as a character, and the parts of the story from her point of view were some of the best parts. The perspective jumps around a but too much however, not only to Yasmin but other characters from the third person. Sometimes this works, but I often found myself wishing the entire story was told from Ruby's perspective.

While the setting and characters are pretty well realized, the plot often requires a few too many conveniences and stupid decisions to move forward. Yasmin's decision in particular to continue, on her own, through a storm, in a truck she has never driven, while being pursued comes off as a rather baffling. Some characters meet up a bit too easily near the end as well.

Strong characters and setting, but a bit contrived on plot.

A review copy was provided through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program. ( )

There were many parts of this book that were excellent. The descriptions of the Alaskan wilderness were skillfully done evoking both its danger and beauty. Information about the animals and people who survive in this harsh environment was fascinating. The relationship between the deaf child Ruby and her mother Yasmin was touching and evolved appealingly as the story progressed. The information on what deafness might be like for a child and for those who want to help and protect her was quite interesting and informative. The story of Yasmin's and Ruby's trip through this wilderness was often gripping and frightening. And the idea that we need to take care of this fragile earth is one everyone should pay attention to.

Yet with all this going for it the book fell short for me. I wish the author had chosen a better way to integrate the various aspects of the story into a more compelling narrative. The author did not make me believe that Yasmin's love for her husband would cause her to blindly head out into a dangerous wilderness with her beloved child searching for a husband who most likely was dead. This idea carried through for the first half of the book and kept intruding into my thoughts. It is only when Yasmin is truly in the grip of danger from the environment and the possibility of being followed that I could immerse myself in the story. ( )

What I like about this story is that it takes place in Alaska and describes the conditions of winter and the people there (I’ve never been to Alaska). I thought the story had an interesting premise, but it became repetitive and although some things were beyond belief, I thought there would be a powerful climax. Not so. Most of the story involves a mother and her deaf daughter in a truck driving through an Alaskan storm searching for her husband and the girl’s father. All though the authorities says he is dead, they don’t believe it. The more I think about the novel, the less I enjoyed it. ( )

I am a big fan of this author. She has a way of writing that incorporates wonderful description and suspense. In this story, a mother and her deaf daughter set off across the Alaskan wilderness to find their husband/father. While in some ways the story didn't seem realistic to me personally, the author overcame these issues with her great descriptive writing. This is a great read with elements of mystery and suspense. Reader received a complimentary copy from Library Thing Early Reviewers program. ( )

A rather way out story of a photographer who is believed dead in Alaska and a wife and deaf child who go to find him. The child because of love and the mother who knows how desperately her child loves her dad. Unbelievable in its premise that they travel over ice and get caught in a bad storm all the while the mother is driving a large rig with a house on it but the things the mother learns about her child and the things the child knows about the mother by just watching and feeling are wonderful. Different kind of story and well worth reading. Even the far fetched parts. ( )

Once I started this book, I had a hard time putting it down. I actually carried it around with me in my purse just in case I had some extra reading time while waiting for carpools. I loved reading about Alaska. Ruby truly makes the book and I love her voice in the book. ( )

There's pretty much one reason to set a mystery in Alaska in winter--eventually the weather is going to come into play. This chilling (yep, I just did that) mystery requires some suspension of disbelief for greatest enjoyment but it is a pretty rollicking ride (oops, did it again) to the finish. I enjoyed the strong female lead and the insights into the world of the deaf were very well done. I've traveled on some of the roads described and it is no exaggeration that there is plenty of alone time. In this case, that time was filled with dread and anxiety for what might befall Yasmin and Ruby on their desperate mission to find Matt, their husband and father. There is eco-disaster worked into the plot as well.

All-in-all, this was a quick, absorbing read that had plenty of atmosphere and tension. ( )

This book was thrilling to read, impossible to put down.It felt like you were hurtling through the Arctic wilderness along with the protagonists. I thought it was quite original. At times, I had such a hard time understanding why the mother made the decisions she did, and that it was a little bit of a drawback. The conversation at the end of the book with the author was very helpful in understanding some of the seemingly more implausible elements of the story. I also appreciated the portrayal of the view of the world from a deaf child's perspective. This is a book I will not forget. ( )

Ruby makes this book happen and is 5-star material. Some of the other things weigh the book down to make it overall 4 stars, but Ruby and a few other goodies make this book a good read. Surprising how, in just a short amount of time in the final chapter or so, *SPOILER ALERT* Ruby's dad makes almost as much impression as Ruby's mom who is in the book the whole time. I never got a good read on Yasmin, and that's a shame. I understand she's a devoted mother. Is that it? The Alaskan wilderness is stark, and perfect timing as winter sets on the Midwest. The political drama I could have done without, though it is main to the story. Some of the suspending disbelief I could have done without. But Ruby, yeah, great character. ( )

Reaching far outside your normal reading box and embracing a story that is uniquely entertaining, descriptively-written, and features well-drawn characters--imperfections included--is always a treat. Author Rosamund Lupton has created such a tale in "The Quality of Silence". Yasmin and her ten-year-old daughter, Ruby, travel from England to a frigidly remote section of Alaska to reunite with Ruby's father, Matt, who has been making a film about wildlife there during the winter. Upon their arrival, they are told that Matt was killed in a fire which destroyed the village where he had been staying. Yasmin refuses to believe that Matt is really lost to them, and she and Ruby embark on a harrowing search where the brutal ice of the land is not their only enemy. Someone is trailing them with evil intent. Ruby, who is hearing-impaired, can speak, but she prefers to communicate with sign language and social media, including her own blog. Both of her parents love her, but they don't agree on many issues regarding Ruby's welfare. Yasmin and Ruby face many obstacles in their ordeal to find Matt, and Ruby proves to be a very resourceful young lady, indeed. The forces of nature are just as deadly as the threats they face from unscrupulous humans, and time is of the essence to find Matt and bring their family back together--but will time run out for them all?

Book Copy Gratis Library Thing ( )

I received this book as part of LibraryThing's giveaways, and am so glad I did. I loved the book! There have been plenty of plot reviews, so I won't go into that. One of the things that immediately drew me to this book was the fact that Ruby was deaf; I learned American Sign Language years ago and was part of the deaf community for a number of years, so I loved being able to read the story from Ruby's point of view. She is one smart youngster!

I enjoyed the descriptions of the freezing Alaska interior; the author thoroughly describes what that kind of cold, darkness, and isolation is like. I was suspicious of one of the characters from the very beginning, but the author kept my suspicions at bay as the story went along.

I'm glad there wasn't a cheesy, perfect, ending to the book; it was fitting and right. And she makes people aware of what can happen when our greedy quest for oil supersedes the well-being of people and places.

I pass on some books to the revolving library at my favorite coffee shop, but this one I'm keeping because I think I would like to read it again sometime.

Favorite line from the book: Ruby: "“I never cry, least not when people can see me, because if you start down that slippery slope you could end up wearing a pink tutu.” ( )

I liked this one — a lot! — right up until the last two pages. You know my old refrain; “Where is the epilogue?!”

I’m pretty sure I felt like Ross felt in the closing episode of Friends. Remember? Rachel is about to leave for Paris and Ross rushes to the airport to tell her he loves her. She gets on the plane and he goes home devastated, only to find a message from her realizing she loves him and trying to get off the plane, when the message cuts off. Poor Ross is left crying out…

“Did she get off the plane?!”

Ross got his answer...but I’m still wondering — WHAT JUST HAPPENED and DID EVERYONE DIE? I have no idea if anyone survives. I need Rachel to walk through the door and tell me what happened!

Until that point, I really enjoyed the book. It was suspenseful and kept me reading. The descriptions of arctic survival were fascinating (though nothing I’d want to try). I really liked the characters of the various ice road truck drivers that were willing to help Yasmin navigate the arctic. Though they were suspicious of Yasmin and her ability to handle the big rig, they were also concerned and willing to help when they could.

For my book club however, the book was not such a success. Though we did find discussion points, as a group we struggled with Yasmin’s decision to put her daughter’s life in danger with no proof that her husband was even alive. And like me, many were confused by the ending. Some are convinced everyone is dead and others are more optimistic. I just wish we had an epilogue to clear it all up!

My Rating: ✰✰✰✰ 4 Stars
Bookclub Rating: ✰✰✰ 3 Stars ( )

A tall tale - enjoyed it though a bit drawn out and not credible at the end !! ( )