Contests

THE WEIGHT OF SILENCE
Available July 28, 2009

The Weight of Silence Book Trailer

Preview the book: To read an excerpt of The Weight of Silence please visit THE WEIGHT OF SILENCE microsite.

"Heather Gudenkauf's debut novel takes the reader bit by bit, deeper and deeper, into the thoughts and hearts of the people of a small Iowa community as they grapple with the awful possibility that not just one, but two young girls have disappeared, seemingly into thin air. The girls are best friends, and one is a selective mute - though capable of speech, she has not spoken for several years. The reader experiences the fears and emotions of a mother, a brother, a father, one of the girls and a sheriff (among others), as the hours tick by and the girls do not emerge from the woods. Memories from the past and hopes for the future mix together as they wait for something, anything, to relieve the strangling tension. As they struggle with the events, the characters' past connections gradually come into focus and lead to a heart-rending, but also satisfying conclusion. This novel should be the beginning of a great literary career."
-- Cathy Conway, Librarian and Avid Reader

"In her debut novel, Heather Gudenkauf masterfully explores the intricate dynamics of families, and the power that silence and secrets hold on them. When you begin this book, be sure you have the time to finish it because, like me, you will have to read straight through to its bittersweet conclusion."
-- Ann Hood, bestselling author of THE KNITTING CIRCLE and COMFORT: A JOURNEY THROUGH GRIEF

"THE WEIGHT OF SILENCE is a thoroughly enjoyable read, and kept me involved throughout. I'd especially like to congratulate Gudenkauf on her police procedures, which are spot on; and the Deputy Sheriff, who was, to me, very believable and true to his character. Absolutely recommended."
-- Donald Harstad, Internationally known author of the novels ELEVEN DAYS and KNOWN DEAD

"The Weight of Silence is a tense and profoundly emotional story of a parent's worse nightmare, told with compassion and honesty. Heather Gudenkauf skillfully weaves an explosive tale of suspense and ultimately, the healing power of love."
-- #1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Wiggs

"Deeply moving and exquisitely lyrical, this is a powerhouse of a debut novel. Heather Gudenkauf is one of those rare writers who can tell a tale with the skill of a poet while simultaneously cranking up the suspense until it's unbearable."
-- Tess Gerritsen, NYT bestselling author of THE KEEPSAKE

"The Weight of Silence is a beautifully detailed and deeply intriguing exploration of human emotion through the eyes of several different people involved in this story of the disappearance of these two children. The characters are so elaborate that they almost seem real...this is one of the best books I've read in a long time. I will definitely keep an eye out for more novels by Ms. Gudenkauf!"
-- Review from manicreaders.com

"A brilliant, nuanced examination of a small town - Jodi Picoult, eat your heart out. Gudenkauf has a lyrical voice, shifting effortlessly through first person narrative from a variety of characters, including the focus of the novel, a little girl named Calli who is a selective mute. I met Heather a couple of months ago, and she described the book to me thusly: "Two girls go into the woods, and only one comes out. And she can't talk." I can't rave enough about this book - it's just fantastic. It will be published August 1, 2009. I recommend pre-ordering right now!"
-- JT Ellison, bestselling author of Judas Kiss, 14 and All the Pretty Girls

"THE WEIGHT OF SILENCE is beautifully written, compassionately told, and relentlessly suspenseful. Heart- pounding suspense and a compelling family drama come together to create a story you won't be able to put down. You'll stay up all night long reading. I did!"

--Diane Chamberlain, bestselling author of eighteen novels