Although this title is listed as being suitable for youngsters aged between thirteen and eighteen, I believe it would appeal to readers of all ages. My previous experiences of so-called young adult fiction left me disappointed by their use of childish language and weak storylines, but this book made me eager to read more.
They Whisper About Us is a fictional tale of two young girls, one living in modern times, and the other residing in Russia in the nineteen-sixties, who share more than just a name. When Fay finds an old tea tin in a store cupboard at the theatre, she has no idea of the secrets it will disclose. The Christian faith she grew up with as a legacy from her parents and grandparents no longer seems to make sense, and the teenager needs some proof that the God she’s always heard about is real, and not just a figment of her family’s imaginations.
Meanwhile, the story of the Russian ballet dancer Vera told in flashbacks introduces us to a world of secrecy and suspicion. The walls have ears, and Christians are seen as a threat to the people. Yet a visit to her grandmother shows Vera a glimpse of life as she never thought it could be and is the catalyst for a string of events that will change her family’s lives forever.
Fay and Vera grow up decades apart in seemingly opposing worlds, but some of the issues they face are not so different. Fay is mistreated and ostracised by her drama group, while Vera experiences similar treatment at the ballet. Both girls are devoted to their families, although vera acts as primary caregiver for her younger siblings, while Fay’s concern is for her elderly grandfather who suffers from dementia and resides in a care home.
As Fay and her parents uncover the secrets hidden in the tea tin, we wonder if many decades of prayers are about to be answered.
I truly loved this book, and was moved to tears, particularly at the end. The story is totally believable and evidences the power of God to make the impossible happen. However, although it is a story of faith, I would happily recommend it to those who do not profess to be Christians, as I believe no one could fail to be drawn in by the author’s powerful and empathetic story-telling technique. I also found it fascinating from a historical perspective, as it gives a vivid insight into life in Russia during the time period in which it is set. It is a real page-turner.
I loved all of the characters, not just the two main protagonists. This is another aspect I admired, as by the end of the book, I felt I knew them all as friends. Even the lesser characters like Fay’s parents and Vera’s younger brother and sisters were vividly brought to life. I was fully invested in them too and was disappointed at the end when not all of my questions were answered.
I look forward to reading more books by this author, especially the Letter She Did Not Send, which is a companion to They Whisper about us. I am aware that this second book was written for younger children, but having already read the first chapter, I am already convinced I will enjoy it.
Check out They Whisper about Us on GoodReads here