“Songs for the Deaf” by Kenneth Silver has been released worldwide. This 275-page work of historical fiction tackles the heavy, heart-wrenching realities of the Vietnam War that were omitted from media reports and official narratives. Rooted in real events and bolstered by diligent research, the story connects wartime atrocities and government corruption to the individual lives affected. A searing critique of secrecy, coverups, and the horrors of war, Silver’s powerful novel draws readers into a world of intrigue and shocking discoveries, yet remains grounded in emotion through dynamic characters and a sense of empathy for those in harm’s way.
Following protagonist Miles Curtin, a man burnt out from years of “fighting the good fight” and witnessing firsthand the devastation caused by the military industrial complex, the story’s events lead him into an investigation that shakes his already troubled assumptions about the American government. In an effort to discover what happened to MIA serviceman John Hathaway, Miles and his associates learn horrifying details about the emergence of Bubonic Plague in North Vietnam, US involvement, and a coverup that has left countless families in the dark about their loved ones.
Throughout the novel, which is itself rich with detail and planted firmly in historical context, Silver employs the use of an “intrusive narrator” that adds further detail – and even levity – to the painful, often ugly truths the characters unearth. In his review of Silver’s work, bestselling author J.J. Hebert says, “…readers will find themselves aroused by emotions that run the gauntlet, from to joy to sorrow, but, thanks to the author’s refreshingly unorthodox narrator, profoundly touched.”
Mariel Hemingway, Oscar-nominated actress and granddaughter of legendary novelist Ernest Hemingway, who also penned the book’s foreword, says, “Ken Silver displays a deep sensitivity for delving into the protagonist’s struggles with himself. The characterization of Miles’ bombshell discovery, the tug-of-war within his soul creates the kind of depth and literary richness that is one of the hallmarks I look for in great writing.”
Masterfully bridging emotional depth and riveting, thrilling intrigue, Kenneth A. Silver has crafted a story that entertains and informs. Any speculation or fictionalizing is underpinned by realism and palpable evidence, and the characters’ lives reflect the real experiences of those suffering before, during, and after the Vietnam War.
A truly captivating story that captures the essence of an entire era, this multifaceted novel personalizes the horrors of history, and shows how far people will go in pursuit of the truth.
Songs for the Deaf (ISBN: 9781963844597 / 9781961532502) can be purchased through retailers worldwide, including Barnes and Noble and Amazon. The hardcover retails for $24.99, the paperback retails for $16.99, and the ebook retails for $2.99. Review copies and interviews are available upon request.
From the back cover:
“Songs for the Deaf is a wonderful story with the unforgettable presence of Miles Curtin, the protagonist. Following his bombshell discovery, the tug-of-war within his soul creates the kind of depth and literary richness that is one of the hallmarks I look for in great writing.” - Mariel Hemingway, Oscar-nominated actress, author, and granddaughter of Ernest Hemingway
“With vivid descriptions and expert storytelling, Songs for the Deaf will transport you to another time and place, immersing you in a world of danger, intrigue, and hope. This book is a true testament to one man’s talent as an author.” - A Bookwatch Index Selection
“In a bold move that expands the traditional devices of a thriller into arenas of speculative works as well as nonfiction events, Kenneth A. Silver creates a historical and fictional inspection that moves from MIA service members in Vietnam to the under-discussed plague epidemics that ravaged North Vietnam throughout the war. The event received little attention because the efforts of those to bring them into the public eye were thwarted and their voices repressed – until now.” - Midwest Book Review
“In a blistering recap of the post-Vietnam era, Kenneth A. Silver connects multi-faceted family dynamics with social unrest, military war crimes, government corruption and the inherent injustices of the war draft to weave a masterful tale that lays bare the fate of nations.
"Songs for the Deaf encapsulates the spirit of an era haunted by a past that reverberates into the future. It is a story of convictions and consequences, masterfully portraying a good man pushed to the limits of his moral boundaries in his relentless pursuit of truth. Silver’s attention to detail and vivid storytelling brings the post-Vietnam era to life in stunning detail.” - Maincrest Media
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