Harvest

'The Weight of Silence' is a powerful novel that explores the aftermath of trauma and the burdens of bearing witness. Set in a farm in Norfolk in the 1970s, it tells the story of a Japanese girl who visits her English lover and uncovers the long-buried narrative of their childhood. The book is praised for its taut writing, unsettling atmosphere, and insightful meditation on the long reach of wars.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 14 April 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

In this powerful and evocative novel, Harding explores the profound impact of trauma and the weight of bearing witness. Set in a farm in Norfolk in the 1970s, the story revolves around a Japanese girl who visits her English lover in the house where he was born. Arriving on a day of perfect summer, she stands with his mother in a garden filled with roses, watches as his brother walks fields of ripening wheat, and begins to unravel the untold narrative of their childhood.

The shadow of their father's violent death, which occurred almost twenty years before, looms over the brothers, casting a dark cloud over their lives. The unresolved narrative of their childhood, which began in the last war, begins to surface in the presence of the girl, as the work of the harvest begins.

Harding's writing is taut and unsettling, creating a sense of tension and unease that permeates every page. Through his masterful storytelling, he delves into the complexities of human emotions and the long-reaching effects of war. The characters are well-developed, with each possessing their own unique struggles and motivations.

The setting of the farm in Norfolk adds to the atmospheric and nostalgic quality of the novel. The details of the landscape, the sounds of the countryside, and the cultural differences between the Japanese girl and the English family provide a rich backdrop for the unfolding events.

This novel is a fine meditation on the long reach of war and the toll it takes on individuals and communities. Harding's writing is powerful and compassionate, offering a glimpse into the darkest corners of the human heart. It is a must-read for anyone who seeks to understand the human experience and the complexities of trauma.

Weight: 174g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526625106