Silence is anything but golden when a young voice is taken - and, with it, the truth.
Set in a time and place reminiscent of 17th century Puritan New England, "All the Truth That's in Me" is told from the perspective of 18-year-old Judith. After she is kidnapped and held captive for several years, Judith mysteriously returns to Roswell Station with her tongue cut out. She is welcomed back with wariness and becomes a social outcast seen as cursed and defiled.
Judith is encouraged by her mother to remain silent, but Judith's secrets hold the keys to Roswell Station's salvation as well as its greatest mysteries. As events unfold, Judith must find her voice to bring about justice and peace for herself, as well as for those she loves.
I found the lyricism and rhythm of author Julie Berry's writing unique and gripping. Berry's prose lends itself well to the mystery, longing and resilience of Judith's story. She is one of the most fascinating heroines I've read in a while. Although set back some time in history, this book is full of themes that are relevant today and worthy of discussion, including: "How powerful is a young woman's voice, and why are so many silenced?"
"All the Truth That's in Me" has been nominated for a 2015-16 Gateway Readers Award, as well as a Carnegie Medal, and is listed on the Best Fiction for Young Adults list by the Young Adult Library Services Association. This book is available to check out in print and book on CD as well as digital and audio downloads through Missouri River Regional Library.
Noelle Parker is Osage branch manager for Missouri River Regional Library.