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When the World Fell Silent

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When the World Fell Silent

Written by: Donna Jones Alward
Narrated by: Laurence Bouvard, Ivana Rakić
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About this listen

A story of loss, hope and redemption against impossible odds…

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'If you've read The Women by Kristin Hannah I recommend you read this one!!!!'

The Globe & Mail Bestseller

'Alward tells this story of the wounded survivors and the people who cared for them with affecting grace' Toronto Star

1917. Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Nora Crowell wants more than her sister’s life as a wife and mother. As WWI rages across the Atlantic, she becomes a lieutenant in the Canadian Army Nursing Corps. But trouble is looming and it won’t be long before the truth comes to light.

Having lost her beloved husband in the trenches and with no-one else to turn to, Charlotte Campbell now lives with his haughty relations who treat her like the help. It is baby Aileen, the joy and light of her life, who spurs her to dream of a better life.

When tragedy strikes in Halifax Harbour, nothing for these two women will ever be the same again. Their paths will cross in the most unexpected way, trailing both heartbreak and joy in its wake…

Praise for Donna Jones Alward:

'A beautiful, meticulously researched story that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.' USA Today bestseller, Genevieve Graham

‘A triumphant, unforgettable tale of sacrifice, hope, and second chances … with a twist that will have readers holding their breath' Renee Ryan, author of The Secret Society of Salzburg

‘Readers of historical fiction, don’t miss this one!’ USA Today bestseller, Andie Newton

'A winning and memorable tale that boasts a perfectly-judged grasp of historical detail, wonderfully nuanced characters, and a narrative arc that never falters' USA Today bestseller, Jennifer Robson

'A fascinating, heartbreaking, and heartwarming story’ USA Today bestseller, Glynis Peters

'A rare novel that is both heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. Prepare to fall in love' Soraya M. Lane, bestselling author

'Meticulously researched and full of atmospheric period details that will take your breath away' Julianne MacLean, bestselling author

'Alward handles the aftermath of a Canadian tragedy with sensitivity, skill, brilliant writing’ Lecia Cornwall, author of That Summer in Berlin

©2024 Donna Jones Alward (P)2024 HarperCollins Publishers Genre Fiction Historical Historical Fiction Marriage Heartfelt

What the critics say

‘A heartbreaking story, but ultimately one of hope and love. I was immediately captured by Alward’s strong female characters, Nora and Charlotte, who are still on my mind long after closing the book. Readers of historical fiction, don’t miss this one' USA Today bestselling author, Andie Newton

‘A stunning historical fiction debut you don’t want to miss. A fascinating tale of resilience!’ Eliza Knight, USA Today and international bestselling author of Starring Adele Astaire

‘An enchanting story of love in all its forms, lost and found in the shattered remains of the city.' Bryn Turnbull, author of The Paris Deception

'Beautifully written…you won’t be able to put this book down until the very last page!'

'After great tragedy comes grief, then hope, then new life. Alward takes readers through every stage, and each one fascinates.'

'Utterly riveting…this story will stay with you long after the last page is turned.'
All stars
Most Relevant
I found the readers highly distracting and the quality of recording could have been better; a lot of microphone bumps and blips, or background noises.

A good book, but not the best readers

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A nice, wholesome story with a satisfying ending.

Found the reader for Nora frustrating with her long pauses after most punctuation.

Sentimental, slow, warmhearted

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Overall I liked it, but some chapters were long, then the last couple chapters were rushed and not quite finished enough for me.
However, overall I liked the story.

Left me wanting a bit more. Could have used one more chapter.

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This was such a well written story. I had moments of panic, being from NS and knowing what was coming made for a gripping read. The street names and references to certain areas made it so easy to visualize the exact places the characters were and what the view of the harbour would’ve looked like from where they stood. I’ve always been fascinated with local history and this was such a profound way to experience Halifax history.

Historical Accuracy

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Story was slow and fairly uneventful. Readers were difficult to listen to at times. I was hoping for more history to be woven into the story.

Slow and disappointing.

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