Thank you to NetGalley, Mindstir Media, and Kenneth Silver for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Songs for the Deaf is marketed as a historical thriller set in post-Vietnam War era America (with brief dips into Canada). This book has won an incredible number of awards and this, combined with the historical nature of the story, immediately captured my attention. Unfortunately, this book ended up being a DNF for me at 35%.

There were two main reasons that this book didn't work for me, the first of which was that I just don't think I vibed with the writing style. Fortunately this is more of a personal issue than anything explicite that the author did. The second issue for me was that I didn't feel like the story was getting anywhere. At 35% of the way into the book, I genuinely had no idea what it was going to be about, and the plot was not clear to me. Between this and the writing style, I just wasn't engaged enough with the content to continue reading. That being said, the writing style might be for you and I do have to hope that given the number of awards that this book has won that the plot does develop in a good way.

Another historical fiction, Songs For The Deaf (2025) by Kenneth A. Silver is set in 1971 Canada, during the Vietnam War era. Miles Curtis is an American working for a large Corporation that takes him from the wilderness of Northern Ontario to the Alberta forest in a not so pristine environment. The narrative then moves to the 1980s as Miles battles to unmask the truth and a potential conspiracy. There are many levels to this tale which tries to balance a tense thriller with substantive issues and one man’s personal struggles. Unfortunately, the ambitious mix of history, thriller and various topical issues combined with the protagonist’s self-realisation, does not quite work. So overall, somewhat of a mishmash story with a three star read rating. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own, freely given and without any inducement. With thanks to MindstirMedia and the author, for an uncorrected advanced review copy for review purposes.

Songs for the Deaf is one of those rare books that sneaks up on you—quiet, precise, and utterly devastating in the best way. Kenneth A. Silver doesn’t just write stories; he composes emotional landscapes. This collection explores grief, estrangement, longing, and silence—not just the absence of sound, but the aching spaces between people.

Each story feels like a whispered confession, intimate and raw. Silver has this quiet brilliance in how he captures the things we don’t say aloud, the words we wish we could take back, and the moments that define us long after they pass. There's a musicality in his prose, like the hum of a song you can't quite hear but feel deep in your chest. The title isn't just poetic—it's a lens through which the entire collection breathes.

What I loved most is how Silver gives weight to the quiet moments. There's no flashy drama here, but rather a deep reverence for the internal lives of his characters. These are stories about people trying to connect, even when the wires are frayed or completely severed. It’s haunting, but also comforting—like being reminded that someone else has felt the same kind of lonely.

If you're someone who appreciates literature that leans into emotional nuance, with writing that is both lyrical and grounded, Songs for the Deaf is worth your time. It’s a collection that lingers, like a song echoing in the distance long after the final note.

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Songs for the Deaf by Kenneth A. Silver is a historical thriller telling a conspiracy uncovered by a real-estate developer concerning the Vietnam War. Mr. Silver is an author, lawyer, fashion designer and executive.

During a routine survey of a real estate site, a mass grave is discovered and opens up a whole can of worms which took place shortly after the Vietnam War. The developer, Miles Curtin, discovers that a conspiracy called Operation Native Soil took place during that time.

Miles keeps peeling away layers of deceit, secrets, corruption, and war crimes. He also pays a great personal cost to pursue the truth.

The book has a very interesting premise, taking place at a time of upheaval in the United States. The protagonist, Miles Curtis, is very interesting and affected greatly by the Vietnam War.

Songs for the Deaf by Kenneth A. Silver is a good book, and a good story but I just couldn’t get into the story. The author’s storytelling style simply didn’t work for me. I enjoyed the thriller, but the narrative detail didn’t work for me and took me out of the story.

There’s a lot happening in the book, from economic issues, politics, history, and morality. The book is highly descriptive, which can be a Catch-22, as you feel part of the world in the book, but the main story gets lost.

The characters are written very well and are all interesting. Each one has its own personality, ambiguities, and complexities. I think that they added a lot to the story without taking much away.

Handling a whole new sets of information and inconvenient truths are a big part of the story, something that all people have to deal with at some time or another. In this age of post-truth/disinformation and misinformation where it’s difficult to tell what reality actually is, a book like this could really make an impact and help people look into themselves instead of doubling and tripling down on stupidity.

I'm obsessed with the best book of 2025! I devoured it in one sitting, completely captivated by the story. The characters were so well-developed, and the plot twists kept me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't put it down, even when my friends and family tried to distract me. The writing was engaging, and the author's style was unique. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a page-turner. Trust me, you won't regret it! It's a must-read for book lovers,