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For fans of HBO's The Gilded Age, explore the dazzling world of America's 19th century elite in this lush, page-turning saga...
Oak Park, Illinois, 1875. Isabelle Larkin’s future—like that of every young woman—hinges upon her choice of husband. She delights her mother by becoming engaged to Gregory Gallagher, who is charismatic, politically ambitious, and publicly devoted. But Isabelle’s visions of a happy, profitable match come to a halt when she witnesses her fiancé commit a horrific crime—and no one believes her.
Gregory denies all, and Isabelle’s mother insists she marry as planned rather than drag them into scandal. Fearing for her life, Isabelle can think of only one escape: she feigns a mental breakdown that renders her mute, and is brought to Bellevue sanitarium. There she finds a friend in fellow patient Mary Todd Lincoln, committed after her husband’s assassination.
In this unlikely refuge, the women become allies, even as Isabelle maintains a veneer of madness for her own protection. But sooner or later, she must reclaim her voice. And if she uses it to expose the truth, Isabelle risks far more than she could ever imagine.
Weaving together a thread of finely tuned suspense with a fascinating setting and real-life figures, Sarah Barthel's debut is historical fiction at its most evocative and compelling.
For fans of HBO's The Gilded Age, explore the dazzling world of America's 19th century elite in this lush, page-turning saga...
Oak Park, Illinois, 1875. Isabelle Larkin’s future—like that of every...
For fans of HBO's The Gilded Age, explore the dazzling world of America's 19th century elite in this lush, page-turning saga...
Oak Park, Illinois, 1875. Isabelle Larkin’s future—like that of every young woman—hinges upon her choice of husband. She delights her mother by becoming engaged to Gregory Gallagher, who is charismatic, politically ambitious, and publicly devoted. But Isabelle’s visions of a happy, profitable match come to a halt when she witnesses her fiancé commit a horrific crime—and no one believes her.
Gregory denies all, and Isabelle’s mother insists she marry as planned rather than drag them into scandal. Fearing for her life, Isabelle can think of only one escape: she feigns a mental breakdown that renders her mute, and is brought to Bellevue sanitarium. There she finds a friend in fellow patient Mary Todd Lincoln, committed after her husband’s assassination.
In this unlikely refuge, the women become allies, even as Isabelle maintains a veneer of madness for her own protection. But sooner or later, she must reclaim her voice. And if she uses it to expose the truth, Isabelle risks far more than she could ever imagine.
Weaving together a thread of finely tuned suspense with a fascinating setting and real-life figures, Sarah Barthel's debut is historical fiction at its most evocative and compelling.
Advance Praise
“Barthel debuts with an original take on historical events
and personages. Set in the Illinois sanitarium where Mary Todd Lincoln has been
“recuperating”, readers are brought into the mind of an extraordinary woman.
Suspense blends with history, entangling readers in the deep friendship between
a wealthy young woman and a president’s unstable wife. This is a quick,
haunting, and thought-provoking read.”-
RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars
“Barthel debuts with an original take on historical events and personages. Set in the Illinois sanitarium where Mary Todd Lincoln has been “recuperating”, readers are brought into the mind of an...
“Barthel debuts with an original take on historical events
and personages. Set in the Illinois sanitarium where Mary Todd Lincoln has been
“recuperating”, readers are brought into the mind of an extraordinary woman.
Suspense blends with history, entangling readers in the deep friendship between
a wealthy young woman and a president’s unstable wife. This is a quick,
haunting, and thought-provoking read.”-
RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars
Loved the storyline and the setting in a sanitarium. Exciting plot twists and turns page after page including Mary Todd Lincoln. I could not put this book down. A strong female character even when desperate and abandoned by everyone close to her.. Excellent first book. I wish to thank Net Galley and the Publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my review.
4 stars
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4 stars
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4 stars
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sandra h, Librarian
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I cannot keep silent about this book. House of Silence was a book that I found hard to put down. I have enjoyed it more than any recent thing I have read. The way Isabelle grew as the pages of book turned was amazing. The character evolved in front of us into a strong and determined woman.
0 stars
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Reviewer 359505
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
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5 stars
A great suspenseful novel! I couldn't put it down, it was so good! This would make a great movie. Loved Isabelle and Lucy's relationship. Loved Isabelle and Samuel. Gregory was truly scary! I highly recommend! Thanks! Enjoy!
Carolintallahassee
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
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Stephanie C, Reviewer
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What a great storyline! I loved the character of Isabelle and thought her character was very well rounded. This book is ever so well written and had me totally immersed in it from the first page to the last. I would highly recommend this book.
0 stars
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Maureen H, Educator
0 stars
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I was given an opportunity to read this e galley in exchange for my unbiased review. I devoured Sarah Barthel's House of Silence in one sitting. It was one of those novels you just can't put down. Set in Illinois post-Civil War, a young girl witnesses her fiancé in an act of violence. When her mother will not allow her out of the engagement, she goes to great lengths to escape her fiancé. Along the way, she befriends former First Lady Mary Linvoln. Love, violence, and mystery make this an unforgettable read.
0 stars
0 stars
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Not set
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Featured Reviews
Jane W, Reviewer
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
Loved the storyline and the setting in a sanitarium. Exciting plot twists and turns page after page including Mary Todd Lincoln. I could not put this book down. A strong female character even when desperate and abandoned by everyone close to her.. Excellent first book. I wish to thank Net Galley and the Publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my review.
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
Was this review helpful?
sandra h, Librarian
0 stars
0 stars
0 stars
0 stars
0 stars
Not set
I cannot keep silent about this book. House of Silence was a book that I found hard to put down. I have enjoyed it more than any recent thing I have read. The way Isabelle grew as the pages of book turned was amazing. The character evolved in front of us into a strong and determined woman.
0 stars
0 stars
0 stars
0 stars
0 stars
Not set
Was this review helpful?
Reviewer 359505
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
A great suspenseful novel! I couldn't put it down, it was so good! This would make a great movie. Loved Isabelle and Lucy's relationship. Loved Isabelle and Samuel. Gregory was truly scary! I highly recommend! Thanks! Enjoy!
Carolintallahassee
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
Stephanie C, Reviewer
0 stars
0 stars
0 stars
0 stars
0 stars
Not set
What a great storyline! I loved the character of Isabelle and thought her character was very well rounded. This book is ever so well written and had me totally immersed in it from the first page to the last. I would highly recommend this book.
0 stars
0 stars
0 stars
0 stars
0 stars
Not set
Was this review helpful?
Maureen H, Educator
0 stars
0 stars
0 stars
0 stars
0 stars
Not set
I was given an opportunity to read this e galley in exchange for my unbiased review. I devoured Sarah Barthel's House of Silence in one sitting. It was one of those novels you just can't put down. Set in Illinois post-Civil War, a young girl witnesses her fiancé in an act of violence. When her mother will not allow her out of the engagement, she goes to great lengths to escape her fiancé. Along the way, she befriends former First Lady Mary Linvoln. Love, violence, and mystery make this an unforgettable read.
America’s Most Gothic
Leanna Renee Hieber; Andrea Janes
History, Nonfiction (Adult), Religion & Spirituality
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