The Silent Friend by Diane Jeffrey #bookreview @dianefjeffrey @HQstories

I’m delighted to be sharing my thoughts on the new novel by Diane Jeffrey, The Silent Friend on my blog today.

BLURB

One night changed everything.

For Laura and Sandy, one tragic event changed the course of their lives forever.

Now they are the only ones who understand each another, drawn together by the night that changed everything.

But one of them is keeping a secret that could destroy their fragile friendship. Only she knows just how closely their lives are linked.

When the secret is revealed, will their friendship survive? Or will the truth tear them apart?

MY THOUGHTS

Diane Jeffrey’s new novel, The Silent Friend, is a powerful, heart-breaking read. I’ve read all of her books, and I think this is one of her best, it’s also quite different to what she has written before. Focusing on two main characters, Sandy and Laura, Diane Jeffrey, explores how the aftermath of a horrific tragedy, affects those involved. Sandy and Laura both begin to communicate after the event takes place, but what Sandy doesn’t make quite clear to Laura, is how she is really connected to the tragedy. Will the truth damage their growing friendship when it eventually comes out? Will Sandy ever be able to tell Laura the full story?

I thought Diane Jeffrey developed her characters exceptionally well in this book. It’s horrifying watching a similar tragedy unfold on the news, but it must be even more so for those who were there. In the aftermath of the devastating event, Sandy launches a website to help people who were there, to find someone to talk to, and this is how she meets Laura. But it’s here that I don’t want to talk too much about the plot as I don’t want to spoil anything for you.

I would describe this book as more of a slow-burner. There are some tense scenes, but this is a book which tackles more of the psychological issues connected to the tragedy. I’m a huge fan of character-driven novels, and I would say that The Silent Friend definitely falls into that category. Laura and Sandy both kept me completely engrossed in the story, and Diane Jeffrey paints clearly how they have been affected by the tragedy that has happened to them.

This is a book which I’m sure will keep readers thinking, and the characters will stay in your head long after finishing it. I thought the friendship between Sandy and Laura was developed really well, and it does remind you that some good can come out of the darkness. 

Diane Jeffrey has written another brilliant book, and I am looking forward to reading what she writes next.

Publisher: HQ Digital

Publication date: 4th November 2020

Print length: 312 pages

The Silent Friend is available to buy:

Amazon UK Kobo Waterstones