I began listening to the audiobook about 2 weeks ago and listened to it for my entire car ride. I made it through 16%. I have picked it up once since and made it an additional 4% to get to a total of 20%. I'm just not reaching for this book. It's not gripping me like I hoped for. I wouldn't consider it a thriller from what I've heard thus far. The narrator was fine. I appreciate the authentic accent for the region where the book took place. It would be strange to have an American narrator for a Scottish book so the narration is fine. However, I typically listen to audiobooks at 2x speed but couldn't with this one. I had to slow it down to 1.75x speed to be able to fully understand what was being said. I may try to pick up a hard-copy of this one eventually, but the audio version just wasn't holding my attention.

When We Were Silent by Fiona McPhillips is a masterfully written story which takes place in Dublin, Ireland at the prestigious private school Highfield Manor. As the story begins, Lou, the protagonist, lives with her wife Alex and fourteen year old daughter Katie. Lou is a well-established professor of literature at Trinity College. One day she receives an unexpected phone call that catapults her back in time and forces her to confront past mistakes, old forgotten friendships, and painful memories that have long been buried. This inciting incident sets the rest of the story in motion. The plot then toggles between the present and past (December 1986 to present day) bringing the reader into Lou’s teenage years as a student and swimmer at Highfield Manor. There, Lou faces the decision to keep a horrible secret in order to maintain her position as a student and competitive swimmer on the sought after swim club at Highfield. As the story progresses, Lou must navigate both worlds (present and past) to finally expose the years of abuse, cover-up and scandal at HighField.

As an avid reader and book collector, my preference is to hold the physical book in hand, turning the pages and annotating as I go. Rarely do I enjoy audio books, but I am glad that I made an exception in this case. The book was narrated by a female voice with an Irish accent which allowed me to have an immersive experience. It made the story come to life and feel more authentic. McPhillips creates an enthralling story with rich and sophisticated language, descriptive sensory details, captivating and realistic characters with raw emotion, and plot twists that keeps the reader guessing at every turn. Her craft as an author comes to light as she masterfully intertwines both parallel structures in the end. When We Were Silent is recommended for mature young adult readers as it contains language, LGBTQ sexual content, alcoholism and sexual violence. It is a must-read and a future Netflix series in the making.

I loved this narrator! She’s amazing and her voice was perfect, but this story was a trigger for me so I had to stop listening about halfway.
Thanks Macmillan Audio via NetGalley.

India Mullen's narration of When We Were Silent is remarkably good. She conveyed the emotions of the characters convincingly and her narration definitely added to my enjoyment of this atmospheric and tense thriller.

When We Were Silent alternates between events of the past and the present. Louise Manson was a scholarship student at the prestigious Highfield Manor, a private school in Dublin. She comes to the school with an agenda and soon finds herself deeply involved until everything comes to a head one night. Now, 30 years later, Lou has been approached by a lawyer who wants her to testify about what she experienced all those years ago. But the implications of what that means for her life and family are hard to take.

The themes of the story are disturbing including grooming, abuse of power, classism, mental health, and suicide. The author did not shy away from the darkness and I felt like it could have been a true story. It is hard to believe this is a debut novel as the pacing and writing are excepional.

Thank you Macmillan audio and NetGalley for the advanced listener copy. This is my honest review.

This storyline dragged for me. I almost gave up many times. But I keep going. It just wasn't a great page turner.

Thanks to netgalley for the prerelease audiobook

Thank you MacMillan Publishers for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

TW: sexual abuse, rape

As I read When We Were Silent I couldn't help but wonder whether or not McPhillips was reacting to recent news from Paris Hilton and others regarding the abuse that can occur at private schools. Couple that with the well-documented abuse within the Catholic Church and a story is born.
Set in Ireland the book focuses on MC Louise and journeys with her between THEN and NOW documenting how her life as a swimmer was deeply impacted by abuse suffered at the hands of someone she should have been able to trust.
What McPhillips did well was to detail the grooming process. I do think the reader was a bit cheated here, because Louise's story picks up with her "in the know" and expecting to be groomed. Because of this I am not sure the story held the power it might have otherwise. The insidious nature of breaking down a victim is so important to truly discussing abuse. McPhillips also does a good job detailing what it can be like for the abused, especially children, to come forward. She provides a cautionary tale of how adults can miss the mark.
The character of Shauna is vitally important to the story, but I found the story didn't develop her well enough. And honestly, her story quite literally peters into nothing by the end. That seemed like an odd choice and a disservice to the reader.
McPhillips adds a layer to the story through Lou's daughter. I found this to be a bit of a throwaway storyline and frankly, I wasn't impressed. A good editor could have edited out this unnecessary bunny trail.

I think the two timelines weakened the plot somewhat. I think McPhillips was trying to show how trauma can continue infecting lives when proper help isn't received. But in moving between two different eras the story lost its plot a little. I think I might have preferred the story be told in linear form with an epilogue. As it was the epilogue was a bit too neatly wrapped for me.

All my frustrations aside I did enjoy this story told as an audiobook. I didn't consider it a "thriller", but it had many of those elements and that held my attention. This isn't really a whodunit, but the reader isn't sure how the story will end or resolution will be reached. While the storytelling isn't as strong as I thought it could be, McPhillips wove together a good story.

Narration: I thoroughly enjoyed the narrator and had no issues with the accents and voice work.

Fiona McPhillips makes a splash with her debut novel, “When We Were Silent.” The book begins with an epigraph quoting “A Litany for Survival” by Audre Lorde: “when we are silent/we are still afraid.” The next line of the poem is “So it is better to speak,” making “When We Were Silent” that speech.
Protagonist Louise Manson narrates the story through two time periods: her first term at “Highfield,” a prestigious Dublin day school in and then 30 years later, as an adult who has remade her life following the 1986 death of one of the Highfield community. Louise, aka Lou, has put the past behind her and does not speak of it. This becomes impossible however when another scandal has rocked the Highfield swimming club. Now a mother, she knows that being silent is no longer an option.

Lou is a relatable, albeit flawed, character. While she is blinded by her campaign to forget the past, we are able to see the ripples that have impacted her last 30 years. McPhillips’ writing is elegant. While the novel suffers from more “telling” than “showing,” I have no doubt that these issues will be addressed as her writing style matures.

TW: sexual abuse, substance abuse, mental health

“When We Were Silent” will be released in the US on May 21, 2024. Many thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for this audio ARC given in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I stopped listening at the 25% mark. I did not like the narrator. I was enjoying the story, but just could not get past the narration. I will probably pick this book back up in either print or ebook format to finish and find out what happens.

What is the literary equivalent of photorealism? This book is searingly believable. I found it very effective, in this post #metoo world, to experience a story of sexual assault/abuse/harassment/ that takes place in the proverbial “it was a different time” that is so often used an excuse disguised as defense. Heartbreaking, tragic and hopeful with a very human main character.

Compassionately, beautifully narrated.

MY WHOLE BEING WANTS TO BROADCAST THIS BOOK TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH! This tangled web of sexual deception that predators weave over their prey is getting much more attention to justice than it did in the 80's. We still have a ways to go, though. This web is so subtle, friendly, and even flattering at first, often accompanied by promises. It gradually becomes more and more confusing and manipulative until the prey is trapped in the web and ultimatums are given if the tangled mess is exposed.

TRIGGER WARNING: Sexual assault, suicide, death
Meet Louise Manson. It's 1986 and She has just become a student at the wealthy privileged Highfield Manor. She is on a mission to uncover a dark secret held there. Her best friend, Tina, was on the elite swim team before she became pregnant and committed suicide. Tina tried to tell Lou all about what was happening, but Lou didn't listen until it was too late. The well-respected swim coach, Morris McQueen, is to blame. He was sexually abusing Tina, promising her Olympic medals and prestigious awards. Now, Louise is secretly here to expose him. It's not as easy as she thought it would be. It requires proof and she doesn't have the wealth and prestige these students have. Soon, she befriends the beautiful and wealthy Shauna Power and learns that Shauna is caught up in McQueen's web. Her time at Highfield soon comes to an end when a dead body ends up at her feet. Thirty years later, after years of dealing with these events, Lou has rebuilt her life. Shauna's brother, Ronan, is a lawyer bringing a lawsuit against the school. He wants Lou to testify. The last thing she wants to do is relive her past, but in order for justice to prevail, shie's willing to do what it takes.

I wish I could say this story ties up in a nice neat bow. It doesn't. Most stories like this don't. I guess that's why I respect this book so much. On the heels of the trial of the untouchable Olympic gymnastics coach, Larry Nassar, we need to keep broadcasting stories like this. We need to have stricter laws in regards to accountability of male coaches with minors. Fiona McPhillips had me believing this story was absolutely real. And it is a GOOD story. These characters were created with the utmost care and depth. The dynamics between friendships were complex and highly complicated. I think that any great writing which brings about greater awareness for human dignity is praiseworthy. This one checks all the boxes. It's heavy, but it needs to be. I hope this book receives the attention it deserves.

India Mullen's narration is completely spot on. Macmillan Audio is genius with choosing their narrators. India's instincts toward the emotions of each character , her genuine voicing choices, and her glorious Irish accent reeled me in completely. I was lost in this story from beginning to end.

Thank you Macmillan Audio, India Mullen, Fiona McPhillips, and NetGalley for allowing me to walk alongside these characters in this audio read in exchange for my very honest opinion.

Recently I read a dark, academia book that missed the mark. This one was spot on and exactly what I was looking for when reading this type of book. This is a heavy read as it tackles a lot of different issues. Where I struggled was present day. I just couldn't seem to connect or get into those chapters as well as the story of the past. While reading the past storyline, I was totally enthralled and couldn't put the book down. The narrator did a great job with this one. The tone fit perfectly with the subject matter.

4/5 stars
Prior to listening to this audiobook I only heard good things about When We Were Silent.
The narration of this book was great. I found it easy to listen to and it kept me hooked. All too often I get bored listening to audiobooks but this was not the case.
The chilling tale of what happened at Highfield Manor was gripping and full of tension. It was unsettling and made me reflect on how the past always comes full circle.
I highly recommend When We Were Silent by Fiona McPhillips.
I'd like to thank Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the ARC in return for my honest opinion.

This book can be triggering to some; be aware of the themes before reading.

I loved the complicated characters and felt I could relate to everyone in the story. I found myself so sad and hopeless at one point in the book but feel that no matter what, someone will back you up, it just might take time.

Highly recommend!

I was really intrigued by the premise of this book. However after about 8-10 chapters and not feeling very drawn to the characters or the story I decided to dnf.

What a fantastic book. The storyline was an amazing mystery and the ending was unexpected. Having the two timelines made it a bit confusing at times but it really made to pay attention. I listened to the book and the reader was extremely impressive with the different characters.

DNF @ 23% ...

The premise of this book was really interesting and I thought I would love it but I don't myself really caring about the characters or plot. I feel at this point in the book, we have spent too much time in the past timeline instead of going back and forth. I basically have no connection to the beginning because of the amount of time we have spent in the past storyline, it almost feels like a different book than the beginning. I liked the dark academia vibes of the past timeline but not enough to keep me going right now. I may circle back around at a later time to try to finish it, but for now it is a solid dnf.

I love the narrator for this audiobook! Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for this ARC.

4.5 stars.

When We Were Silent is a gripping, atmospheric, and important novel about how school systems can enable and perpetuate abuse. Fiona McPhillips draws rich characters, captures two dual timelines and an Irish setting, and handles many timely and complex subjects -- classism, poverty, alcoholism, media sensationalism -- with delicacy and insight. The story grabbed me and never let go, and its larger messages (and warnings!) resonate today. I highly recommend this work to anyone looking for a meaningful modern story, and especially to fans of Dark Academia tales, campus thrillers, or feminist coming-of-age mysteries.

The audiobook is excellent! The narrator captures the accents, voices, and nuances of the characters beautifully. While I am sure I would have enjoyed reading the book anyway, the audio version greatly enhanced my experience of the story.

The novel is different from, but in conversation with, other books I've also appreciated such as I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai and Don't Forget the Girl by Rebecca McKanna. If you enjoyed these or other related works, I suggest checking out this gem.

Thank you to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for the opportunity to enjoy this book before it was published. My opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I tried, but I could not get into this book at all. Many people enjoyed it, but it was just not my type of book.

Thank you so much to @netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the chance to review When We Were Silent by Fiona McPhillips. Louise Manson was new to Highfield Manor - and she did not quite fit in since she was from a working-class family. 30 years following the “Highfield Affair” Lou now has a daughter of her own, and the story is resurfacing. She is asked to testify in a lawsuit being brought against the school.

The reader moves back-and-forth between now and then. The high school angst is so brilliantly written, and the fear that parents have that their children might be in trouble was so well drawn out.

This book was excellently narrated by India Mullen. McPhillips was a masterful writer and I am so excited to see what else she puts out!

Dark academia is so hit or miss with me, but I was really excited to read Fiona McPhillips' upcoming release, WHEN WE WERE SILENT. I mean, look at this cover alone!! The story focuses on Louise (Lou) Manson at her new school, Highfield Manor. Lou comes from a working-class background, which makes her feeling distant from her other, upper class peers. However, (without going into details) Lou has secrets of her own that could affect the prestige of Highfield Manor, specifically secrets that could bring everything crashing down.

This is a mini review, but I had fun with this book, even though it wasn't very unique for a book in the #MeToo era. It's a bit slow and took awhile for me to really get invested. I listened to the audio and the narrator was hauntingly telling the story, so I think that helped me going. If you liked My Dark Vanessa and enjoy Irish mysteries, WHEN WE WERE SILENT will be a winner for you!