A Pledge of Silence

“This intricately woven novel asks the question, “how much can one woman take before she breaks?” Margie is a young farm girl who goes to nursing school and becomes an active nurse during World War II. The author does a dazzling job of pulling the reader into the story. The book begins in November 2000, when Margie is an old woman attending the funeral of her daughter, Barbara. The author then moves Margie back in time in a rather unique way that makes the reader wonder whether Margie is experiencing her own thoughts or really witnessing her younger life. This story not only reveals the struggles and discrimination women endured in this period of history, but the lengths some had to take to protect themselves. The images of the attack on Manila by the Japanese are vividly rendered: "Down at the docks, chaos reigned as masses of people crowded the shore, desperately seeking transport to safer islands. The brown, oil-slicked water churned with debris. Everything that floated got pressed into service. The nurses pushed their way down to the water's edge to look for their boat." The characters are well-developed and believable. And the settings in the book truly become characters—whether the action is in middle America or the Philippines. The pace of this book is near perfect. An amazing story that will leave readers thinking about the characters long after they the final page. Perfect ingredients for a breakout novel.” —Publishers Weekly

“Some writers have the creative ability to describe an intense way of life. Solomon does just this with such an emotional tone. This is truly a novel that keeps the reader wanting more.” —Jackie Iler, The State Port Pilot

“An incredible look back at the all too often forgotten role that American women played during the War. Mesmerizing.” —Rosemary Smith, Librarian - Williams Library