A compelling and unforgetful read- The Raging Quiet (The Raging Quiet - Sherryl Jordan)

Member Name: regal_eagle

Product:	The Raging Quiet - Sherryl Jordan
Date:	18/07/06 (1318 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: The book will stay with you forever

Disadvantages: It's too short!

I read this book a couple of days ago, and believe you me, I have never read a book like it. I picked this book because I had read another book by Sherryl Jordan, called The Secret Sacrament, and I had admired her writing. But after reading The Raging Quiet, it put all other books in the background!

Why do I like it?

When I read this book I understood the true meaning of 'unputdowneable.' Apart from the obvious, it also means that even when you're not reading the book, you can't wait to carry on. That's how I felt. It is so well written that you can't rest until you have finished the book.

the book has won an award and if any book is worthy of an award this it1

The Story

The main character in this story is Marnie, a bold and strong-willed sixteen year old, who has been forced to marry a man twice her age in order to save her family from living on the streets. She moves to the village Torcurra as a bride with her husband a rich lord. The story is set in medieval times, and Jordan has described it in compelling and vivid terms. From the very beginning the reader feelt deep sympathy for Marnie. When her husband is killed in an accident in the village they have moved to, the villagers are quick to point their fingers at her and accuse her of cursing him and so murderiing him. She has only two friends; the priest and the village lunatic.

Marnie makes an astounding discovery when Raver comes to her door after being severely whipped by the villagers. Raver, the mad boy is actually profoundly deaf and not controlled by demons. Despite the priests warnings she takes up the huge challenge of communicating with Raven(/r) via sign language.

Raven is such a deep character, immensely innocent yet so understanding and compassion, that the reader quickly loves him. Jordan has written so emotively that the reader feels for marnie and Raven from their very hearts. You can't bear to see them suffer.

The story is deeply moving as the reader follow Marnie and see her rejected by even her own people until she has no one except the deaf youth who relies on her as his only link to the world of communication.

When Marnie is accused of witchcraft, Jordan writes so powerfully that I found myself shaking with fear and anticipation! And when she is rejected by her family any person would be reduced to tears. I will say no more...

Jordan writing is at times humorous and sometimes deeply sad. The humour would make you laugh out loud as Marnie and the Priest are both quick witted and entertain the reader with their conversation.

This book is unforgettable. I never usually do this but as soon as I finished I started the book again. Jordan became my favourite writer overnight. The Rging Quiet is a model example of literature at its best and should be celebrated.

Theme

The book raises many issues that are thought provoking and relevent even to this day and age.
The greatest issue is tolerating differences. Marnie and Raven were both outcasts because of their differences. The village people intolerent of differences punished them. How tolerent are we? In our own way do we not judge and label people and maybe unknowingly punish them for their being different? How much do we know about other cultures and disabilities?

Another lesson or question the book raises is should we take heed of what other people think of ourselves. Marnie a bold and self-sufficient girl did not care for what others may think and for that she had to suffer alot, shaking her belief in herself. She learnt that to be accepted is necessary not so much for a social life but just so that she can live in peace by herself and to make a living. Should it be this way? Can people not maintain their identity and integrity by being who thay are instead of what others want them to be?

The book is aptly named. You will see why.


Definitely recommended.
Amazon price: £4.79

Summary: A beautiful fantasy read, deeply moving and with deeper messages.