The Silence Factory
Author: Bridget Collins
Publisher: Harper Collins
Rating: 4/5
As someone new to Bridget Collins’s work, I picked up The Silence Factory out of curiosity for its intriguing blend of gothic and magical realism. The story spans two distinct timelines: one in 1820 with Sophia Ashmore-Percy accompanying her husband to a remote Greek island, and another years later with Henry Latimer, an audiologist drawn into the mysteries of a peculiar silk-producing enterprise.
The atmospheric writing was the book’s strongest suit. Collins’s prose is lush and vivid, painting a world that feels both enchanting and eerie. I found myself easily immersed in the detailed settings and the slight touch of horror that lurks beneath the surface.
However, my enthusiasm waned with the character of Henry. His decisions often felt impulsive and frustratingly short-sighted, lacking the depth and growth I hoped to see. This made it challenging to stay fully invested in his journey.
Sophia’s storyline, on the other hand, hinted at great potential. Her character was compelling, yet her appearances were too infrequent, leaving me wanting more of her perspective and experiences.
Overall, while ‘The Silence Factory’ has its flaws, particularly in character development and pacing, it showcases Collins’s talent for creating a mesmerizing, gothic atmosphere. If you enjoy richly descriptive writing and don’t mind a slower pace, it might be worth exploring.
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