Hush by Dylan Farrow
Wednesday Books, 2020, 374 pages
Content Warnings: Death of loved ones (on- and off-page)
About the Author: “Dylan Farrow is a writer, mother, and activist for survivors of sexual assault. Growing up in both New York City and rural Connecticut, she spent countless hours drawing and writing for pleasure. After graduating from Bard College she found a position at CNN as a production assistant and later moved into graphic design. Soon, however, she felt that neither were her calling. After getting married, Dylan returned to writing full time, exploring her love of YA fantasy. Hush is her debut novel.” (Bio from Macmillan)
Twitter: @RealDylanFarrow
Hashtag: #Hush
Long ago in the land of Montane, the Blot spread by ink and turned the veins of those touched by it indigo, eventually killing them. The High House saved the land, but common people were forbidden from learning how to read or write, for fear of a second wave of the Blot. Now, language is magic and only a few deemed Bards are able to wield it. Outcast seventeen-year-old Shae lost her brother to the plague and lives in fear that she is cursed by it, too. When her mother is murdered and no one will listen to her, Shae is forced to confront her fears and seek help from the High House.
Dylan Farrow subverts the traditional YA fantasy novel with a unique magic system and feminist messages shining from beneath the surface. Hush explores themes of manipulation and propaganda by those with power in a world mainly controlled by men. The world-building is very intricate and immerses the reader in the setting from the first page. The murder of Shae’s mother happens early on and propels the story forward in its mystery, and the added twists throughout the book keep the reader turning pages to find answers alongside Shae. Shae is a brave, impulsive protagonist to follow and is sure to endear you from the beginning. The novel ends on a nail-biting cliffhanger, and I’m intrigued to see what Farrow does in the next installment. Who can you trust when those in power are dishonest?
(Pine Reads Review would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for sending us an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change upon final publication.)
PRR Writer, Caroline Ross