The Secret Voice
(Shadow Street Press) by Bob Nailor is not a typical Amish romance novel. This novel gives a historical view of early
1960’s Amish family life as well as the beginnings of the integration of an
African American Chorus teacher in an all-white rural upstate Ohio high school. The author skillfully weaves in the topical
news of the early 1960’s, giving the reader an in-depth view of the times. The Secret
Voice is Book One in the new series by Bob Nailor entitled The Amish Voice.
The story begins in July, 1961 as the school board, on a
close vote, has hired the first African American teacher, Julie Bronson, for
the high school to teach Chorus. Julie
is offered a small trailer to rent since there would be no other rental opportunities
for her in town due to her race. Readers
should be aware that crude and ugly language, typical for the 1960’s, is used throughout
the book.
The protagonist, Daniel, is a 14 year old Amish boy who
wants to continue his education beyond the eighth grade which is the time that
Amish children stop attending school.
Daniel asks and receives his father’s and the Amish community’s bishop’s
permission to enter high school.
Daniel begins his freshman year in high school knowing
his father and the bishop have forbidden him to take General Science so Daniel
has his Science class changed to Chorus.
As Julie Bronson listens to Daniel sing, she realizes what an extraordinary
gift he has. However, will it be
possible for Daniel to convince his father and the bishop that he isn’t turning
English with all this education and singing he is doing? Will Daniel be able to compete in the state
singing competition?
The author gives Daniel some romantic scenes as
well. He is confused between his
attraction to a pretty English school friend, Molly, and an Amish girl, Ruth,
that is attracted to him. These scenes
are well written and appropriately convey the angst of the early teen years. The
Secret Voice is an excellent new entrée in the Amish fiction genre. It was published April 8, 2015 and is
available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
I'm concerned. You stated crude and ugly language is involved. Is this something my 14 yr old granddaughter should not be allowed to read? I don't need her subjected to any extreme foul language - there is enough of that in school. Otherwise, this seems like something she would enjoy.
ReplyDeleteThe crude and ugly language was the use of the "N" word which was widely used in the early '60's. There isn't any of today's foul language in the book. The author was just remaining true to speech of the '60's. Thanks for your question Norma. Now you need to decide if you want to shield your granddaughter from that. Personally I think she would enjoy the book too but it would be so enlightening if you sat down with her and told her about the 1960's from your perspective before she read the book.
DeleteNorma Mae. I agree with Gloria, sit with your granddaughter and discuss the period of history. I'm guessing you either participated or watched it on the TV. The language I used in the book is only to denote the period of time, and the emotions of the characters. I wanted them to be real. As a writer, I feel it is my duty to portray the truth, not candy coat it. History happened and we can't change that.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your responses. I will be checking this book out.
ReplyDelete