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Published by She Writes Press
Distributed by Simon & Schuster
Table of Contents
About The Book
Adrien Villere suspects he is not like other boys. For years, he desperately locks away his feelings and fears—but eventually, tragedy and loss drive him to seeking solace from his mentor, a young neighbor Jacob Hart. Jacob’s betrayal of Adrien’s trust, however, results in secret abuse, setting off a chain of actions from which neither Adrien’s wise sister, Bernadette, nor his closest friend, Isaac, can turn him.
At What Cost, Silence presents two contrasting plantation families in a society where strict rules of belief and behavior are clear, and public opinion can shape an entire life. Centerstage are the Villeres, a family less brutal than the Harts, but no less divisive. Often-absent Papa Paien Villere guards several secrets he has kept from everyone—including one which could destroy his entire family. Years after Jacob’s betrayal, Adrien falls hopelessly in love with his former mentor’s erotically precocious and beautiful young sister Lily—whose father has affianced her to a wealthy older man.
What will happen if Lily’s violent brother learns of Adrien and Lily’s clandestine affair? Will Adrien aid in freeing Isaac—an enslaved Black man—as promised? Will Bernadette find the unconventional life she seeks? Or will their entire world end as states secede and war creeps ever closer?
At What Cost, Silence presents two contrasting plantation families in a society where strict rules of belief and behavior are clear, and public opinion can shape an entire life. Centerstage are the Villeres, a family less brutal than the Harts, but no less divisive. Often-absent Papa Paien Villere guards several secrets he has kept from everyone—including one which could destroy his entire family. Years after Jacob’s betrayal, Adrien falls hopelessly in love with his former mentor’s erotically precocious and beautiful young sister Lily—whose father has affianced her to a wealthy older man.
What will happen if Lily’s violent brother learns of Adrien and Lily’s clandestine affair? Will Adrien aid in freeing Isaac—an enslaved Black man—as promised? Will Bernadette find the unconventional life she seeks? Or will their entire world end as states secede and war creeps ever closer?
Product Details
- Publisher: She Writes Press (October 17, 2023)
- Length: 352 pages
- ISBN13: 9781647426040
Raves and Reviews
“Klink’s descriptive prose captures the beauty of the Southern United States juxtaposed against the brutality of a horrific war . . . an excellent storyteller with an authoritative voice that propels the story forward. The many battle scenes felt authentic, and her large cast of characters were complex individuals that were easy to cheer for. Klink shows the sacrifice and resilience of soldiers, wives, fathers, mothers, and children impacted by the war with skilled compassion. The importance of love ,family, and friendship is what pulls each character through the devastation.”—Mary Camarillo, Author of The Lockhart Women and Those People Behind Us
“A brilliant debut . . . by the conclusion of this wonderful novel, the reader will find themselves ready to dig into the continuation of this saga. A literary triumph from start to finish.”
—Texas Books In Review
“Any fan of Southern literature or Civil War history will find this an important addition to their library . . . also has the potential to be an important part of the canon of LGBTQ+ literature.”
—Historical Novel Society North America
“This series has the potential to attract a broad spectrum of people, with cinematic possibilities that Klink would do well to explore…highly recommended for Cajuns, Texans, Civil War buffs and LGBTQ+ readers.”
—Bookreporter.com
“Klink has written a rousing chorus of a novel, creating an intricate song of life in antebellum Southeast Texas. At What Cost, Silence? tackles complex questions related to power, enslavement, and the legacy of violence. . . . There is a yearning that burns bright in all the characters and propels the story forward at an engaging pace.”
—Kate Anger, author of The Shinnery
At What Cost, Silence is a family saga that transforms the way we see the past, turning over little-known stones of history by focusing on the antebellum world of East Texas. This is both an epic novel spanning decades of history, culture and politics, and an intimate, passionate tale of love and morality, rooted deeply in the contradictions and complexities of its many characters. Klink has captured it all with great care and compassion and understanding.”
—Molly Gloss, author of The Hearts of Horses
"Karen Lynne Klink’s At What Cost, Silence? oozes with deep southern charm and boiling point angst as she breathes life into a colorful cast of mid-19th century Texans on the cusp of the Civil War. Her descriptive language, lively dialogue, and swift pacing enhance this multi-faceted narrative. An impressive debut!”
—Ashley E. Sweeney, award-winning author of Hardland
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