Used to experiencing her environment through sight, this girl must become accustomed to hearing. This is a child who is used to feeling actions and sounds rather than hearing them – “Music? I know music. I’ve seen it in the quickness of dust…” and “I can almost feel the thrust of the waves before the spill…” – and she’s wary of this change.
Hilton’s use of strong, emotional, words give readers a real sense of the silent world. We can feel and see the same things as our narrator through the language that describes in so much detail the experience of this young girl.
With the story addressed to the intruder in her ear, this is a powerful narrative of confusion and, finally, acceptance.
The illustrations mirror this. The use of bright colours, bold shapes and strong outlines mixed with a veritable whirlwind of sights helps us to visualise the busyness of the world, despite its lack of sound.
My Silent World is a sensitive yet strongly effective insight into the world of the deaf.
Title: My Silent World
Author: Nette Hilton
Illustrator: Vincent Agostino
Publisher: Lothian, $28.99 RRP
Publication Date: August 2009
Format: Hard cover
ISBN: 9780734410375
For ages: Primary school
Type: Picture book
This book is available online
