It’s the second Ukrainian book in a row that I’m reviewing, and this time, unlike the others, I’m seriously impressed. I bought this at the Book Arsenal, a book festival in Kyiv, and I was not disappointed. This is seriously great stuff. Watch and learn, “The Kingdom” and “Nine Steps Towards The Wind”! I’m giving this five stars out of five.
This adventure novel is about a preteen aspiring pianist named Sergiy, who loses both his hearing and family in a car accident. He is sent to live in a foster home for children with hearing problems. There, he meets Yaryna, a six-year-old victim of child abuse. She can barely understand, much less use, sign language. The only thing that unites the two are the vibrations she can feel coming from the piano. Soon they become like siblings. However, her abusive father fights for her in court and takes her back. Sergiy is not going to ignore it. He escapes the orphanage and heads for Yaryna’s home, a small village in the Carpathian mountains. During the way he discovers and experiences the dark, criminal and cold parts of society as he struggles to live in a world where nobody understands his disability.
This book is an exploration on our complex and corrupt society and how it treats disabled people. They seem to have no place in this world, as nobody believes they are able to succeed or even be somehow useful. They are seen as worthless and dirty, so the only way for them is to become criminals. It’s a horrifying reflection of reality. It doesn’t romanticize anything; it says the truth, straightforward and honest. Reminds me of Oliver Twist or August Rush, in a way.
And most importantly, “140 Decibels of Silence” is exciting. It’s full of lovable, unforgettable, bright characters and action-packed, fast-paced and epic events. This novel is a wonderful, interesting read that is dramatic and intense.
Finally, I’ve found a good Ukrainian book that’s worth reading and giving five stars out of five to. Sadly, the best books don’t get noticed in my country. Why are there so few of these? We praise books for having “correct” morals or for being open propaganda, but we never realize that good narration, plot and characters are the qualities we should love literature for. Dear Ukraine, focus less on the morals and more on how much soul the writer has put into it. Praising our homeland and trying to teach readers boring, exhausting lessons isn’t everything. “140 Decibels of Silence” is an example of a quality novel. I would like to see more of these.
Sonya And Her Books 