Helen Montague Foster’s historical novel, The Silent Hen, offers an evocative journey through the tumultuous eras of World War II and the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. The narrative explores the intertwined lives of its characters across time and space, from the war-ridden landscapes of Cairo and Yugoslavia to the heart-rending realities of the modern era.

The novel’s protagonist, Lucy, a fervent Virginia woman, eagerly serves her country during the Second World War, enlisting in the Office of Strategic Services (OSS). Following an intense training period, Lucy is deployed to Egypt, falling deeply in love with a fellow operative, Gordon. This passionate backdrop sets the stage for an unexpected and tender narrative that unfolds when Gordon, dispatched to Yugoslavia, encounters Bella – a young Jewish girl hiding from the horrors of the war with her pet hen, Tisina. Now orphaned, Bella forms an unforeseen bond with an American soldier and a Virginia spy, a connection bearing an uncanny resemblance to the relationship with her late mother.

Foster’s The Silent Hen is an homage to the bravery and dedication of the author’s parents and all OSS members who risked everything during this tumultuous period of history.

The narrative ingeniously interweaves two distinct timelines – the upheavals of war from 1943 to 1945, contrasted with the devastating effects of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001. The early timeline presents a potent exploration of Lucy, Gordon, and Bella maneuvering through the labyrinth of religious, cultural, and political complexities of the war. Simultaneously, the latter timeline unveils the poignant revelation of Lucy grappling with dementia, with only her comrade, Hart, maintaining the clarity of their shared past.

The narrative is punctuated by two principal characters: Lucy, the fearless operative, and Bella, the innocent child. Amid the pervasive sorrow and loss that mark the pages of the novel, Foster expertly weaves threads of hope and idealism into her characters’ personas.

The Silent Hen is captivating not only because of this juxtaposition but also due to Foster’s adept storytelling. Her suspenseful narrative keeps the reader on the edge, continually questioning the connection between the two timelines and the eventual unfolding of later events. This novel serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity, all while delivering an engrossing tale that reverberates with historical significance and emotional depth.

Pages: 330 | ASIN: B0CDSJVRWQ