Fiction Review

Silent People: Hearing the Call of the Dodder
by Yvonne Jerrold
ISBN-10: 1905237529

Have you ever felt that you just didn't fit in? Do you know people who refrain from joining in conversation and would rather stay on the outskirts of existence? Perhaps another world of possibilities exists. In Yvonne Jerrold's novel, "Silent People: Hearing the Call of the Dodder," readers will be opened up to another world, another race.

When Hebe was a child she spent summers with her maternal Grandmother, Poppy, and every moment possible playing with The River Boy. The River Boy told Hebe the secrets of his world, his people. The Dodders are people of the woods, protectors of nature, and an ancient race. They have gifts, such as being able to camouflage themselves with their surroundings. Their lands are being stolen and so their numbers grow fewer. Through interbreeding with monkeymen - our race of humans- hybrids are born. Hybrids are not accepted by the Dodders and are outcast. They live among us and tend to keep to themselves, ever quiet.

Hebe is drawn to Dodders Well, the place where her grandmother's cottage still stands, her grandmother still taking care of young ones. Hebe has tried to make it in the world of colleges and jobs, losing her illustration position at a botanical garden due to an encroaching world of computer graphics. She feels a need to return "home" and help to protect the natural world of plants, trees and Dodders. Even her duty to help her scientist father, by illustrating the flowers and plants of Dodders Well, is impossible to complete as she finds herself subconsciously unable to finish even one drawing. Will Hebe find her place in the world? Will she answer the call of the Dodder?

Yvonne Jerrold has woven an intricate tale spoken in first person, through the eyes of Hebe. As she figures her way in the world the reader figures the plot of the story. It is a vivid experience, to read this book. How ones sees the world is a key theme, for we all have our own views and as such we may be blessed to witness more than others, or blessed to see less. Jerrold's talent is in portraying the confusion of a character trying to find her way. This is a haunting tale that will compel readers to try to see the world from other viewpoints. Well done!