When the World Fell Silent by Donna Jones Alward ~ Book Review

It is 1917, and World War I is raging in Europe.  In Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, the war has been touching the lives of the citizens.   On the eastern side of Canada, Halifax was pivotal in the war, having a uniquely shaped harbour that didn't freeze in winter and allowed ships to gather in the basin and form convoys to cross the Atlantic affording protection in numbers against the German U-Boats.  Nora Cromwell works at a hospital that ministers to soldiers who have come home from the war on hospital transport ships, soldiers that are not yet well enough to be discharged.  Nora has always wanted a life different from her sister's.  She has never wanted to be a wife and mother and had instead chosen to pursue nursing as a career.  She joined the Canadian Army Medical Corps and a bluebird nurse and spends her days ministering to wounded soldiers, sometimes tending to their emotional burdens as well.  Her free time is spent with a young soldier named Alley going on picnics and dancing at the local Red Cross.  It's an enjoyable way to step away from the stress of taking the wounded soldiers troubles to heart and Nora's focus on her career keeps her feelings from becoming too entangled.  But a reckless decision might change her life forever. 

Charlotte Campbell is forced to live with her in-laws when her husband is killed overseas.  They treat her as a servant and not as family but it is the only thing that is keeping her and her precious baby girl, Aileen, from being homeless so Charlotte does her best while still dreaming of a better life.  But the upcoming collision of two ships, one carrying munitions, will force Charlotte to make decisions she never imagined she would make.  

Growing up in Canada, I didn't recall studying anything at all about the Halifax explosion though apparently it was such a pivotal part of Canadian history.  Somehow I vaguely knew there had been a horrible explosion that leveled a good part of the city but knew none of the details.  When I saw this book I knew I had to read it to learn more.   I really enjoyed this book.  The unspeakable tragedy and loss are the backdrop as these two women's lives will intersect in a way that is unimaginable.  Not only did the author convey the horrible physical tragedy of the event, almost 2000 people died, but there were also horrible losses of limbs and vision as people were drawn to go and observe the fire after the boats collided. But I also loved how the author explored the mental hardships that those that face this kind of loss might endure.  The decisions made by both women who endured great loss made me ask myself what would I have done.  Great story of tragedy, loss but also of love and family.  

I rated it a 9.5/10