Spoiler Alert: This review discusses key plot points, including character fates and revelations. Read only after finishing the book!
Even having read the novel, I’m still genuinely confused, how in God’s name did Petra leave the house? How did her parents not hear her? That moment left me frustrated, and honestly, frustration is one of the strongest emotions this book evoked in me.
From the very beginning, you’re haunted by a single question: What happened to make Calli stop speaking at age four? When the truth is finally revealed, it’s devastating, and what angers me even more is Antonia’s choice to stay with Griff afterward. Yes, she didn’t know the full extent of his cruelty at the time, but she did stay with a man who killed her unborn child. That decision sits heavily with me. (I know, I shouldn’t be so quick to judge. But it’s hard not to.)
Martin and Fielda’s romance was an enigma. They married when she was eighteen and he was forty-two-a massive age gap. And while some people are mature beyond their years, it still begs the question: How did this work? Before you throw daggers at Martin, though, the book makes it clear: Fielda pursued him. And somehow, against all odds, they made it. I guess love doesn’t always add up, and maybe it’s not supposed to.
I found myself wishing we’d gotten the villain’s point of view, if only to understand his mindset. At one point, I even suspected Calli’s teacher- was that intentional misdirection? That thread wasn’t explored enough. And I’m still puzzled: Why include the detail about him losing his dog? What was its relevance? Maybe I need to re-read the book- right now, I have more questions than answers.
Antonia’s arc left me conflicted. She feels relief when Griff dies and that makes me wonder: Is she relieved her children are finally safe? Or is she simply grateful that the agonizing decision to leave him has been made for her?
I also struggled with her breakup with Louis. Yes, she was in pain, but he only went to the next town for university. Couldn’t she have gone with him? Visited? The situation felt overly black-and-white. So when she later wonders how life might have turned out if she’d stayed with Louis… I don’t feel remorse for her. Instead, I think: Good. Now you see that actions have consequences.
I know- I’m being harsh on Antonia. But that’s the power of this book: it provokes strong reactions. It doesn’t offer easy answers or tidy redemptions. It sits in the messy, painful spaces of silence, survival, and questionable choices.
Have you read The Weight of Silence?
I’d love to hear what emotions stood out for you-and whether you, too, are still wondering… how did Petra get out of that house?
lifewithfelly 
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