When the World Fell Silent

By: Donna Jones Alward

Narrated by: Laurence Bouvard, Ivana Rakić

A story of loss, hope and redemption against impossible odds…

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'If you've read The Women by Kristin Hannah I recommend you read this one!!!!'

The Globe & Mail Bestseller

'Alward tells this story of the wounded survivors and the people who cared for them with affecting grace' Toronto Star

1917. Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Nora Crowell wants more than her sister’s life as a wife and mother. As WWI rages across the Atlantic, she becomes a lieutenant in the Canadian Army Nursing Corps. But trouble is looming and it won’t be long before the truth comes to light.

Having lost her beloved husband in the trenches and with no-one else to turn to, Charlotte Campbell now lives with his haughty relations who treat her like the help. It is baby Aileen, the joy and light of her life, who spurs her to dream of a better life.

When tragedy strikes in Halifax Harbour, nothing for these two women will ever be the same again. Their paths will cross in the most unexpected way, trailing both heartbreak and joy in its wake…

Praise for Donna Jones Alward:

'A beautiful, meticulously researched story that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.' USA Today bestseller, Genevieve Graham

‘A triumphant, unforgettable tale of sacrifice, hope, and second chances … with a twist that will have readers holding their breath' Renee Ryan, author of The Secret Society of Salzburg

‘Readers of historical fiction, don’t miss this one!’ USA Today bestseller, Andie Newton

'A winning and memorable tale that boasts a perfectly-judged grasp of historical detail, wonderfully nuanced characters, and a narrative arc that never falters' USA Today bestseller, Jennifer Robson

'A fascinating, heartbreaking, and heartwarming story’ USA Today bestseller, Glynis Peters

'A rare novel that is both heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. Prepare to fall in love' Soraya M. Lane, bestselling author

'Meticulously researched and full of atmospheric period details that will take your breath away' Julianne MacLean, bestselling author

'Alward handles the aftermath of a Canadian tragedy with sensitivity, skill, brilliant writing’ Lecia Cornwall, author of That Summer in Berlin

©2024 Donna Jones Alward (P)2024 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

‘A heartbreaking story, but ultimately one of hope and love. I was immediately captured by Alward’s strong female characters, Nora and Charlotte, who are still on my mind long after closing the book. Readers of historical fiction, don’t miss this one' USA Today bestselling author, Andie Newton

‘A stunning historical fiction debut you don’t want to miss. A fascinating tale of resilience!’ Eliza Knight, USA Today and international bestselling author of Starring Adele Astaire

‘An enchanting story of love in all its forms, lost and found in the shattered remains of the city.' Bryn Turnbull, author of The Paris Deception

'Beautifully written…you won’t be able to put this book down until the very last page!'

'After great tragedy comes grief, then hope, then new life. Alward takes readers through every stage, and each one fascinates.'

'Utterly riveting…this story will stay with you long after the last page is turned.'

A very heartfell and humane story

When the World Fell Silent tells a deeply tragic story that remains especially meaningful in Halifax and Canada. What made the tragedy feel especially powerful for me was experiencing it through the lives of the two main characters. Hearing their personal stories allowed me to empathize with the event on a much more human level.

The author beautifully explores their fears, grief, and small moments of hope. The story moved me to tears, and the audiobook narration added even more emotional depth.

A sad yet hopeful and very humane story.

Interesting History

This book was made more real for me because I toured Halifax and the sites of damage. Very well researched!

Courage and determination in the face of overwhelming challenges on the path to recovery.

I appreciate how the story beautifully portrays the journey of a young woman through various stages of her life, ultimately leading to a sense of stability in the end.

Good Historical Fiction!

This story was sad, but hopeful. I enjoyed the characters, and learned so much about this situation in Canada. I even did some research and it expanded my understanding of what happened in Halifax all those years ago. A good read.

Best book I’ve read in awhile

The storyline, characters, history, heartache and love all carried me through this so quickly, wanting more. Her ability to tie these two women’s stories together was remarkable!