Robb Grindstaff

Hannah’s Voice is an original, well-written novel that, like most good books, transcends genre. The main character, Hannah, is a complex and endearing young girl who is struggling to come to terms with a painful past. The story is a little reminiscent of The Secret Life of Bees, as we follow Hannah’s journey of discovery of the good and bad in life. On the way she encounters some who will help, some who would exploit and some who expose her to the more bizarre aspects of humanity.

It’s quite a feat to tell a story in the first person point of view of a character who doesn’t speak. The author not only accomplishes this in a believable and engaging manner, but also shows us three different Hannah’s: the intelligent but traumatized six-year-old girl; the blossoming teen; and the young woman who finally comes to terms with the absurdity of the world around her.

The book occasionally skirts the ragged edge of social commentary and political satire by highlighting the irrationality of extremes on all sides. But the author never climbs so high on his soap box that it interferes with the story.

The success of this fine novel rests on the marvelous character of Hannah. I became attached to her in the first few pages and continued to root for her all the way through to the end.… (plus d'informations)