the silent treatment (uk edition)
On sale 2nd April 2020
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A radio 2 book club pick
A lifetime of love. Six months of silence. One last chance.
Frank hasn't spoken to his wife Maggie for six months.
For weeks they have lived under the same roof, slept in the same bed and eaten at the same table – all without words.
Maggie has plenty of ideas as to why her husband has gone quiet.
But it will take another heartbreaking turn of events before Frank finally starts to unravel the secrets that have silenced him.
Is this where their story ends?
Or is it where it begins?
With characters that will capture your heart, THE SILENT TREATMENT celebrates the phenomenal power of love and the importance of leaving nothing unsaid.
‘You won't be able to put down this tender and heartbreaking read.’
Cyan Turan, Cosmopolitan
‘This is a beautifully written and compelling novel that enthralled us from beginning to end. Frank and Maggie feel so real and their moving story is simple, but powerfully told. The reason for Frank’s silence is finally revealed in the last few pages - and it’s utterly devastating.’
Heat Magazine
‘An emotional and beautifully written debut.’
Fabulous Magazine, The Sun on Sunday
‘We read this beautiful book in one go.’
Closer
‘Never over-laboured, Abbie Greaves’ sharp, precise prose is taut with emotion (warning: there will be tears). This powerful and moving debut is a nuanced examination of parenthood, relationships and loneliness with the unforgettable story of Frank and Maggie pulsing at its heart.’
Apple Books
‘I adored this powerful, heartbreaking tale that highlights the importance of communicating, no matter how hard that might be.’
Natasha Harding, The Sun (Book of the Week)
“Abbie Greaves will make you fall in love with Frank and Maggie’s story – which is truly one for the ages. Just keep a box of tissues to hand, because you’ll need to dab your eyes when that final page turns.
CultureFly
‘The Silent Treatment is an empathetic, beautifully written exploration of relationships and family dynamics that will resonate with fans of Jojo Moyes, David Nicholls and Gail Honeyman. With an overwhelming sense of emotional tension and an underlying air of suspense and mystery, this cleverly structured and superbly moving story will touch the hardest of hearts.’
The Express
‘Written with assurance and agonising insight, the characters of Maggie and Frank will stay with me for a long time’
Daily Mail
‘Abbie Greaves’ debut novel is a must-read - the moving story of a long marriage beset by challenges Frank and Maggie had never envisaged they would have to face. Abbie Greaves may be only 27, but she’s definitely an author to watch.’
The Sunday Express
A remarkable debut which doesn’t go where you expect it to go. I very much look forward to seeing what she writes next.
Jojo Moyes
“An original and moving debut from a talented new voice”
Santa Montefiore
‘Such stunning prose, and such insight for a debut author… I was bowled over by Abbie’s writing.’
Clare Mackintosh
“Cleverly structured and beautifully written, this novel celebrates love, hope - and the importance of finding the right words. ”
Lucy Diamond
“Beautifully written in Greaves’ unique voice, we slowly begin to learn what bought them to this point and how the complexities of life play out in a marriage – and indeed family. Poignant, heart-breaking and insightful, it’s a masterful debut.”
Woman & Home
This heartrending story explores the complexities of their relationship, from the early days of their courtship, when Frank was a shy Oxford academic and Maggie was an effervescent young nurse, to the shattering turn of events that rocked their lives. […] Greaves’s insightful account of a long marriage kept us gripped till the very last page.’
The Independent
“An unforgettable love story with a mystery that had me captivated until the last, heart-wrenching page. It deserves to be huge”
Catherine Isaac, Author of You, Me, Everything
“Heart-breaking secrets tenderly evoked with intelligence and depth. Maggie and Frank are unforgettable characters”
Rachel Hore, Sunday Times Bestselling Author of The Memory Garden
“This moving debut unpicks the secret selves of Maggie and Frank to reveal the tragic miscommunications of their broken family. It’s a pleasure to read such a stylish and confident new voice”
Louise Candlish, Sunday Times Bestselling Author of Our House
‘The Silent Treatment by Abbie Greaves is bittersweet and sensitively written. I was drawn in to the story from the start and really hoped that Frank and Maggie would find resolution. Deeply emotional, I was moved to tears by the end.’
Harriet Tyce, Author of Blood Orange
“A beautiful, tender, moving book about love, parenthood, marriage & loss.”
Sinead Moriarty
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