We Hear The Dead by Dianne Salerni centers around the spiritualist movement and it’s creators — the Fox Sisters. What began as a not-so-innocent prank turned into a somewhat religious movement. The history of the Fox Sisters is fascinating, I suggest wikipaedia-ing it. Seriously, ya’ll, history is AWESOME. So sayeth the history nerd.
The story of We Hear The Dead by Dianne Salerni is told in alternating first person. By alternating, I mean the majority of the chapters are told through the eyes of Maggie Fox with a handful told in Kate’s perspective. I loved the characterization of Maggie, who is often unsure of herself, yet she starts this whole movement. We Hear The Dead lays a strong foundational background, so I never felt confused at the action. We are given an introductory scene showing the origins of spiritualism. The story progresses in a linear fashion, there’s not many flashbacks.
To me though, the best parts are all of the little details, like how they got people to believe in the spirits. The Fox Sisters communicated with the spirits via rapping. NOT rapping like Kanye, but rapping as in knocking on wood. It was hard for me to fathom why on earth anyone would believe the dead communicated by knocking. However, history shows us that spiritualism had large numbers of believers, especially among the intellectuals. I suppose this does make sense as we have people dying left and right, a whole generation about to be lost in the Civil War. I know the power of suggestion is quite strong, look at con artists like John Edwards of Crossing Over fame. When people are grieving, they want to take comfort in knowing the departed are in a better place. So yes, I suppose it is possible to wholeheartedly believe and be open to the knocking communication.
Another element I found incredibly intriguing in We Hear The Dead by Dianne Salerni was the inclusion of the social movements taking place during this time period. Discussed is the abolition movement as well as the women’s rights movement, I mean Elizabeth Cady Stanton makes an appearance. How cool, right? I loved this inclusion, it wasn’t overwhelming and I thought it a great way to hook and engage the young reader into hopefully delving deeper into history. I liked that is is presented in a way that is relatable to the teenaged lens. Juxtaposed with this is a study of classism. Maggie is a working girl, yet her love interest is from the upper echelons of society. Cue star-crossing. Anyways, she’s made to jump through all these hoops, give up certain things, yet she is never good enough for that reach of society, because she earns money.
I rather enjoyed We Hear The Dead by Dianne Salerni, perhaps that is due to my interest in history and spiritualism, however, it didn’t drag. My only complaint is that the dialogue came across as clunky at times, but I was so absorbed in the story that I didn’t really mind.
Other Reviews of We Hear The Dead by Dianne Salerni:
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I'm glad you liked this one! I had trouble choosing between this and Picture the Dead from the Sourcebooks options, and went with Picture the Dead. But this sounded so good, too! I totally agree with you- history IS awesome. Anyone who disagrees just isn't looking.
As a self-confessed history geek myself, I think I would enjoy this one. I've always been fascinated by the people who believe in this stuff when it is so well documented how most of these people are charlatans and con artists who use tricks to deceive grieving people. Great review!
Like Aarti, I also agree with you – history is awesome!
The way this is told sounds very interesting – alternating first person. I haven't read a book like that in AGES.
I think I would love this one! Thanks for the gushing review!
Very interesting subject. I've always wondered how people came to believe in spiritualism.