The Silent Sister

'Filled with tension and family secrets . . . If you're looking for outstanding historical fiction, you must read this book! I highly recommend.' Gosia Nealon, award-winning author of Her Secret Resistance

'The most compelling, evocative, heart-wrenching book I have ever read.' Reader review

A woman searching for somewhere to belong.

A child rescued from the rubble of a ruined island.

A secret buried in the heart of Kefalonia.

Greece, 1953. When a catastrophic earthquake reduces the beautiful island of Kefalonia to ruins, Cassia Makris risks everything to save a young girl buried beneath the rubble that was once her home.

In that moment, Cassia makes a life-changing decision that will bind their fates forever but force her to carry a devastating secret . . .

Wales, 1973. Eléni Davies has always felt there was something unspoken in her past - a silence at the heart of her childhood. When she discovers a hidden journal among her mother's belongings, it unravels an untold story of love and loss on a faraway island.

Drawn to the place where her story really began, Eléni travels to the now-rebuilt Kefalonia. Among the lemon groves and sun-bleached chapels, she begins retracing her mother's footsteps to piece together a story that was never meant to be told.

But in doing so, Eléni must decide whether some secrets are better left buried - or whether confronting them is the only way to finally heal.

This unforgettable dual-timeline historical page-turner will sweep you away to the olive groves and sapphire-blue seas of a sun-kissed Greek island. Perfect for fans of Fiona Valpy, Dinah Jefferies, Victoria Hislop, Santa Montefiore or Karen Swan.

Praise for Jan Baynham:

'I didn't want this story to end . . . This is my first Jan Baynham book, but it won't be my last.' Veronica Leigh, author of The Keeper of Lost Daughters

'If you enjoy Victoria Hislop, then give this one a go.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'You absolutely MUST read this story for the history, to fall in love with the characters, to enjoy the beautiful locations, to realise that humanity will repair itself no matter how deep the wounds.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Captivating and emotional . . . A top, top must-read.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'This breathtaking historical fiction novel is something readers will enjoy if you are looking for a story about healing, moving on, and reconnecting with family.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'A moving story filled with secrets and what they can do to a family . . . A terrific read! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Powerful and very emotional.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'One of those books you don't want to end!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'The author's skilful storytelling effortlessly evokes a brilliant sense of time and place, bringing the contrasting settings alive with vivid detail.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'One of the best sagas I've read in a very long time.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Kept you turning the pages as you read about secrets being revealed and the impact they have to a family.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'The characters were vibrant and relatable, the writing was engaging, and the story had just the right balance of heart and humour.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'So meticulously researched and recreated I could have been there.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐