The Language of Secrets

Name: The Language of Secrets
Brand: Penguin Random House
Availability: InStock
Author: Dianne Dixon
ISBN: 9780307704382

Author: Dianne Dixon

Narrator: Rebecca Lowman

Unabridged: 8 hr 9 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Random House Audio

Published: 03/23/2010

Categories: Fiction, Literary Fiction

Synopsis

From a fresh and exciting new voice in women's fiction, The Language of Secrets unflinchingly examines the lifelong repercussions of a father's betrayal. Justin Fisher has a successful career as the manager of a luxury hotel, a lovely wife, and a charming young son. While all signs point to a bright future, Justin can no longer ignore the hole in his life left by his estranged family. When he finally gathers the courage to reconnect with his troubled past, Justin is devastated to learn that his parents have passed away. And a visit to the cemetery brings the greatest shock of all—next to the graves of his father and mother sits a smaller tombstone for a three-year-old boy: a boy named Thomas Justin Fisher.What follows is an extraordinary journey as Justin struggles with issues of his own identity and pieces together the complex and heartbreaking truth about his family. With great skill and care, Dianne Dixon explores the toll that misunderstandings, blame, and resentment can take on a family. But it is the intimate details of family life—a mother's lullaby for her son, a father's tragic error in judgment—that make this novel so exceptional and an absolute must for reading groups everywhere.The Language of Secrets is the story of an unspeakable loss born of human frailty and an ultimate redemption born of human courage.

About The Author

DIANNE DIXON is a screenwriter living in California who has twice been nominated for an Emmy, has won a Humanitas Prize for work done in television, and has been Visiting Professor of Creative Writing at Pitzer College, a member of the Claremont Colleges.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Dale on March 29, 2017

Justin Fisher seems to be doing well in life but there is something missing. When he finally decides to try and connect with the family he has been estranged from for many years, he finds the house in Lima Street has changed hands. He then learns his parents are both dead. His visit to the cemetery......more

Goodreads review by Gail on April 25, 2010

Ever noticed how often lately we've been pleasantly surprised when reading or listening to a book by a first-time author? It's almost as if you've suddenly discovered something wonderful, and can't wait to tell your friends about it. Many are telling their pals about THE LANGUAGE OF SECRETS by Calif......more

Goodreads review by Karen on March 24, 2017

I liked how engrossing this book was and it really hooked me into it, but I absolutely hated the ending. I like books that have closure, and this one ended horrifying. Tragic. There is enough sadness in life without putting you through this one. Very good writing though. Want another ending. About t......more

Goodreads review by Prom on December 30, 2013

It was okay. I gave it two stars because I enjoyed reading it to the end and it did stir an emotion in me. For a debut novel, it wasn't bad. If the author stays in this business, I really hope of the serious flaws are corrected for the next work. A gaping-holed mystery, this novel teases at your curi......more

Goodreads review by Amy on May 17, 2010

The Language of Secrets is a tightly wound mystery, with a plot unlike any other I’ve ever run across. The entire story is unusual and grabs you immediately. The main character had moved to London to pursue a career, and remained out of touch with his immediate family. After many, many years, he re......more

Quotes

Praise for THE LANGUAGE OF SECRETS

“Dianne Dixon's debut novel, The Language of Secrets, is destined to become this year's The Memory Keeper's Daughter and a perennial book club favorite. Part mystery, part psychological thriller, Dixon's novel is an absorbing, provocative and, ultimately, satisfying read from the first page.”—Marcia Meier, HuffingtonPost.com

"A lovely, compelling debut novel. Aptly titled, The Language of Secrets explores the ramifications of loss, the aftermath of tragedy, and the sometimes terrible cost a child can pay for a parent's guilt."
—Kristin Hannah

“The Language of Secrets is a psychological mystery with emotional underpinnings that will have you puzzled and intrigued right up to the moment Dixon’s sleight of hand is revealed.”
—Sue Grafton