Unspoken by Jann Alexander (Book Review #2183)

Unspoken: A Dust Novel delivers a gripping and emotionally resonant story of survival, separation, and the enduring bonds of family. Set against the bleak backdrop of the 1935 Dust Bowl, this first installment in The Dust Series follows ten-year-old Ruby Lee Becker, a girl torn from her family and forced to confront an unforgiving world far from the only home she’s ever known.

After the devastation of Black Sunday and years of drought, Ruby is uprooted and placed in a state home for dependent children, convinced her mother has abandoned her. Her determination to reunite with her family becomes the driving force behind her story. Meanwhile, Willa Mae, her mother, unjustly confined to a state asylum for over a decade, clings to hope through memories, drawings, and letters—desperate to reclaim what’s been lost.

Alexander skillfully weaves together Ruby’s harrowing adventures and Willa Mae’s heartbreak into a powerful tale of perseverance, love, and identity. The historical setting is vivid and immersive, bringing to life the despair of the Dust Bowl while highlighting the quiet courage of women who endure its aftermath.

This novel is both heart-wrenching and hopeful, shining with the grit of those who dare to redefine what “home” truly means. A stunning beginning to a series that promises as much emotional depth as historical richness.

Written by Jeyran Main

“Want your book featured in our magazine? Feature an editorial book review in our Book Review Magazine or submit an article in our Book Article Magazine.”

“Support the writing community—purchase our magazines today!”

“Explore more reviews and find your next great read!”