Writing in an Age of Silence

By Sara Paretsky

A revealing look at the power of speaking out, Writing in an Age of Silence describes Paretski’s coming of age in a time of great possibility, during the civil rights movement, the peace movement, and the women’s movement. Bestselling crime-writer Sarah Paretsky has won critical acclaim for her V.I. Warshawski novels, centered around one of the first and most popular female investigators in contemporary fiction. In this fascinating and personal account, Paretsky describes a life shaped by the desire to act. From the feminist movement—which triggered her aspirations to write and shaped the character of her female detective—to the Patriot Act and the liberties we have lost, Paretsky describes the struggle of one individual to find a voice. A moving call to action, Writing in an Age of Silence chronicles the social changes that have shaped contemporary America, and mirrors a desire for freedom, both personal and political, that many Americans will relate to today.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
• Release date: May 5, 2009
• ISBN: 9781844674695

Sara Paretsky

Hailed by the Washington Post as “the definition of perfection in the genre,” Sara Paretsky is the New York Times bestselling author of numerous novels, including the renowned V.I. Warshawski series. She is one of only four living writers to have received both the Grand Master Award from the Mystery Writers of America and the Cartier Diamond Dagger from the Crime Writers Association of Great Britain. She lives in Chicago.

Reviews for Writing in an Age of Silence

[ffortsa · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

a collection of Paretsky's essays, some expanded, most having to do with her involvement in and growth through the women's movement, in her own words 'the second wave'. She's a few years older than I am, and most of what she says in unfortunately still being discussed. I think that having very supportive parents were one reason I didn't get involved much in the formal components of the women's movement, also that my personality is cautious about involvement in causes. With her family of decidedly non-supportive people, it was probably her lifeline to a successful life. Interesting if a little too polemical for me at times.

[martha8hiss · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I love Paretsky's writing. I would like to meet V.I and have her on my team when the going gets tough. I know more about Chicago than many other U.S. cities just from reading Paretsky's books. This memoir gives the reader some idea of how V.I came to be - what parts of Paretsky are in her. It was interesting to discover how politically aware Paretsky is and to read her insights on current American politics. I enjoyed reading the essays in this volume, but more than that, the essays made me want to see Paretsky give a talk in person. I'm sure she must be a very passionate speaker. Sometimes it would be advantageous to be a U.S. citizen.

[kdedson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I read this memoir in one sitting. I have always been a fan of Paretsky and appreciated her insightful comments on the USA Patriot Act and other intellectual freedom issues. Highly recommended for all librarians

[devenish_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is the life story of a remarkable woman,Sara Paretsky.It is also a description of how she constructs and writes her books and including a large dash of social comment. It is overall a most interesting book and will fascinate anyone who has read her books.It begins with these words - 'One of my favourite books is Caught in the Web of Words, Elizabeth Murray's loving memoir of her grandfather, James A.H.Murray,who creator the Oxford English Dictionary. I'd like to steal her title for a memoir of my own life.

[thomaspluck · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

all writers, especially crime writers, should read this book.

[jonimfisher · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Paretsky writes with keen insight and deep passion about all the forces that silence women. The forces come from social pressure to "be a good girl" to sit down, shut up. They come from political machinery that doesn't allow women to vote, or buy property, or be heard in court. These forces come from cultures that treat women as slaves, as chattel, or as less than worthy to speak up in a man's world. Certain religions treat women as disposable commodities to be bartered over or discarded at will. Despite these crushing forces, women continue to be heard, in part, because of women writers who refuse to be silenced. This powerful book explores these issues and encourages women to press on and fight the good fight.
Paretsky walks the walk through her strong female protagonists and by her own example. This is an excellent book for women writers, especially young writers, to encourage them to find their voice and to use it.