"A beautifully eloquent and thought-provoking story about a young deaf woman who becomes entangled in the story of the telephone and Alexander Graham Bell."
An absolutely fascinating historical novel detailing the intimate story of a woman struggling to be heard in a world that refuses to listen. Deaf as result of Scarlet Fever as a child, Ellen Lark is taught Visible Speech by Alexander Graham Bell. A few years later he asks her to testify in support of his claim to the patent of the telephone. Author Sarah Marsh uses fictional and actual characters to chart this time in history, she also creates the most moving and thought-provoking story of a bright young woman. I felt as though I was being shown a number of additional senses as I read. The descriptions take you by the hand and lead you into a place of isolation, where you personally feel each attempt, set-back, and success. The story moves backwards and forwards between two time frames, and rather than fracturing the story, it helps create a sense of intrigue. I feel as though I know Ellen, that she has become a part of me. Chosen as a Liz Pick of the Month, A Sign of Her Own is an engaging and provocative tale, highly recommended by our team.
'Absolutely brilliant. Ellen Lark is unforgettable' Emilia Hart, author of Weyward 'Vivid. Eloquent. Offers insight as well as delight' Guardian
Ellen Lark is on the verge of marriage when she and her fiancé receive an unexpected visit from Alexander Graham Bell.
Ellen knows immediately what Bell really wants from her. Ellen is deaf, and for a time was Bell's student in a technique called Visible Speech. As he instructed her in speaking, Bell also confided in her about his dream of producing a device which would transmit the human voice along a wire: the telephone. Now, on the cusp of wealth and renown, Bell wants Ellen to speak up in support of his claim to the patent to the telephone, which is being challenged by rivals.
But Ellen has a different story to tell: that of how Bell betrayed her, and other deaf pupils, in pursuit of ambition and personal gain, and cut Ellen off from a community in which she had come to feel truly at home. It is a story no one around Ellen seems to want to hear - but there may never be a more important time for her to tell it.