Something happened over the summer - something bad - and now nobody will talk to her, let alone listen. So what's the point in speaking at all? Through her work on an art project, Melinda is finally able to face what really happened that night. But before she can make peace with the ghosts of the past, she has to confront the reality of the present - and stop someone who still wishes to do her harm.

Only words can save her. She can't stay silent. Not any more.

'With the rise of women finding their voices and speaking out about sexual assault in the media, this should be on everyone's radar... Powerful, necessary, and essential.' Kirkus Laurie Halse Anderson is the 2023 winner of the prestigious Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award.