The Silver Mist

by Martin Treanor

Her dying father calls her unique, doctors have diagnosed that her "brain is wired wrong," and most say she's "plain simple," but Eve Hayes, a young Down's syndrome woman, feels only that she's different. Then, on 21 July 1972-Belfast's Bloody Friday-Eve encounters the captivating Esther, who ferries Eve on a sequence of illuminating, metaphysical journeys. In order to make sense of the slaughter that surrounds her, Eve must first learn the truth of her perceived difference, and therein unravel the timeless purpose of the silver mist.

Genres: Ireland, Fiction, Literary Fiction

298 pages, Paperback

First published February 21, 2011

About the author

Martin Treanor is an author and illustrator with DRPZ Publishing imprints FIRE HORNET CODEX and TINY HANDS PRESS - and blogger for THE HUFFINGTON POST.

His published works include:

CURIOSITY AND THE CAT; Fire Hornet Codex 2024, THE LOGOS PROPHECY (Fall of Ancients Book 1); Fire Hornet Codex 2023, THE TALES OF TRUMPLETHINSKIN trilogy; Tiny Hands Press 2020, THE SILVER MIST; Better Karma Publishing 2011, and HELLMAW: DARK CREED; TEGG 2017.

Martin Treanor has published stories in Canadian & US genre magazines SPINETINGLER and 'ZAHIR', THE SPINETINGLER SHORT STORY ANTHOLOGY, CARILLON in UK, TIVOLI MEMBERS MAGAZINE in Denmark, newspapers and magazines in Greenland and THE DUBLINER MAGAZINE (Scandinavia and South Africa). He was also a contributor to Jonathan Maberry's non-fiction book 'THEY BITE'; Citadel, 2009.

MORE AT:
MartinTreanor.Com

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT MARTIN TREANOR:

NETGALLEY REVIEW for THE LOGOS PROPHECY:


"...this is a great page turning story and I would recommend it for readers who like wild and whacky stories."


Praise for THE SILVER MIST:

"... Within the singularity of its characters and its setting, the novel presents profound lessons about happiness, sorrow, and fear.

Readers who enter 'The Silver Mist' will emerge forever changed."

Five Stars (out of Five)

- Jill Allen - ForeWord Clarion Reviews -


"Being different does not disqualify them from life's lessons. "The Silver Mist" follows Eve Hayes, a Down syndrome-afflicted individual who through meeting Esther, finds that in spite of her disorder, she has much to learn and is taken on a spiritual and enlightening journey.

Touching on spirituality and those with mental disabilities, 'The Silver Mist' is a touching and unique read, highly recommended."

- Midwest Book Review - July 2011 - James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief -


"Poignant, emotive and superbly written ... stayed with me after turning the final page. A rare and highly commended read."

- Iain Edward Henn - author of The Delta Chain -

"Nothing trite here; Eve's story in Silver Mist is one of the most unique stories I've read. I recommend Silver Mist, especially for those looking for something a bit unusual. "

- Sammy Sutton - Sammy Writes Blogspot -

"An amazing story ..."

- Zorina Alliata - author of Anamnesis and All Angels but One -


- "A damn fine read."

- Jonathan Maberry - commenting on 'WHO'S CHARLIE'


- "Runner-up in 'Writelink' and Highly Commended by 'Lookout'; Martin Treanor's writing has been called - 'something new and different' - 'speculative' - and described as having - 'an unspoken appeal"

- Tangent -

Reviews

[Mark Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not many books move me to tears, but this one did on several occasions. Sometimes through sadness, other times through joy, and occasionally through both simultaneously. The main character and narrator, Eve Hayes, is a young woman with Down's Syndrome living in Northern Ireland in the early 1970s. The skill with which the author has created Eve - telling the story through her words and thoughts - is substantial. Reading this book was a spiritual experience. I grew to love Eve more and more as the story progressed. Everything about the character endeared her to me: her innocence; her love for others; her wisdom; her depth; her sense of wonder and optimism. The other characters are beautifully written too, each of them an archetype. Some of the prose and much of the dialogue has a lovely Irishness about it, which anchors the story geographically, just as the descriptions of Belfast bombs and unwanted British-Army intervention roots it historically in the early '70s.

Summary: a main character whom anyone with a heart will fall in love with; other characters who ring true and have complexity; a tale of love and loss that comes across as authentic and unpretentious; gorgeous Irish dialogue; a mythical subplot (revealed through the inner monologue of Eve) which eventually takes over from real-world events.

Profound. Poignant. Beautiful. Life-affirming.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The whole story is sad generally but, oh my days, the ending... Whoever invented waterproof mascara, thank you.

[Martin Treanor · Rating 5 out of 5]

EDITORIAL REVIEWS for THE SILVER MIST

'Most readers will find it refreshing to see a person with a cognitive disability tell her own story. In fact, all characters leap off the pages of The Silver Mist; the reticent astute protagonist who delights in simple things, ethereal Esther, cantankerous yet caring Martha, frazzled Lid and her pre-verbal toddler Robert: each character has their own distinct arc. Even absent characters—Dad, Mam, and a dissolute sister named Becky—come alive through Eve's recollections. Nature, too, becomes a character as Treanor personifies the surroundings with exquisite poetic prose: "Wildflowers, their petalled heads nodding in the breeze, like an army of tiny fairy heads … and fragrant honeysuckle, the walls of a huge sweet scented castle…."

Within the singularity of its characters and its setting, the novel presents profound lessons about happiness, sorrow, and fear. Readers who enter The Silver Mist will emerge forever changed.'

Five Stars (out of Five)

- Jill Allen - ForeWord Clarion Reviews -



'Being different does not disqualify them from life’s lessons. “The Silver Mist” follows Eve Hayes, down syndrome-afflicted individual who through meeting Esther, finds that in spite of her disorder, she has much to learn and is taken on a spiritual and enlightening journey. Touching on spirituality and those with mental disabilities, “The Silver Mist” is a touching and unique read, highly recommended.'

Book Review
Midwest Book Review
Small Press Bookwatch
The Fiction Shelf
July 2011

- James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief -

[Sammy Sutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing trite here; Eve’s story in Silver Mist is one of the most unique stories I’ve read.


Ordinarily, I shy away from books with plots surrounding war or warlike themes; I find the reality too painful for entertainment. Silver Mist’s spiritual and metaphysical possibilities appealed to my curiosity; therefore, I threw the emotional caution to the wind.

The story takes place in the area near Belfast on July 21st, 1972, the eve of the historic, ‘Bloody Friday.’ The author sets a vivid scene with added attention to the unusual geography of the area. I appreciated the visual since my European geography is lacking.

Brilliantly, the events are revealed through the eyes of Eve Hays. Eve the 23 year old daughter of elderly parents has Down syndrome. The author, Martin Treanor tackles the challenges of telling Eve’s story with amazing skill. Her perspective makes the experience dynamic.

The reader joins Eve on the day of her father’s death. Esther arrives to stay with Eve while her family accompanies her father’s body to Belfast. Esther’s visit will be forever, unforgettable for Eve as she ventures through the metaphysical.

The characters are an interesting, delightful eclectic mix brought about by chance, in a situation reserved by those days akin to ‘Bloody Friday.’ The premise of the story served as a reminder of the bloody massacre that seemed hidden behind more recent tragedies in my mind. I held this thought throughout the book…the author did his job well!

I recommend Silver Mist, especially for those looking for something a bit unusual.

[I.E. Henn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I had finished the first chapter of this novel I knew I was in for a very special reading experience. Poignant, emotive and superbly written, it perfectly invokes the mood of 1970's Belfast, as seen through the eyes of Eve, a young Down's Syndrome woman. Eve's friendship with the mysterious Esther opens her eyes to both the horrors and wonders of our world through a series of spiritual journeys, and we are there every step of the way. Treanor's tale is intriguing, heartfelt and uplifting. It provides some thought-provoking insights into the nature of our existence and has stayed with me after turning the final page. A rare and highly commended read.

[Glenn Kleier · Rating 5 out of 5]

To create a young female protagonist with Down syndrome is feat enough. To attempt it as an adult male author is downright gutsy. And to pull it off with panache is nothing less than a triumph. Matin Treanor accomplishes this and more in The Silver Mist. A charming, touching, unique presentation from a man who displays a good heart and a sensitive soul.

[John Caulfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

On 21 July 1971, young Eve Hayes watches her terminally ill father leaving home for the last time. If his impending death in a city hospital is not enough for the Down’s Syndrome sufferer to endure, Eve’s mother and sister will, on the same day, be caught up in the wave of bombings in Belfast’s “Bloody Friday.” Eve, however, finds a new friend – the enigmatic “Esther” – to guide her through the pain of life, and in a series of metaphorical journeys, she learns that her brain is not wired quite as “wrong” as she has been led to believe, and that she may find peace amidst the tragedies, sectarian hatred and mindless violence that threaten to engulf her world. This is a gripping, moving and beautifully written novel – with a sly twist in the tail – that shines a thin ray of hope into the age of despair. Highly recommended.

[L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic - I couldn't put this down. Really inspiring and definitely makes you think.

[N. Sasson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A young woman with Down's Syndrome, Eve Hayes is an unlikely heroine. Her journey, however, is wholly absorbing - sometimes joyful, sometimes bittersweet. She sees things in a way that other people do not and this is what makes this story so delightfully unique and uplifting. She witnesses everything around her - death, violence, the caring of family - and manages to put it all in an over-arching perspective through which the reader can identify with. Most of all, there is a magical element to the way in which the writer unfolds some of the events. Martin Treanor's prose is to be savored and I'm hoping to be able to read more books by him in the future.

[Ray Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is captivating to say the least. Told through the eyes of a young Down syndrome woman, it bounces from the sometimes harsh real world around her to a surreal inner world with the guidance of her angelic friend Esther. Among many things that I noticed this novel addressed is our total misconceptions of what we consider weak and what we consider strong. Martin does a wonderful job of using this mostly non-verbal narrator to lay out the family dynamic with ease. It was a pleasure to read and I highly recommend it to anyone.

[Cecilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Silver Mist” by Martin Treanor

This story, set in riotous 1970's Belfast, Ireland, is told through the eyes of Eve, a young woman with Down’s Syndrome and her ‘alter ego’ Esther. Eve, living with a condition that most people meeting her would assume limits her ability to experience life and all it has to offer, in reality allows her to look at life, love and the world around her in ways her 'normal' family and friends could never imagine. You will be asking yourself who is Esther? How and why did she appear and is she here for Eve’s benefit or does she have a darker more sinister motive?

Martin Treanor, Irish author who also grew up in 1970’s Belfast, has written a very insightful, thoughtful, metaphysical and even philosophical book in "The Silver Mist". Everyone reading this novel should find something they will remember for a long time to come. It is an emotionally moving, touching tale of family, friends & strangers and how the choices we make in life can change the world around us.

“The Silver Mist” is one of the better books I've read this year. Having read other short stories/tales by this author, I guarantee he truly has a gift for the written language which you will discover in this, his first novel.

[Michael Brookes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn't my normal read, which makes it all the better when it turns out to be a fantastic one. The Silver Mist tells the story of a young woman with Downs Syndrome and her immediate family in their own bubble of tragedy set against the troubles in Belfast in 1972.

It's a moving tale of Eve's spiritual journey and as I say this isn't my normal type of read, but the story and elegant writing had me transfixed. The writing itself is simple, but has a cadence to it that mirrors how I expect the girl's mind to work. For example there is good use of repetition that reinforces the routine for which Eva craves.

Quite simply this is a great read, even if you look at the description and think 'This isn't for me', ignore that thought and read it anyway!

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not a book to be rushed as it encourages you to think about the way we view the world around us. I can't say I loved this story but then again I didn't hate it either. It is well written but asks you to think outside of the box which a lot of people might not be comfortable with.

[Diane Whiting · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say I really enjoyed this book. I thought all the characters were really believable and each very different and detailed. I often think that male authors seem to miss the mark when they try to write through the voice of a female character, but in this instance I felt this worked very well. Maybe its because Eve had Downs Syndrome and didn't experience the world in a very emotional way - not that i'm saying men are emotionally stunted (or maybe I am) but you know what I mean. Very interesting the way the troubles were portrayed, apart from the evacuation, as mainly happening in Belfast which added to the distancing from the family. Never over dramatised but written with a lot of sensitivity. A lovely book. Sad but somehow not at all depressing. Highly recommended.

[Paul Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was astonished by this book. Set in Northern Ireland during "the troubles"; specifically Bloody Sunday. It takes the reader on a metaphysical journey that had me in tears at the end of the book.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story of family relations and the Troubles in Northern Ireland deftly told through the eyes of a young woman with Downs Syndrome.

[Kath Middleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eve is a young woman with Down’s Syndrome whose family are caught up in the Belfast bombings of 1972. They have very recently lost their father from a cancer of the blood and their mother is in a coma in hospital after being caught in a bus station bombing. Their chain-smoking next door neighbour comes in daily to help the family. Eve is enchanted by the silver mist she sees when she stands by the garden gate looking into the meadow. In this, she meets Esther, a guide, a friend, another self.

The writing has the Northern Irish lilt, even to read, and the descriptions from the mouth of Eve are at once naïve and very deep. She is a little repetitious; she needs her routines and routine has been brutally disturbed for her of late. This is a delightful book with a deeper spiritual dimension. It tells us most definitely that there’s more going on in any mind than the rest of us are capable of understanding. It’s an intriguing, engaging and gripping story and I enjoyed it a great deal.

[Michael Russel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ordinarily, I shy away from books with plots surrounding war or warlike themes; I find the reality too painful for entertainment. Silver Mist's spiritual and metaphysical possibilities appealed to my curiosity; therefore, I threw the emotional caution to the wind.

The reader joins Eve on the day of her father's death. Esther arrives to stay with Eve while her family accompanies her father's body to Belfast. Esther's visit will be forever, unforgettable for Eve as she ventures through the metaphysical.

The characters are an interesting, delightful eclectic mix brought about by chance, in a situation reserved by those days akin to `Bloody Friday.' The premise of the story served as a reminder of the bloody massacre that seemed hidden behind more recent tragedies in my mind. I held this thought throughout the book...the author did his job well!

[Marci · Rating 4 out of 5]

A friend recommended this saying it was one of the best books she had ever read. Of course, since it was free on amazon, there was no stopping me from checking out her recommendation! I'm glad I read the book, it follows a girl diagnosed with Down Syndrome through a few months period in Ireland in the 1970s during massive bombings. There was some beautiful writing and some great thoughts on the essence of life, although, it might have been the constant interruptions from my children, I was lost at various points and couldn't figure out exactly what the author was trying to say about purity. Interestingly enough the book keeps coming to mind as I go throughout my days and I remember certain scenes.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Told by Eve, a young woman who's brain is 'wired wrong', this story starts on Bloody Friday in Ireland. At times sad and at times humorous, the characters the author creates are rich, layered and leap off the page and into your heart! I love reading a story that is fresh and unique and that takes me someplace that I haven't been before.

[Shar · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me quite a while to get into this book, in fact I was considering just giving up but I don't like to leave books unread once I have started, so I persevered. I am so glad I did once I got half way through I had started to really like Eve and her family.

This book is well worth reading

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous book. Love the way it's written

[Emma Treanor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, an excellent read!!!

[Mago (Mark) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartbreaking and uplifting in equal measure.

[Kim Pimental · Rating 1 out of 5]

Made it to page 100 and just wasn't enjoying the book so I put it down. Baffled at the very high ratings.

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic book. For a man to delve into the mind of a young, downs-syndrome woman, is admirable. My uncle had downs-syndrome, and this book made me think a bit more into what he might have thought. His insight is amazing.