The Shield of Silence

"The Shield of Silence" by Harriet T. Comstock is a story set in the early 1900s, which follows the lives of two women, Meredith Thornton and Becky Adams, as their paths connect at Ridge House, nestled in the beautiful Southern mountains. Meredith, a young woman used to a comfortable life, begins to see the world differently after marrying George Thornton. Becky, an older woman with a tough past, is trying to protect her young granddaughter, Zalie, from a difficult family history and seeks assistance from Sister Angela at Ridge House. The narrative weaves through themes of motherhood, societal expectations, and personal change, highlighting the sacrifices, love, and senses of duty that each woman confronts as Meredith prepares for motherhood and Becky faces the burdens passed on to her through generations. The intricate dance between these women reveals their transformations.