The Silence

by Don DeLillo
The Silence cover
Good Books rating 2.88
Literary Fiction
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  • ID: 2358
  • Added: 2025-10-13
  • Updated: 2025-10-13
  • ISBN: 9781982164560
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2021-10-05
  • Formats: 26
  • Reviews: 4

The Silence by Don DeLillo is a novel that explores the fragility of our digital connections and the essence of human interaction. Set on Super Bowl Sunday in 2022, the story follows five individuals gathered in an apartment on Manhattan's east side. Their conversation ranges from scientific theories to personal anecdotes, creating a rich tapestry of intellectual and emotional exchanges. /n/n As the digital infrastructure that defines modern life abruptly collapses, the characters are forced to confront their humanity in a world stripped of its technological crutches. DeLillo's masterful prose and profound insights make this a timely and illuminating read, offering solace and understanding in uncertain times.

Reviews
Gulf Coast Magazine · 2025-10-13
disappointing 2.50

The novel has some intriguing moments but ultimately fails to deliver satisfying answers or questions.

The reviewer acknowledges that The Silence has some satisfyingly weird moments that make it an interesting read. However, they feel that the novel ultimately falls short in delivering either interesting answers or intriguing questions. The premise is compelling, but the execution leaves something to be desired. The reviewer suggests that while there are moments of brilliance, the novel as a whole does not live up to its potential, leaving readers with a sense of dissatisfaction.

Quick quotes

    DeLillo's novel has some satisfyingly weird moments, but it ultimately fails to deliver either interesting answers or interesting questions.

    The premise remains compelling, but the execution is lacking.

    While there are moments of brilliance, the novel as a whole does not live up to its potential.

Literary Review · James Purdon · 2020-10-27
perverse 2.50

The novel is mannered and perverse, not likely to appeal to newcomers or even some longtime fans of DeLillo.

James Purdon describes 'The Silence' as mannered, knowing, and occasionally perverse, suggesting it may not endear itself to newcomers to DeLillo's work. He notes that even some longtime fans might find it challenging. Purdon highlights that the novel's style and themes are not for everyone, and it may leave readers feeling detached or unsatisfied. However, he acknowledges that DeLillo's unique voice and exploration of contemporary themes are still present.

Quick quotes

    Mannered, knowing, occasionally perverse, this is not a novel that will endear itself to DeLillo newcomers.

    There may be old hands for whom its style and themes are not to their taste.

    The novel's detached and clinical style may leave some readers feeling unsatisfied.

The Guardian · 2020-10-22
unsettling 3.00

The novel is brief and lacks the humor of DeLillo's previous works. It is a stark and unsettling exploration of a world without technology.

The reviewer notes that The Silence is significantly shorter than some of DeLillo's other works, which makes it feel more condensed and intense. They appreciate the novel's ability to capture the dread and uncertainty of a world where technology suddenly fails. However, they also point out that it lacks the humor and expansiveness of some of DeLillo's earlier novels, making it a more somber and less engaging read. The reviewer finds the novel's exploration of human reaction to sudden technological failure intriguing but also somewhat bleak.

Quick quotes

    The Silence is just over a hundred pages long, so it is not as commodious a novel as Underworld, and not as funny as White Noise.

    It makes for a book that feels oddly heartless, with little to balance against the overwhelming monstrousness of the world we have created.

    The novel is a stark and unsettling exploration of a world without technology.

The New York Times · 2020-10-12
engrossing 3.50

The novel is engrossing and DeLillo's syntax remains sharp, but it may not satisfy those looking for deeper meaning.

The reviewer finds The Silence to be an engrossing read, praising DeLillo's signature syntax which remains as sharp as ever. They appreciate the novel's ability to draw the reader in and maintain their attention. However, they also express some disappointment, feeling that the novel does not delve deeply enough into the themes it presents. The reviewer suggests that while the novel is well-written and engaging, it may leave readers wanting more in terms of meaningful exploration of its central ideas.

Quick quotes

    The good news about The Silence is that it's engrossing and that, at 83, DeLillo's syntax is as prickly as ever.

    I'm as attracted as anyone to the idea of a novel that captures the sense of dread and paranoia that comes with living in a hyper-connected world.

    But ultimately, the novel feels like it's missing something, a deeper exploration of the themes it touches on.

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