The Language of Secrets

The Language of Secrets by Dianne Dixon is the story of one man’s exploration into his past. Exploring one’s past is a fashionable pursuit, but Justin Fisher’s explorations lead him to the story of another man, another family, and another past entirely.

The novel begins with Justin, his wife Amy and their son Zack moving to the West Coast after a prolonged stay on the East Coast and London. In a moment of nostalgia, Justin visits the graves of his parents, and finds a small grave next to theirs, with his name on it.  The ensuing mystery unravels through the story of two families; point and counterpoint to Justin’s most cherished memories.

Justin’s journey takes its toll on his own family. His wife is baffled and hurt by his withdrawal. Their crisis echoes that of other family, decades past. One crisis is resolved in a horrifying betrayal, one that has consequences far beyond its intended goal. Can one family’s love erase the bitter fruit of years of secrets?

Dixon explores The Language of Secrets in  tautly written, compelling prose. The action moves forward quickly, yet she retains those moments of sun-dappled promise, in both the yesterdays and the present days. She never forgets that people are complex, and their love for each other is more complex still. The expression of that love can lead to joy, or secrets, sometimes simultaneously.

The Language of Secrets
Author Dianne Dixon
Doubleday, ISBN 978-0-385-53063-7
Tentative Release Date 03/23/10