Moore, Brian: 1921-1999

Lies of Silence, 1990 - Thematic Parallels: Violence

Moore, Brian: Lies of Silence, 1990
The novel deals with how ordinary individuals navigate complex moral decisions in a society torn by violence and ideological conflict.
The following books are thematically simliar. Having read "Lies of Silence," the following texts lend themselves well to being read in groups, compared with one another, or used to teach a similar topic over an extended period with a class:
- Greene, Graham: Brighton Rock, 1938, ~240pp
  The novel involves crime, moral ambiguity, and the psychology of violence.
  Both works have core themes of moral complexity, violence’s impact, the intersection of religion/politics, and alienation. They probe the costs of living in worlds fractured by crime or conflict, where survival forces ethical compromises and internal battles.
- Guterson, David: Snow Falling on Cedars, 1994, ~400pp
  The novel explores prejudice, war trauma, and moral conflict in a divided community.
  Both novels show how large-scale conflicts permeate everyday lives, forcing characters to confront moral ambiguity and personal loyalties. They challenge readers to question the nature of truth and the shades of gray in ethical decisions. "Snow Falling on Cedars" leans toward reflection, reconciliation, and the search for justice, though with lingering ambiguities. "Lies of Silence" maintains a tense, suspenseful tone with an ambiguous and morally complex resolution, emphasizing personal survival amidst political chaos.
- Prejean, Helen: Dead Man Walking, 1993, ~350pp
  The novel deals with the moral and personal consequences of violence, justice, and the death penalty.
  Both works align in their deep exploration of violence, moral ambiguity, and the struggle for forgiveness and understanding in contexts of political or social conflict. They each underscore the human cost of violence and the importance of confronting uncomfortable truths, but "Dead Man Walking" leans more into moral/spiritual redemption, while "Lies of Silence" focuses on personal and political complicity and fear..
- Thomas, Angie: The Hate U Give, 2017, ~440pp
  This novel deals with political and social conflict, specifically racial injustice, and the impact of violence and activism on individuals and communities.
  Both novels engage with how individuals navigate oppressive and violent systems—whether systemic racism or political conflict—and the moral complexities of speaking out or staying silent. They coincide in exploring the human cost of violence and the struggle for justice.
List of general discussion questions on Violence (pdf)
List of essay prompts on Violence (pdf)