Eve Bunting, the author of A Sudden Silence, writes to convey anti-alcoholism messages to young readers. The novel follows Jesse, the main character, in his grief following the death of his brother Bry in a hit-and-run. His grief is complicated by his relationship with Bry's girlfriend, Chloe, as they work together to find the driver/killer. Throughout the novel, Jesse encounters a few characters who suffer from alcohol abuse.

Bunting writes about characters suffering from alcohol abuse from varied social classes to compare society's differing responses. These characters also provide context about the intricacies of the negative effects of alcohol abuse in community and family settings. A Sudden Silence provides an example of the unintentional consequences of alcohol abuse. Throughout the story, innocent bystanders are negatively impacted by the abuse of others.

Sometimes even novels are written with a strong purpose.  Sudden Silence is one of these.  The author’s purpose is to warn people of the dangers of alcoholism and alcohol abuse.  The theme of death and destruction serves this purpose well.  One main theme is the pointlessness of death, as Bry’s mother comments about his death.

“Isn’t it ironic?” Mom said loudly. “I don’t drink, your dad never has more than a couple of beers, and here’s our son, killed by a driver who was probably drunk.” (p. 63)

With Sudden Silence, the author wants readers, especially teenagers, to think about the widespread devastate that simply drinking and driving can cause.  The book’s message is effective because there is a strong story with believable, likable characters, but the purpose is clear.

Read more here: http://www.enotes.com/sudden-silence-qn and here http://www.enotes.com/sudden-silence-qn/themes-characters

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