Casting light onto the once hidden tragedy of the 1918 Chilwell, England ammunition factory explosion, The Silent Canary tells of the catastrophic incident that resulted in the largest loss of life from a single accidental explosion during World War I.
But what if the explosion wasn’t an accident?
War pacifist Poppy Pemburton celebrates her twenty-third birthday on the front steps of the Chilwell, England ammunition factory with her favorite anti-war sign and her well-loved marching boots. War tears families apart and Poppy will certainly not allow it anywhere near the only family she has left. But when Poppy’s dearest friend, Luca, answers the Great War’s call to enlist, Poppy is willing to set aside her morals and join forces with the yellow-skinned Chilwell munition workers, known as canary girls, to bring Luca home safe. Because the only thing worse than the possibility of Luca dying in war, is Luca dying without knowing Poppy loves him.
German spy Jakob Kirtchner is sent to England with one chance left to prove himself. Jakob’s assignment: infiltrate the Chilwell ammunition factory by any means necessary. New employee Poppy Pemburton proves the perfect means. Germany will win the Great War. If Poppy falls with England, so be it. He just can’t fall with her. Or for her.
Exploring the human need to cling to hope, love and family during times of tumultuous upheaval, The Silent Canary, stretches our understanding of what it means to find bravery in the depths of our darkest moments, and forgiveness despite our deepest fears.
Storymakers
