Seeds of Silence

“Papa God, you are the One for whom nothing is impossible…”

In a village steeped in tradition, Hannah longs for one thing: a child. Despite the deep love she shares with her husband Elkanah, years of childlessness invite whispers, shame, and pressure. When Elkanah’s family urges him to take a second wife, Hannah must confront societal expectations, fading hope, and the silence of unanswered prayers.

Seeds of Silence is a powerful West African reimagining of the biblical story of Hannah—told with cultural authenticity and deep compassion. Set in Sierra Leone, it gives voice to the silent suffering of women who carry the weight of infertility in a world that deems it failure.

This is not just a story of sorrow—it’s a declaration of faith, resilience, and redemption. For women battling infertility and all who’ve wrestled with cultural pressure, spiritual doubt, or unanswered longings, Seeds of Silence offers a lifeline: reminding us that God’s promises transcend tradition, shame, and geography.

Esme James’s unique narration skills in Seeds of Silence transforms what is otherwise a simple biblical story into a riveting secular fiction in which liberal thinking butts heads with deep-rooted culture and traditions. Set in a backdrop of an authentic slice of Sierra Leone culture, Seeds of Silence explores the challenges between generations, religious beliefs and modern-day thinking. Can a free-thinking individual successfully negotiate the twists and turns of age-old traditions and practices? And emerge unscathed? The skillfully-etched heroine takes us through the highs and lows of faith, trust, constant prayer, dependence and deference to a God who manifests his intangible omnipotence. Seeds of Silence validates the extra in an extraordinary narrative! —Yvonne Thompson-Kponou, Retired Educationist

It was a pleasure reading Seeds of Silence. I especially enjoyed the way it reflects Hannah's travails in search of a solution to her problem. It so represents the lengths to which many women in Sierra Leone go to have children, and the the extremes to which many people push them in exploring for a child. Congratulations on providing a secular reading to a profound biblical story that reflects its central message.

—Batilloi Isaac Warritay Communication for Development Specialist Author: Walking in His Way – a Biography of The Reverend Sylmadie Warritay – 2023, Freetown, Sierra Leone

Seeds of Silence is a captivating narrative that delves into the emotional and psychological toll of childlessness on marital partners and their extended families. While the characters' choices may not always resonate, the story masterfully builds empathy for their conflicting values, emotions, and desires. Amid this intricate web of family and individual aspirations, where cultural expectations collide with nature's unpredictability and human frailty, Seeds of Silence offers a powerful testament to the transformative power of faith and hope in a loving God, revealing a path to resilience and peace.

—Pede Hollist - Professor of English, University of Tampa; author of, So The Path Does Not Die.

Esme James has written a captivating story about an African woman who experienced both grief and victory, two things most African women can relate to. She has very skillfully taken the liberty to transport the events recorded in the book of first Samuel into our contemporary African setting. The gut-wrenching pain and anguish many African women go through in our communities cry out from the pages of this book. It depicts the faith journey that brings many of us to the crossroads where we arrive at the point of relinquishment; where the grace-filled releasing of our will becomes the stream that flows into God’s will. This is a must-read book for all Africans, male or female.

—Reverend (Dr) Donald Osman Founder and General Overseer, Kingdom Connection Centre, Freetown, Sierra Leone; President LEAD Africa

I recognised the inspiration behind the story as the biblical account in 1 Samuel and this greatly piqued my interest in reading it. I was not disappointed. I found Seeds of Silence to be hard to put down once started, with its highly relatable plot of a childless woman facing challenges from family with courage and the support of her understanding husband.

The themes of barrenness, cultural norms in a typical African society, religion, and family relationships are explored with great sensitivity. The story frequently plucked at my heartstrings and even occasionally brought me to tears. Yet the ending left me feeling everyone had come out a winner. Above all, it spoke clearly of God's amazing love and grace in the lives of his children. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more works from Esme James.

—Linda Rebecca Williams Writer, Activist for African Girlchild and Deaf Education

Seeds of Silence is the riveting, inspiring story of Hannah and Samuel, strikingly retold in an accessible, relatable way that will not only speak to the hearts of an African audience but to all women who are struggling with the agony of infertility, and the question of whether God sees and hears them

The beautifully written narrative evokes the rich smells, sounds, and feel of Sierra Leone and the challenges that Christians face when seeking help for their troubles. For those struggling in their faith, take inspiration from Seeds of Silence, and know that God sees us in the pit, and we can trust and believe him for the miraculous.

—Fredline A. O. M'Cormack-Hale, Professor, Seton Hall University; President, the 50/50 Group, Sierra Leone

In Seeds of Silence, Esme James shares the timeless biblical story of Hannah through the plight of Hannah Roberts in an African setting. Hannah's painful experience of being married, not being able to have a child and dealing with pressures from her in-laws is a story many women can relate to, and the vivid and intense range of emotions she has are powerfully depicted throughout the book. The reader can't help but feel Hannah's pain which turns into rejoicing after her prayers are answered. Seeds of Silence is the perfect encouragement for anyone who needs to know that God does answer prayer in his time and in his way.

—Chidimma Jones-Mubima, MBA, EdM, CEO, Adonai Ventures, Learning & Development Professional

Esme James’s Seeds of Silence is a deeply moving and relatable exploration of the emotional and spiritual journey that accompanies the anticipation of new life. Through the character of Hannah, readers experience the heart-wrenching struggle of unmet desires, the complexities of womanhood, and the relentless hope that sustains us. James’s storytelling beautifully intertwines personal faith with the strength found in surrendering to a higher purpose. This novel is not just a story about motherhood but an inspirational narrative that will resonate deeply with anyone facing their own battles with faith and hope. Highly recommended for its grace, honesty, and lasting impact.

—Jaclyn Goliath, Blogger

In the face of infertility, hope is a beacon that guides us through the storm. It doesn’t matter what storm you are weathering; Seeds of Silence is a reminder of the resilience God placed in us, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is light to be found. Whether it's through the support of loved ones, the strength of faith, or the persistence of prayer, hope can be a powerful catalyst for healing and growth.

— JP & Danielle Steynvaard, (Marriage experts fighting the battle of infertility with their eyes fixed on God)