The Silent Treatment

The Silent Treatment by Steve Hallock, published by Artists’ Orchard, LLC on July 5, 2016, is a fiction work that delves into the complexities of communication and human relationships. The narrative follows Grant Baker, a respected newspaper photographer who unexpectedly stops speaking, prompting his wife, Pauline, to embark on a quest to uncover the reasons behind his silence. This journey leads her to various theories proposed by a theologian and a doctor, exploring themes of faith, perception, and identity.

Readers will find themselves immersed in a story that raises more questions than it answers, as Pauline encounters a series of unexpected events, including a small-town cop’s arrest of Grant and a dramatic incident following a violent storm. The plot intertwines elements of artistic endeavor and love, while also introducing intriguing scenarios, such as a confrontation with a newspaper art critic and the mysterious appearance of an Edvard Munch painting. With 310 pages, this edition invites readers to reflect on the nature of communication and the myriad factors that influence our understanding of one another.