SUMNER, Ill., June 3, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Family remembrances stay forever, and play an important part in shaping beliefs and values. Indeed, they make a meaningful backdrop for a story captured in Willard D. Gray's new novel End of a Silence: Full Moon over Fox Prairie, (now available through 1stBooks). End of a Silence is a touching story about the plight of the lowly farmers of Fox Prairie. For years Jeff White, a vicious landowner, had committed crimes and for the most part, had always been able to avoid conviction. But rape and the cold-blooded murder of the victim's husband was more than the inhabitants of this Illinois farming community could stand. They had seen White commit the murder and feared that he would evade the legal system again. Would lynch-mob vengeance assure them that their sense of justice be done? What impact would this drastic action have in changing the lives of these otherwise law abiding and God fearing people?
In addition to fast-moving plots, Gray injects valuable life lessons and funny anecdotes within each character's daily life. These elements are vividly captured when Jean Pierre Wachtel, a main character, describes how his grandfather's wisdom changed his perspective of life. Wachtel recalls his grandfather as a strong, determined man who once said; "The history of men is carved from their place on earth, where they have lived, planted crops. All memory is tied to a place, as is joy, shame, forgotten virtues and remembered faults." Such meaningful thoughts provides Wachtel better insight into his own roots as well as enlightening the reader as to the real meaning of choices and decisions made each day. End of a Silence is Willard's first novel. Born and raised in Illinois, Gray has had a successful career in the army and business before deciding to move back to his hometown to run a farm. He dedicates this book to his recently deceased daughter. Gray is married to Mary Hanaka and resides near Sumner, Ill.
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