What roles do silence and emptiness play in the book?

What roles do silence and emptiness play in the book?

I think silence is played out in this book as contemplative space and space to accept what she (Terry) feels. However she carefully uses the word 'empty' in a wholly different way---to mean void of feelings or feelings that are too hard to revisit so pushed aside. I thought this contemplative journey of hers really worked in bringing me back and forth between these two concepts in a very real way.

I was struck by the power of silence addressed in the book. Her mother's silence both in her blank journals & at times her silence as a mother seemed to carry more power than words. It certainly can also carry a message of cultural expectations - the role of women. Terry seemed to become more aware of voice as she struggled with the implications if silence.

I think emptiness is more of a feeling of loss or sadness. I think of silence as peaceful and Terry seemed to find peace in the silence of the wilderness. She seemed to feel empty and very discouraged after meeting with the very rude politicians