title: Whispers Through the House
author:  Laurel Means 
description: As my fourth prairie novel, and like The Long Journey Home to which Whispers is a sequel, Whispers focuses on one aspect of pioneer life so often overlooked. That is, rather than providing that better-known Scandinavian immigrant background, so richly present on the northern plains, it describes another group -- the French Canadian -- whose struggles to survive and cultural conflicts were as deeply felt.
zlib_text: 
  
  
  "I don't understand it," Mr. Sterling added, changing his tone. "Mr. Berkley
  said not one person has shown interest. He explained that the townspeople have
  told him awful things about our home. I'm not sure why anyone would say such
  things. No one, besides the Madisons, has been inside,"
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  The floorboard underneath me squeaked so loudly, I thought one would be able
  to hear it in Romania.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  The bedroom door creaked open.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Mr. Sterling appeared, and behind him a very tall and statuesque Mrs.
  Sterling.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  The bathroom doorway that once looked so close now seemed miles away.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  "Raven," Mrs. Sterling said, "We didn't know you were here."
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  "I was just on my way-"
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  "We've been meaning to talk to you," she said, "now that you've heard about
  the Mansion going on the market,"
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  I didn't move.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  "I know it must be hard for you, Raven-as it is for us," Mrs. Sterling said in
  a soothing voice.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  I nodded.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  "You have done so much