A review by silverliningsandpages
The Listeners by Jordan Tannahill

adventurous dark funny tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

“Can You Hear the Hum?”

Thank you to 4th Estate for the proof copy.  This is a wild ride of a book, that manages to be at turns funny, frenetic and serious.  The protagonist, Claire, hears a low hum which her husband cannot, and it seems that nobody else close to her can.  The sound is so penetrating that it causes insomnia, headaches and nosebleeds, and in her desperation and isolation she, together with a student of hers falls in with a group of “listeners”.  The group starts off as a self-help gathering, but the diverse members have competing motivations, ambitions and concerns; eventually events take a shocking turn.

This is a thought provoking, imaginative novel exploring self-validation, conspiracy theories, power, gaslighting, the fascination with the unknowable and a yearning for community and meaningful connections.  While some of the plot may seem extreme and dramatic, I also found it entirely plausible.  I recommend this to readers who appreciate conspiracy theories and stories with feminist themes.  I also think that if you enjoyed Leave the World Behind, this may be for you.

Rating: 4/5🌟