A review by belleanndthebook
Listening Still by Anne Griffin
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This book was a refreshing piece of women’s literary fiction!
I would recommend this book for people who enjoy premises that are slightly magical, but the overall story is more of a contemporary like in the magical realism or fabulism genres. The main character’s ability to speak to the dead allows for a lot of interesting reflections on what the purpose of being alive is, and different reasons why the dead hang on to their lives after death (or don’t). The main character herself is in somewhat of a midlife crisis over her goals for the future (exacerbated by her husband’s own more clear goals for the future), and this ties nicely into the themes on life purpose.
After finishing this book, I would like to read a review on the portrayal of autism in the character Mikey, one of the major side-characters of the book; however, the representation was not in of itself a plot point.
Overall, my absolute favorite part of this book was the ending, and I found it incredibly thought-provoking! Although I personally could not relate to life stage that the main character was in, I could see myself returning to this book in the future. I also really enjoyed the audiobook read by Nicola Coughlan (yes! From Bridgerton and Derry Girls) , whose accent made the character come to life!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for sending me this book both digitally and as an audiobook!
I would recommend this book for people who enjoy premises that are slightly magical, but the overall story is more of a contemporary like in the magical realism or fabulism genres. The main character’s ability to speak to the dead allows for a lot of interesting reflections on what the purpose of being alive is, and different reasons why the dead hang on to their lives after death (or don’t). The main character herself is in somewhat of a midlife crisis over her goals for the future (exacerbated by her husband’s own more clear goals for the future), and this ties nicely into the themes on life purpose.
After finishing this book, I would like to read a review on the portrayal of autism in the character Mikey, one of the major side-characters of the book; however, the representation was not in of itself a plot point.
Overall, my absolute favorite part of this book was the ending, and I found it incredibly thought-provoking! Although I personally could not relate to life stage that the main character was in, I could see myself returning to this book in the future. I also really enjoyed the audiobook read by Nicola Coughlan (yes! From Bridgerton and Derry Girls) , whose accent made the character come to life!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for sending me this book both digitally and as an audiobook!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Child abuse