The Listeners Book Summary

by Jordan Tannahill70

TL;DR

The Listeners by Jordan Tannahill is a gripping novel that explores a woman's obsession with an inexplicable sound, unraveling her family life and leading to a deeper investigation into perception, faith, and isolation.

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What is The Listeners about

The Listeners centers around Claire Devon, a high school teacher in suburban America who begins hearing a mysterious low-frequency hum that only she can perceive. This sound disrupts her life, leading to a profound obsession that isolates her from her husband and community. As Claire connects with a student who shares her experience, they form a bond that spirals into a larger group of individuals also affected by the sound. The narrative delves into themes of shared perceptions, the fragility of familial bonds, and the consequences of collective obsession. Tannahill's background as a playwright informs the novel’s dramatic tension, making it both a literary page-turner and a profound commentary on belief and reality.

The Listeners 6 Key Takeaways

Claire hears an inexplicable hum.

One night, while lying next to her husband, Claire hears a low reverberating tone, marking the beginning of her obsession with the sound that seems to exist only in her perception.

Discovery of shared perception with a student.

Claire finds an unexpected ally in one of her students, who can also hear the hum. Their relationship deepens as they bond over this shared experience, distancing themselves from their families.

Formation of a support group.

The duo's connection leads to the formation of a support group for others who hear the hum, eventually morphing into something more extreme and unsettling.

Isolation from family and community.

As Claire and her newfound friends delve deeper into their obsession with the hum, they increasingly isolate themselves from their loved ones, leading to strain and conflict.

The group's descent into mania.

What starts as a self-help group escalates into an obsessive movement, reflecting the extremes people go to in search of understanding and community.

Consequences of belief and perception.

The novel culminates in devastating consequences as Claire’s obsession and the group’s collective mania take a toll on her relationships, forcing readers to ponder the nature of reality and belief.

Top The Listeners Quotes

  • "Sometimes what we hear shapes who we are, even when no one else can perceive it."
  • "In our search for connection, we may find ourselves lost in the very thing that binds us together."

Who should read The Listeners?

The Listeners is ideal for readers who enjoy psychological dramas and explorations of the human psyche. Those intrigued by themes of perception, obsession, and the impact of belief on relationships will find profound insights and emotional resonance in Tannahill's work.

The Listeners Best Reviews

  • "An electrifying exploration of perception and obsession, Tannahill's narrative is as compelling as it is unsettling." - The Globe and Mail
  • "A masterful blend of psychological depth and narrative tension that brilliantly examines the impact of belief on human relationships." - The National Post