Title: Listen to Me
Author: Hannah Pittard
First published July 5, 2016
191 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780544714441 (ISBN10: 054471444X)
Rating: 2.87
Overview
In Listen to Me by Hannah Pittard, a couple’s road trip goes awry when they find themselves stranded in a remote inn during a storm. Mark and Maggie’s marriage is already on shaky ground, and Maggie’s recent trauma has left her feeling like a stranger to her husband.
As tension builds and the power goes out, Maggie’s paranoia hits a dangerous peak. But when a threatening situation arises, Maggie surprises everyone, including herself, by taking charge.
This modern gothic tale will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
Editoral Review
Hannah Pittard’s “Listen to Me” is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that explores the complexities of modern relationships and mental health. Pittard is a critically acclaimed writer, known for her previous novels “Reunion” and “The Fates Will Find Their Way,” and “Listen to Me” is another excellent addition to her body of work.
The novel delves into the turbulent marriage of Maggie and Mark, two recently-weds who decide to take a road trip to their remote cabin in the mountains. The trip is filled with tension and unease, as the couple struggles to communicate and confront their inner demons.
A sense of foreboding and unease permeates the story, as the secluded cabin becomes a haunting backdrop for the unraveling of their relationship. Pittard skillfully depicts the complexities of the couple’s relationship, as well as their individual struggles with mental health issues.
The narrative is divided between Maggie and Mark’s perspectives, allowing readers to intimately experience their inner worlds and the challenges they face. The novel also touches on timely themes of gun violence and trauma, adding depth and poignancy to the story.
Pittard’s writing is impeccable, with each sentence elegantly crafted and masterfully paced. Her attention to detail is remarkable, as she effortlessly captures the nuances of human behavior and the intricacies of relationships.
The result is a novel that is both hauntingly beautiful and acutely relevant. One of the novel’s few limitations is its tendency towards melodrama, particularly towards the novel’s end, which may turn off some readers.
Additionally, the focus on the romantic relationship at times overshadows the novel’s other themes, leaving some intriguing ideas unexplored. However, these minor limitations do not detract from the overall power and impact of “Listen to Me.” Pittard has written a novel that is both deeply affecting and thought-provoking, exploring the complexities of human relationships with empathy and understanding.
Readers who enjoy literary fiction that delves deep into the human experience will find “Listen to Me” to be an engrossing and rewarding read. Pittard’s writing is exceptional, and her exploration of contemporary issues is sure to resonate with many readers.
Overall, this novel is a must-read for fans of literary fiction, and it deserves a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
