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4.38 AVERAGE
4.38 AVERAGE
I will write a proper review shortly
Timeline of events:
1st June - Saw Lover Birds recommended in local bookshop
2nd June - Borrowed the audiobook and loved it
3rd - Wanted to read more from the author and saw their new books available for request on NetGalley and requested
4th June - Request was approved so my TBR was abandoned to read Listen Closely
5th June - Finished reading Listen Closely and came to the sad realisation I'm actually going to have to wait to read more books by this author.
(If it wasn't already obvious, I enjoyed the book and thank you for the eARC)
Timeline of events:
1st June - Saw Lover Birds recommended in local bookshop
2nd June - Borrowed the audiobook and loved it
3rd - Wanted to read more from the author and saw their new books available for request on NetGalley and requested
4th June - Request was approved so my TBR was abandoned to read Listen Closely
5th June - Finished reading Listen Closely and came to the sad realisation I'm actually going to have to wait to read more books by this author.
(If it wasn't already obvious, I enjoyed the book and thank you for the eARC)
emotional
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
I received a free ebook of Listen Closely from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Listen Closely is the kind of book I wish my teenage self had been able to read. Despite having left my teens behind quite some time ago, I still found myself staying up all night to keep reading this gorgeous novel, and ended up devouring it in one sitting.
It’s impossible not to root for Jude and Aiden, and watching their romance (and friendship!) blossom in synchronicity with their passion and creativity with regard to audio drama, a medium I adore beyond words, was so special. It was also incredibly beautiful to see two trans characters falling in love despite having to face transphobia in their creative careers: and very gratifying to see how they grew as a result of their relationships with another. Egan struck an incredible balance in tone and managed to create a deeply hopeful story that simultaneously doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of the current moment. I just can’t express how lovely it was to finally watch two trans characters fall in love on the page, and their mutual transness to be a contributing factor to their love stories, such as the very tender scene with the trans tape, rather than a detriment, obstacle, or source of tension.
Our two leads’ relationships with the other characters around them were also consistently organic and intriguing, and supported their overall character arcs beautifully. Egan also portrays the characters’ neurodivergence with so much nuance and care. And did I mention this book is also funny? I really couldn’t ask for more from Listen Closely on any front and I’m so excited to read more of Egan’s work in the future.
This is such a special book and I really hope it receives the love and acclaim it deserves. It will have a special place in my heart forever.
I had the pleasure of interviewing Egan for The Hidden Bookcase podcast- I’ll amend this review with a link when that’s available.
I had the pleasure of interviewing Egan for The Hidden Bookcase podcast- I’ll amend this review with a link when that’s available.