Reviews - The Listeners | The StoryGraph

747 reviews for:

The Listeners

Maggie Stiefvater

4.0 AVERAGE

liloopie's review

4.5

emotional hopeful medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Although the characters were fictional, the historical significance of how the US handled foreign diplomats during World War II was very real. The plot was captivating, and I was enchanted by the magical realism that Maggie Stiefvater brought to life by including "Sweet Water" as a character in the story. Having stayed at the Greenbrier in West Virginia, I can attest to the beauty of the region. Stiefvater's choice of setting was intriguing, as it is steeped in history and fascinating folklore. The hotel staff and guests of the Avallon, though secondary characters, added depth and richness to the narrative.

The staff's influence was pivotal in Tucker's development, as he and his colleagues navigated their personal and professional growth. The unexpected plot twist at the end was a delightful surprise. I was particularly impressed by how Stiefvater crafted June Hudson's character as a formidable female protagonist, placing her in the role of GM of the Avallon during a historical period when women rarely held such high positions.

justashark's review against another edition

4.5

emotional informative medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

estherackerman's review

4.0

dark emotional mysterious reflective slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

nokchimbird's review

5.0

adventurous funny informative mysterious slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

chelbelle152's review

4.0

challenging dark emotional informative mysterious reflective sad slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

laurenasuzano's review

4.0

challenging dark emotional informative mysterious sad tense slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

this was FASCINATING. i think this solidified my case for historical fiction as someone who was never as personally interested in history as a subject in its own right. there is so much life in these pages that make the events feel palpable and poignant in a way that a textbook could never capture. i know i could find these histories in non-fiction, but stiefvater’s prose just really sunk its teeth into me with this. it’s definitely an acquired taste and one that meanders quite a bit in its pensive, mysterious tone, but if you can get through it, it’s worth it in my opinion.