A review by ady_soundslike80
The History of Sound: Stories by Ben Shattuck

emotional reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

4.75

The History of Sound by Ben Shattuck is a stunning collection that defies the usual expectation of short story collections—while most have standout pieces, this one is remarkable in that every single story resonates. Every story stands on its own while seamlessly weaving into a larger tapestry of longing, memory, and life’s transient moments. 

Shattuck’s writing style is beautifully lyrical, precise yet deeply evocative, making even the smallest moments feel weighty with emotion. He has an incredible ability to weave intimacy into the prose—each sentence carrying the richness of unsaid things, each image carefully crafted to linger. His ability to balance nostalgia with sharp clarity is masterful, and the result is a collection that demands slow, thoughtful reading.

Thematically, The History of Sound explores the passage of time and how sound—both literal and metaphorical—captures history, emotion, and the echoes of lives lived. The stories are immersive, carrying a sensory depth that makes them feel alive. Whether through themes of love, loss, discovery, or quiet revelation, each piece contributes to a larger meditation on human connection and the stories we leave behind. 

It’s rare to come across a short story collection where every piece feels essential, but this one achieves that effortlessly. If you appreciate fiction that is both exquisitely written and emotionally resonant, The History of Sound is a book that will stay with you long after you’ve set it down.

As a relevant note that does not pertain to this book in particular: I adore short story collections and anthologies. I have enjoyed them for most of my reading life because short fiction moves at a different pace and in a different way. It is easy to pick up when life is too busy to immerse yourself in a novel and it breaks up your reading life wonderfully. That being said, many readers do NOT enjoy short stories. Even for those readers, it is possible that stories that are interconnected as these are might hit the right note. If short stories aren’t your usual fare, you might still enjoy this collection.