A review by ckpeebler
The Listeners by Maggie Stiefvater

slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

Even though I'm not a diehard Stiefvater fan, I still feel pretty let down by this novel, even though I am giving it 3 stars. Her descriptions of the setting are masterful, giving the reader insight into the reality of a place as well as the perceptions people have the setting (and how that also reflects who they are). Clearly she did extensive research into hotels around this period, into West Virginia as a culture and resource, and WWII diplomatic relations as well - it was fascinating to read these parts. Unfortunately, when it came to the actual story, none of this research seemed to matter much. These characters and this story really could have taken place at any time. There is the running thread of realizing that neutrality can indeed be a position of violence, an important message that is relevant with our current events now. But nothing really happens "on-screen" for 95% of the book, in fact a lot that happens is revealed later on in one or two chapters at the end when we haven't even formed a connection to any of the main characters. The realization that June has about her position and her desires felt stilted because she didn't learn anything new in order to uncover these things about herself, it's like she flips a switch as soon as the reader is informed about her past (which is something she already knew because she lived through). None of the characters in fact go through any reflection - they start out as bland, flat characters, tell you their tragic backstory, and instantly change who they are to be better at the end. Even Hannelore, whose story in the middle of the book kept me going, to me had an unsatisfying end because she's essentially used as an object and not a real person with feelings. To wrap it up, I would still try again with Maggie Stiefvater, but with more characterizations that align with the Raven Cycle - perhaps series are where she shines, because this one felt simultaneously too long and finished too quick.