Whispers Through a Megaphone

by Rachel Elliott

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35-year-old Miriam hasn't left her house in three years, and cannot raise her voice above a whisper. But today she has had enough, and is finally ready to rejoin the outside world. Maybe it's time to stop living in the shadow of her abusive dead mother? Meanwhile, Ralph has made the mistake of opening a closet door, only to discover with a shock that his wife Sadie doesn't love him, and never has. And so he decides to run away. Miriam and Ralph's chance meeting in a wood during stormy show more weather marks the beginning of an amusing, restorative friendship. show less

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4 reviews
as far as i can tell, and while the depths and degrees vary, everyone is broken in some way. sometimes in many ways. if we are lucky we have grit, a good sense of humour, and, maybe, support from others as we try and navigate our lives (while mitigating the damages as best we can). this all sounds very dark and heavy, i know... but: remember the humour! and if you are tuned into these facts about those around you, there is a sensitivity and kindness about you so very much needed in this world.

so - that is what whispers through a megaphone is about. i found this to be a great read, and an impressive debut novel. the story is insightful, i enjoyed the quirk factor, and i think the character of miriam will stick with me for quite some show more time. there is a bit of a twist near the end, which was peculiar, but added yet another example of how thoughtless, careless, hurtful and cruel people can be. and did certainly leave me wondering what would have happened had frances and the headmaster not had that final encounter. my only criticism, or disappointment, with the novel has to do with the character of sadie, and the storyline between her and ralph. it fairly dwindled off in regards to sadie's arc, which felt odd to me given she was an alternating voice for most of the book. but this is a minor quibble, really.

this is another novel that landed on my reading radar thanks to the 2016 baileys women's prize for fiction, and i am so glad it did!

interview with rachel elliott: http://bookanista.com/rachel-elliott/
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This was a fine light read, but not particularly memorable.
This was a fine light read, but not particularly memorable.

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3 Works 118 Members

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Common Knowledge

Canonical title
Whispers Through a Megaphone
Original publication date
2015-08-26
People/Characters
Miriam Delaney; Ralph Swoon
Dedication
To my family, shore to my sea
First words
Miriam Delaney sits at her kitchen table and watches the radio.
Last words
(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)The constant spectacle of what isn't there.

Classifications

Genres
Fiction and Literature, General Fiction, Suspense & Thriller
DDC/MDS
823.92Literature & rhetoricEnglish & Old English literaturesEnglish fiction1900-2000-
LCC
PR6105 .L589 .W48Language and LiteratureEnglishEnglish Literature2001-
BISAC

Statistics

Members
52
Popularity
581,216
Reviews
3
Rating
½ (3.50)
Languages
English, French, German
Media
Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
ISBNs
7
ASINs
3