This is my first listen to David Arnold, author of several successful YA novels that have been translated into over a dozen languages.
Evan Taft has planned to take a gap year in Alaska while continuing his therapy for the panic attacks that have occurred since his father left the family. After his mother is given an unfortunate diagnosis, Evan’s plans are in jeopardy, as he feels he cannot leave his little brother and mother alone. In his need for reflection, he spends time alone in a nearby park and begins to hear the voice of a mysterious singer that no one else can hear. Meanwhile, Shosh Bell, a former high school theatre legend, has abolished all her plans for college after the tragic death of her sister. Instead of heading to a performing arts college in LA, she’s developed a drinking problem and has become a recluse in her family home. In the midst of her depression and solitude, Shosh also begins to hear the same mysterious voice singing in her ear. The mysterious singer soon brings Evan and Shosh together, and having each other in their lives finally allows them to move forward.
The storyline is very original but quite slow-moving. The novel may be marketed as a romance, but it also explores dark themes such as depression, addiction, panic disorder, family tragedy, and illness. The advancement of the plot often feels disjointed, especially when the story is told from Evan’s perspective, as he so frequently goes off on random tangents that have very little to do with the scene that’s being played out. As a listener, this requires more attention and can be seen as frustrating or intriguing, depending on the listener’s interest level.
Narrators Carlotta Brentan and Michael Crouch deliver authentic and compelling performances of Evan and Shosh that keep listeners engaged, and their singing of the audiobook’s unique melodies is quite entrancing! The musical score is definitely a highlight of this audiobook. In summary, this book is not for your typical YA audience, but instead for those who appreciate a slower-moving story with darker themes and a thought-provoking narrative!
