The Shouts Beneath

De: Paige Cowan-Hall

Narrado por: Jade Anouka

Winner of the Women’s Prize for Fiction Discoveries Award 2023

An intensely gripping modern myth about family, secrets, belonging, identity and the power of finding your voice.

Emily has spent her life running away. She never speaks about what happened between her and her mother at her family home when she was a child. All anyone knows is that same night her father packed up the car and drove Emily away. For her safety, he said. She hasn’t been home since.

When her mother dies on her 28th birthday, everything changes. She sees her mother everywhere. She catches glimpses at the corner of her eye. She haunts her dreams.

And as the line between dreaming and waking begins to blur, her husband Matt convinces her that the only way she can make peace with her past is to make one final visit to the house she grew up in. With Matt and her friends by her side, she feels ready to take the leap.

Opening this Pandora's box will change Emily’s life forever. Is she ready to face the truth?

©2024 Paige Cowan-Hall (P)2024 Audible Ltd.

Okay if you like supernatural occult fiction

I can appreciate the thoughtful approach to controversial social issues of the day, and the narration was 100% excellent. The plot wasn’t for me; I didn’t expect a tale of the supernatural/occult.

Just bizarre

This was a bizarre storyline and ending. I can see this being made into a Sci Fi movie.

angry black woman redefined

I was introduced to this author through audible included titles. Not sure of exactly what to expect. I love the way the author took the perspective of the stereotyped black woman the the publics expectations and how we hide ourselves to please others and deny ourselves from being who we are as individuals. nice twist great narration.

Unexpected

Great story! Kept me on my toes wondering what was going to happen. Narration was perfect for this story!

Really well done

The story was definitely worth the listen. The narrator was perfect. Nice twists. Not scary

Awesome narrator, great story arch

At first glance, weird and potentially cliche story. Don't be fooled. Amazing ending. Beautiful message. Worth every minute.

This is not your usual thriller…

If you are expecting a story with a lot of plot twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat, it has that, but more than that it’s a lived experience. It will make you think it will make you question. The imagery, the narration, loved every second of this audiobook. I will be looking for others by the author.

Twisted

Nice short but full story. The Twists and turns in story were at all the best places!

Intriguing

I love this book. I didn’t see Matt as the bad one. It definitely kept me on the edge of my seat thank you

Very powerful if you think about it…

Even from the beginning I thought it was good. I usually make it a point not to read the synopsis because there have been times I have passed up good books because it just didn't sound that good. Another benefit of diving in blindfolded is that you don't have any real expectations and when a book is good it just catches you off guard. It has some strong and important messages for black women specifically, but as a woman of mixed race, it is a strong message for any person who has ever felt different or unsure.

Spoilers——————————————————-——————————————

Before submitting this review, I caught sight of a couple 3 star and read them out of curiosity. Yes, this story is bizarre if you read it without noting the symbolism. The creature isn't an actual creature but traits passed down through generations that make a person who he or she is at the core. People often try to fit in or please others by hiding bits of themselves that they feel wont be accepted by their peers or general public. This story is a thriller, but it is also one of self-discovery. Emily is confronted by who she is and is forced to make a choice as to who she wants to be. Does she want to live a full and authentic life, or does she want to die? Because by denying who she is, she isn't truly living.