Overheard in a Dream

A Novel

By: Torey Hayden

Narrated by: Jean Alexander

Length: 14 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's Summary

Bestselling author Torey Hayden's novel is a fascinating study of a fractured family, a troubled child, and a psychiatrist's attempts to rescue them.

Conor, aged nine, arrives in the play therapy room of child psychiatrist James Innes with the diagnosis "autistic". His mother Laura, an aloof, enigmatic novelist, can't handle him. His rancher father, embroiled in divorcing Laura, does not feel there is anything wrong with Conor. His six-year-old sister Morgana insists he really does see ghosts. As James becomes convinced Conor is not autistic, he is drawn first into Conor's strange world of "things the cat knows" and then into Morgana's stories of her friend the "Lion King". James is pulled most deeply, however, into Laura's world; at first that of a lonely, rather difficult woman and then, eventually, into the world of her imagination, an enthralling world that seems almost real - and that hides a terrible secret.

©2008 Torey Hayden (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Amazing story!

I have been a fan of Torey Hayden books for decades. Her books have been truly influential in my career as a teacher. This last book....the first fiction book that I have read by Ms. Hayden, was very different from the other books I have read by her, to be sure. But I hung on every word, and, just like her past books, I was sad to see it end.

The narrator was very skilled. Put me right into the scenes without distraction.

I hope Ms. Hayden writes more like this, as well as more of her non-fiction books about the children she has taught.

Well done....I must simply say....
WELL DONE!

Interesting but heavy!!

This story is not for sensitive listeners, and can be explicit.
The audio sound took some getting used to but improved through the book. There are small parts that jump…missing parts of the story.

Absolutely awful

This book was absolutely terrible. More about an unbelievably awful fictional story than about the boy.

a disappointed fan

I am a fan of Torey and have read some of her other books. I was excited to start this book and walked away very disappointed. It was boring and not really about the child. He was a key to the story but the book focused on a fictional story and the mother. skip this book.

Fiction is not Cathy Glass’s strong point.

Cathy Glass is one of my favorite authors, but only when she’s writing true stories. This is a terrible novel, unless you enjoy reading about the gritty details of taking care of a dying old man. Cathy should stay away from fiction and stick to nonfiction, where she excels.

Disjointed

The story line was disjointed and the ending was way too abrupt and unclear. What did it all mean? Reality or not?

Strangely obscure

What did you like best about Overheard in a Dream? What did you like least?

It was obscure and almost a fantasy bordering on a Narnia type scenario. I'm quite indifferent.. liked it, didn't like it..

Would you recommend Overheard in a Dream to your friends? Why or why not?

If you are looking for fiction no.. if you think that it's the usual Torey hayden.. no..

Would you listen to another book narrated by Jean Alexander?

yes, her nattation is good. But she does muddle male and female characters at times.

Was Overheard in a Dream worth the listening time?

If you have the time.. yes... but really no..

Any additional comments?

A bland read.. I'm no sure Torey herself knew what to expect while writing it.

Enjoyed it from the second half onward

I didn't read the description properly and thought this was one of Hayden's usual stories so I was a bit disappointed to meet James in places of Torey's usual spot as the therapist. I let it play on though and started to enjoy the story from about half way (after I let go of my stubborness). I first thought the story jumped around too much between different story lines bit it all came together nicely. Would recommend

Brilliant

I was swept along with the story and listened to it in two days I knew the characters faces and even guessed some of the story as it went along! Definitely worth listening too!

not usual for Torey Hayden

this was the most complex and bizarre novel. Read Toreys nonfiction - they are amazing!

amazing ending

seriously loved this book, and the narration was perfect! lots of plot twists. felt like you get two books in one, and both are great!

I loved it❤️

I absolutely loved this book!
Intricately detailed with a love that shines through.
I have to wait for my next credit now to download another by Torey Hayden.
I cannot wait x

An interesting read.

I enjoy this book. it was narrated very well. I found it very interesting but I enjoy her non-fiction books better. I still would recommend this book.