Townie

A Short Story

By: Neel Patel

Narrated by: Alexandra Grey

Length: 38 mins

Publisher's summary

A sharp, haunting story about identity, connection, and trust built and broken, Townie is a spellbinding listen by the critically acclaimed author of If You See Me, Don’t Say Hi.

Townie is a brief yet dramatic glimpse at a blossoming friendship between two young women in a small college town - Amal, a transplant from LA, and Bridgette, a local 20-something who feels lost in her own life and becomes enamored with her new friend’s confidence. At first, the new relationship is intoxicating, and the two women spend every spare minute getting drunk on cheap liquor, party-hopping, and binging reality TV. But soon, a secret is revealed that shifts the dynamic, and Bridgette makes a choice she can never take back.

Please note: This audio contains strong language and descriptions of violence that some listeners may find upsetting. Discretion is advised.

©2021 Neel Patel (P)2021 Audible Originals, LLC.

Gosh. Sad.

The characters in this play are lonely and afraid. I’m left feeling bereft for them. I have it 5 stars because it made me feel even though that feeling isn’t happy.

Great Listen

I picked this story on a whim and I'm glad I did. It describes so many “friendships” you see between women in the real world, the twist makes it all worthwhile.

Wow

That was not at all the ending I was expecting. It was so shocking. I liked the story overall but was really thrown off by the end.

Multifaceted

Powerful story about friendships, secrets, betrayal, jealousy, hurts and lies. Well written and well read. No spoilers in this review. Short story that will have a long impact. The cast of characters reflect the author’s knowledge of Middle Eastern people. Appreciate that the excellent narrator didn’t try to imitate their accents.

OBSESSED!

This was such amazing storytelling! You did that! I look forward to reading more of your work!

Short but good

I really enjoyed this. A tragedy that Bridgette didn’t feel more about the ending events. Loved the narration

Excellent story and narration!

I wasn't expecting such a complete story in 38 minutes but that is definitely what was achieved. There is a little mystery developing as we get to know the two main characters and then there is an ending you can't possibly see coming. It was excellent storytelling!

This was my first listen with this narrator but she delivered the story so well that my goal is to experience her again and often.

Bridget Needs Her Ass Beat. 💁🏿‍♀️

This story also needs a clearer and more specific trigger warning; I know doing so may give the impression of “spoiling” the story, but I imagine this could be incredibly triggering for certain people who resonate with the characters in this story, especially if they come across its developments unexpectedly.

In terms of the story itself I think it’s incredibly impressive. I do think it could be problematic for the average reader who only came to this for leisure; however, on an academic level weaves together a complexity of dynamics that could prove REALLY useful to tease out in a gender studies class or reading club. The writing and narration are both well done; would definitely recommend for the critical reader!

Sad short story

Very short listen but deep and meaningful. Reminds us that we should never lash out at anyone in anger or hurt, revealing secrets and information to others. So sad that we still have hate crimes happening in our world, I felt so bad for Amal and for Bridgett, a moment of hurt led her to lash out and haunt her forever.

Better than expected.

At first I thought I knew where this story was going, but not so. It was actually pretty good. Surprising and well written.