Elliott has created complex characters and a surprising story. Miriam and Ralph are both rich characters to whom an entire story could have been dedicated and although their friendship is lovely, I wondered if it was necessary. I was left wanting to know more about her mother and her childhood. I would have liked a deeper focus on Miriam and on her backstory. It's not that the other characters are less interesting, I just felt overwhelmed and unable to keep focus, like I kept getting yanked from one story and pulled into another.
The onslaught of characters and stories has the negative effect of overshadowing Miriam and Ralph. It made his time in the woods seem a little less pitiful.ĭISLIKE- Whispers Through a Megaphone has too many storylines. As a cat lover, I was endeared to Ralph by his adopting the stray cat. Time does not stand-still and they are both shocked by what they find when they try to recapture what has been lost. When their marriage is falling apart, Ralph and Sadie both seek out long-lost loves from their youth. His storyline features themes of love, nostalgia, and regret. Like Miriam, it's easy to root for Ralph, especially as he has been dealt a rough hand. Ralph's story is given nearly as much weight as Miriam's, making him a dual protagonist. Whispers Through a Megaphone has a lovely twist when we find out who is responsible for the mysterious postcards and it makes for an emotional read. Her backstory and terrible neglect are heartbreaking. She is truly a wonderful protagonist and it was effortless to root for her as she worked through her obstacles. LIKE- Miriam is a complex and intriguing character. Can Ralph and Miriam help each other face their fears and change their lives? Ralph's marriage is imploding and he has run away from his wife, Sadie, who has revealed that she no longer loves him.
When Miriam finally decides to leave her home, she walks in the woods and meets Ralph. In addition, Miriam has been receiving mysterious postcards from a stranger.
She also has a next door neighbor who has been gathering his courage to ask her out on a date. She has a childhood best friend who visits and urges Miriam to rejoin the world. Miriam does not have any family left, but she is not alone. Now in her mid-thirties, Miriam's mother has died and Miriam has not left her home in three years.
Using intimidation, Miriam's mother drilled into her the need to be quiet and as a result Miriam does not speak above a whisper. PLOT - Miriam was raised by a mentally-ill and abusive mother, who told Miriam that her father was dead. Thank you to Steerforth Press for providing me with an advance copy of Rachel Elliott's novel, Whispers Through a Megaphone, in exchange for an honest review.
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