What an utterly compelling read. I found myself reading into the small hours. Life has many twists and turns and not always a happy ending and this book dealt with that so delicately. It was set in beautiful Ireland and the characters shone through. A must read. This is the first book I have read by Anne Griffin and it wont be the last. Brilliant author

Having been an ardent fan of the author’s ‘When All Is Said’ novel, I approached this book with the same hope and expectation of having a great read in my hands. And I was not disappointed at all. The subject matter drew me in with its intriguing premise, because the living entertain a hope that they can hear the last words from the dying, and that maybe the dead can somehow communicate with us once they have passed through the veil.

Yet few of us would stop to consider what a curse such a gift of listening to the dead might bring in its wake. This author knows no such bounds. Anne Griffin tackles the subject head on with honesty, gentle humour, pathos and great sensitivity. There might be a unique beauty and specialness to being able to communicate with the dead, but there’s also a personal life to be lived, and that can be adversely impacted by it all.

Not only that, great discernment is required in seeking to pass on those last words heard beyond the grave. How open should one be? Because not everyone has warm thoughts toward the deceased, or the deceased for their own friends and relatives. Hostility and anger are just as likely to appear as loving kindness. Which makes Jeanie Masterson’s task all the more daunting as she tries to balance honesty with compassion toward those left behind.

In the process, her own marriage and the relationship she has with her parents becomes strained to breaking point. Instead of being a releasing skill, her unique gift of listening still to others threatens to tie her up in knots. The art of listening has to extend to her own heart and to her loved ones as well, as she begins to receive messages she would rather not hear, and learns how to respond to them.

This is an exquisitely written, rare gem of a book. Read it with relish and have your mind opened to areas of life you might not normally want to think about. Read it, too, as a warm family story with a unique slant and a compelling storyline that will keep you devouring it in the midnight hours. Highly recommended.

I loved When All Is Said so I was really eager to read Listening Still. As good as When All Is Said was, Listening Still is definitely my favorite.

The concept of this one is a little bit bizarre as it's based on undertakers who can hear hear speak to the newly deceased and pass on their last words but it is done so well that it works beautifully.

Anne did an amazing job at portraying the tenderness that would be needed in such circumstances but also showed the difficulties and hardships that would come with such a dynamic.

This book is so beautifully written with well-worked characters that you can't help but immediately connect to. I don't cry when I read books but I bawled my eyes out with this one!

This was a fascinating premise, and executed beautifully.
The main character Jeannie was a strong one, she was likeable on the whole, and I cared about her story.
There is much focus in this book on Jeannie and her family of funeral directors, and while this was important, I would have liked more scenes of 'listening to the dead' and the implications of this for the deceased families. Jeannie's story didn't keep me as engaged as those parts.
I did love the ending, a pretty big but unexpected plot twist!
Overall, an enjoyable read.

Having loved When All is Said, Anne Griffin’s first novel, I was very excited to receive from Netgalley a review copy of Listening Still. Unfortunately however, this one did not capture my imagination nor make me feel I was there in the story as I did in that little Irish bar alongside the irascible but lovable Maurice Hannigan. The quality of the writing is excellent, but how I had to suspend disbelief over the story of Jeanie’s inherited gift of communicating with the recently dead. Sad to say, this was just not for me.

This was a well written narrative, very easy to read. The setting in and around a funeral parlour with the premise that the undertakers can talk to the dead was unusual and made for an original story line. However I just did not feel engaged by any of the characters and for me that impacted on my enjoyment. I was seriously disappointed with the ending which was as my mother would "neither nowt nor summat". I did not enjoy this as much as When All Is Said for me it lacked the unknown "thing" that would draw me in properly

Anne Griffin’s debut novel, ‘When All is Said’, was one of my favourite books of 2019. ‘Listening Still’ is Irish writer Griffin’s second novel. It focusses on Jeanie Masterson, an undertaker who can hear the last words of the newly deceased. She finds herself a juggler of truth, obfuscations and lies as she tries to balance her commitment to the dead person to pass on a message to the ones left behind, with her own emotional need to soften harsh words that may hurt the recipient. This shaky balance of truth and lies is the theme of the book set in the small community of Kilcross.
It took me a while to get into this book, to care. Unlike Maurice Hannigan in ‘When All is Said’ who is a character whose head and being I immediately slipped into, I found Jeanie more difficult to reach and less sympathetic. Starting with the shock announcement by Jeanie’s parents that they are retiring and leaving her and husband Niall to run the family undertakers, the novel quickly widens out to encompass Jeanie’s childhood and teenage years and how she came to terms with her unusual gift. This return to the past became frustrating as I wanted to hear more about the voices of the dead and their stories, rather than the ups and downs of Jeanie’s love life. My fault, I was hoping for a community ensemble story in the style of Marilynne Robinson and Elizabeth Strout.
Jeanie’s difficulties with taking over the family firm are inextricably linked to her relationship with her husband. In order to move forward, something has to give. But what? As she seeks the answers, Jeanie’s travels take her to London, Norway and France. I particularly enjoyed the section with Marielle and Lucien. Seventy-five year old Marielle can also hear the dead. Her neighbour and boyfriend Lucien digs graves for Marielle’s clients while rescuing the pieces of furniture she rejects, he stashes them in a shed knowing that she will regret throwing them away.
After the brilliance of ‘When All is Said’, perhaps my expectations of a second novel were unrealistically high. Yes I was disappointed but this is still is a well-written, enjoyable novel by an author who is on my to-watch list. And it left me thinking of that old chestnut – can a well-meant lie hurt more than the difficult truth?
Read more of my book reviews at http://www.sandradanby.com/book-reviews-a-z/

A fantastic read by a new author for me. I am converted as a fan and absolutely cannot wait to read more. This is unique and original. I have been pulled in and unable to put this one down.
I cannot say anything negative about this gorgeous book. it has been a fantastic read.

This book is based around such a beautiful concept; a women who can talk to the dead. I beg you not to leave it on the shelf because you think it’s going to be ‘morbid’, as it’s anything but.

It is beautifully written and the characters are so well-rounded it feels like they are walking right past you. It captured me right from the start. It’s my first book by Anne Griffin and it won’t be my last. The end of this book isn’t tied up with a nice pretty bow. Griffin is brave enough to leave it open, which isn’t a disappoint. It echoes the rest of the story – we don’t always know what’s ahead, but all we can really do is live.

“I am sure my last words will be magnificent and worth waiting for.”

This book will get you thinking. It starts with Jeanie, and it quickly becomes obvious that she has put her life on hold to be there for the dead. She is one of the only people in the world who can give them this last moment. Not only is the book a journey of discovery for the deceased and their families; Jeanie realises that she needs to start living her own life, otherwise all her final words will just be filled with regret.

Listening Still let me in tears and feeling comfortably numb. It will impact every reader differently. It is an affecting, thought-provoking tale about finding your true path in life. About accepting yourself for who you really are and about taking control of your own destiny. It will leave you contemplating life and death and all the complexities in between.

Jeanie is a women in her early 30s who works for her family's undertaking business She has inherited the family gift of being able to speak to the dead shortly after they have passed away. She then has to pass their final messages onto their loved ones. But is this how she sees her entire life pan out? Or does she want something more?
A beautiful book that has some fabulous characters. Thoroughly enjoyable.
Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for the ARC.

Being able to speak to the recently deceased, Jeanie has the perfect job in her family’s funeral parlour, but she wants something more. When her parents decide to retire and leave Jeanie in charge, she starts to panic, and then the death of a former love sends her spiralling out of control. Leaving her husband and family commitments behind, can Jeanie find a new start in France, or will the pull of home be too great.

Listening Still is one of those stories where you have to suspend belief somewhat. The thought that people can hold a conversation with the recently dead is, from my point of view anyway, very bizarre, however, that aside, this is a moving story about family, love and commitments. There were times when Jeanie could be a little annoying, especially in her dealings with husband Niall, and her brother Mikey was by far the most engaging character in the book, but overall a good read.

Jeanie Masterson works with her father in the family undertaker business - but this is a business with a difference. Jeanie and her dad can hear the dead for a short time after their passing. When Jeanie's parents suddenly announce they are retiring and leaving Jeanie and her husband Niall to run the business, it sends her into a panic and she starts reflecting back on her life in Ireland.
Reflecting back on her life and failing marriage to Niall - what kept her in Ireland instead of following her first true love, Fionn to London years before. Her best friend, Peanut convinces her to stay her with for a time to sort her head on where she wants to be. After being away for a long time, her family decide to tell her a truth about them they have kept hidden her entire life. Will this help Jeanie decide on what she wants from her life?

A nice gentle story that focuses more on Jeanie's life rather than her talking to the dead but an interesting read.

A slightly different take on rural Irish life than I've come across recently, I think it is fair to say that it is more Maeve Binchy than contemporary Irish family tales.

The undertaker setting, and the friendship dynamics were interesting to read and it held my attention throughout but ultimately not a hugely memorable read, and by the end I didn't really like any of the characters.

The Masterson family are the undertakers in the small Irish town, however they do offer one unusual service- they can hear the dead. For a short while after death they can speak to the deceased, giving them a chance to pass on any last messages. Thirty two year old Jeanie has this gift, along with her father. Her husband Niall & aunt Harry are all part of the team, dragging in her autistic brother Mickey on occasion. When Jeanie's parents announce they are going to retire she is horrified at the idea of carrying this burden alone. She questions her choices & in particular the one that kept her in Ireland.

This was an interesting premise. I was expecting more from the revelations of the departed & less of Jeanie's angst! It was an enjoyable read but not quite what I was hoping for! Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.

Jeannie Masterson works at the family funeral home and has an unusual talent. She can hear the last words of the dead and uses this to help right wrongs.
When her father decides to retire, leaving the business to her but does she want this for her future or does she want to leave Ireland and go to London or France and build a different future? Will she join the real word or be stuck in the in between?
Interesting, thought provoking book. Would’ve liked Jeannie to be a warmer character though being with the dead may remove some warmth.
Thanks to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in return for a fair review.
3.5 stars ⭐️

This was so different from my usual kind of read but what a lovely, well written story. I thoroughly enjoyed it and lived a whole host of emotions while doing so. It brought tears and sadness, smiles and some laugh out loud moments. I won’t write about the storyline as the blurb does a good enough job of that but I will say a lovely read that left me a little lost for words when writing this review.

A story of life and death.

Listening Still introduces us to Jeanie Masterson, a woman who has a gift: she can hear the recently dead and give voice to their final wishes and revelations. The story begins with Jeanie's parents unexpectedly announcing their plan to retire. As Jeanie begins to realise what this might mean for her future, she starts to think about her past and the choice she had to make when she was a teenager: to stay or leave for a new life in London with her boyfriend.

This book explores such an interesting concept which frames a quite traditional story of a woman reassessing her life and choices along the way.

For a book that explores death, it’s also very funny in parts - who wouldn’t love to know what secrets their neighbours are harbouring!

I was curious to see how the concept of being able to hear the dead would be approached and I think it was explored really well by Griffin. As the dead can only contact Jeanie for a finite amount of time after they die, it really adds to the urgency of the moment. The emotional toll of hearing the last wishes but also the grief and pain of the recently dead leaves you with great sympathy for the protagonist.

For me, where this novel excelled was in its exploration of the vulnerability of people and the importance of finding peace at the end of your time. Life can be hard, difficult, complicated, and Listening Still explores the sadness that we can carry around with us. But also our bravery. In life and in death. And also the bravery of those that are left behind.

It’s a book about people and an emotional read at times, but definitely one I think is worth reading.

(Listening Still is out now - my thanks to Hodderbooks and NetGalley for an advance review copy in exchange for an honest review).

Thank you to Netgalley, Hodder & Stoughton and Anne Griffin for this e-copy in return for my honest review. I loved When All Is Said, so I must admit I was a little anxious to read this follow up, but boy was I wrong. Such a beautifully weaved story, full of life and death and everything that goes in between. So heartfelt and emotional. I'm a little bereft at having finished this.

Ghost Whisperer meets Six Feet Under! But then also plenty of other things too.

Being the biggest fan of Ghost Whisperer, I was immediately taken hostage by the synopsis. And what a wonderful reading experience this was... Is it weird to say hostage and then wonderful, one right after the other? Oh, well. Don't take me seriously all the time.

Jeanie is the ''listener of the dead''. She hears what the dead have to say, and along the way, she tries to resolve the issues they might have carried over with them. She may casually also play the ''dead stats game'' with her dad and the postman. The dead don't stick around for too long, just to deliver that last message, and then they are gone. But this is her family business. It's quirky and strange, yet comfortable and all she knows. She cares for the people everyone loved, and loves doing it.

But when her parents announce that they are retiring and moving away and leaving it all the Jeanie and Niall, everything starts crumbling. She starts to question all of her choices in life. Is this for sure what she wants to be doing? Did she marry the right guy? Is this the place she should be? Should she have gone to London with the love of her life? These and many more things are answered by the end.

To start off, I knew about Anne Griffin, because I've wanted to read one of her previous books before because everyone told me amazing things about it. It totally makes sense that Listening Still did not disappoint.

Writing: This is clearly an author who does not struggle with pacing at all. Never did I feel bored, lulled into sleep, impatient, uncomfortable... The story went by, page by page, flawlessly, from start to finish.

''Sometimes happiness is like the sun sneaking through the clouds. It's fleeting, that is all. The rest is simply living.''

Characters: Jeanie is trying to find her happiness, but she's struggling. She goes through a lot and tries to run away from it all, but you can't really, not from your life or yourself. Jeanie is a complex character. She has her ups and downs and struggles just like everyone else. One minute I'd like her, the next minute not so much, but I also reckon she doesn't like herself sometimes either.

Next to Jeannie, I really liked her best friend Peanut. Niall was a sweety, but that is all. I felt for him so much, because I saw the whole thing coming and it was awkward.

I also have to add that the author sprinkled in humor in certain places and through dialogues so naturally, that I couldn't stop smiling at times, even though there are some difficult themes in this book.

This book deals with a lot: finding your purpose in life, marriage, love, family, grief, dying. It covers a lot but it's so masterfully done, that it doesn't feel like a burden.

I'd really recommend this book to everyone who loves books about self-discovery, the shows I mentioned above, books like Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman or Britt-Marie Was Here by Fredrik Backman or Madame Burova by Ruth Hogan.

Jeanie Masterson works for her father at the family undertakers in Kinross, a small Irish town where everyone knows everyone and each others business. From the time she was a child, her future is mapped out for her. Her parents are retiring to Baltimore in Cork and as expected Jeanie and her husband Niall will take over the family business.
Jeanie posesses a special gift, she can hear the dead speak for a short while after they pass. She uses her gift to pass on messages from the recently deceased person to their loved ones left behind. Jeanie learns about life and regrets from these messages and they start to affect her own life as her own relationships leaving her with a lot of questions.

This is a wonderfully written book touching on the themes of hopes, regrets and lies. Is it better to tell a lie that comforts or tell a truth that hurts ?"

"Listening Still" is a beautifully written book which was honestly written and hard to put down. A book which stays with you long after you have finished reading it.

Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton, NetGalley and Anne Griffin for an advanced copy of this beautiful book.