The History of Sound: Stories – Ben Shattuck

Many readers will undoubtedly be drawn to this collection due to the namesake story (soon to be a film), but it is merely the delicious appetizer to a hearty meal. 

Ben Shattuck has easily delivered a contender for my favorite read of 2024 by weaving together 12 richly drawn, interconnected narratives that span centuries. Masterfully blending elements of historical and contemporary fiction, romance and Americana, there is a little something for everyone in this Northeast-set collection.

Each story is as sharp and crisp as an autumn day, but they aren’t cold. There’s drama, sure, the undercurrent within each is love — for a partner, a friend, a sibling or yourself. 

Shattuck writes about his characters with a warmth that helps fully realize each person for as much time as we’re given with them. From the lovelorn Lionel in the title story to the dementia-stricken wife in "The Auk” and the father at his wits end in “Tundra Swan,” Shattuck leans into nuance to elicit empathy and understanding.

While there are recurring themes of loss and regret, unlike many short story collections, the author doesn’t just present the same ideas in a slightly different way. While there were certainly some tearjerkers, there are also stories focused a murder mystery and a religious cult at the turn of the 17th century. 

All that to say, prepare for the unexpected and to be wowed. 

While each of the stories have merit, a couple felt slightly underdeveloped or tangential until a later chapter when Shattuck connected the dots. However, these minor missteps do not detract from the overall enjoyment of the collection.

Honestly, I wanted more time with almost each story and that’s about the highest praise I can give to any author upon finishing their book. 

“Sound” is also aided by an exceptional audiobook narration, anchored by a stellar cast, including Hollywood stars Nick Offerman, Ed Helms, Chris Cooper, Paul Mescal and Jenny Slate (Shattuck’s wife). All the narrators — among them Zachary Chastain, Dion Graham, Ellen Adair, Steven Jay Cohen, Jim Seybert, Dawn Harvey, Rebecca Lowman and Shattuck, himself — were clearly enjoying the stories as much as I was and it showed. 

Because I enjoyed this collection so much, here’s a brief review of my favorite stories, but seriously, the whole collection is worth the time:

The History of Sound — A poignant reminder of lost love, features Lionel, an elderly singer and historian, being transported back to 1917 when he receives a package of lost audio recordings. We learn of his whirlwind love affair with David, who comes back from World War I a changed man, but the two find solace in a summer spent collecting folk songs in rural Maine. Though short, the tale packs an emotional punch, reminiscent of "Brokeback Mountain." Beautiful writing and narration by Chris Cooper enhance the melancholic nostalgia, and the coda in “Origin Stories” gives this even more gravitas. 

Edwin Chase of Nantucket — Set in the late 1700s, Edwin wrestles with family burdens — a broken father and a despondent mother, Laurel. A visit from Will, Laurel's childhood friend, stirs long-dormant feelings. The story masterfully conveys Laurel's decades of yearning through her one-sided letters. I wasn’t sure where this was heading, but the ending delivered a deft blow. A fantastic narration by Paul Mescal adds to the story's impact.

Tundra Swan — A raw, devastating story about the strained relationship between a father, Mark, and his son, Ian, struggling with addiction. Mark's desperate attempts to help Ian, fueled by love and tinged with anger, lead him down a path with devastating consequences. The unexpected turn of events left me wanting more, but the story's impact is undeniable. Ed Helms' narration perfectly captured the emotional tension.

August in the Forest — No story zigs and zags more than this one, but it’s a great ride. August, a poet in residence in a remote cabin, spends a chaotic day balancing two romantic interests while researching the mysterious murder of loggers at a nearby camp decades earlier. Seven years later, his story is a success, but he has to reconcile with using elements from that fateful day in his art. Shattuck masterfully captures the emotional complexity of past relationships and the weight of unspoken desires. The story's ending provides satisfying closure. Narrated by Zachary Chastain.

The Journal of Thomas Thurber — I don’t think many readers will finish “August in the Forest” and not want to dive into this story immediately. Narrated perfectly by Nick Offerman, it dives into what really happened at the logging camp. Thomas's letters to his wife paint a vivid picture of escalating tensions amplified by a harsh winter. The desperation and paranoia that grip the camp are palpable as Shattuck explores human nature under duress.

The Auk — A simple yet profoundly moving love story. Ed Helms’ narration adds stoic depth to this tale of a man's unwavering fidelity for his wife, while navigating the challenges of her dementia. The discovery of a taxidermied auk sparks a playful scheme — a staged "sighting" of the extinct bird — to bring back her spark and have a final adventure together. While I didn't love the story that set it up, “Radiolab: “Singularities,” without it, you wouldn’t fully appreciate how this single act of love changed the fortunes of an entire town. 

Origin Stories — Shattuck closes the collection by going full circle. Annie (brilliantly narrated by Rebecca Lowman), a woman burdened by sacrifice, discovers Lionel's lost recordings hidden amongst the previous owner's belongings. A visit to the owner, Belle, unlocks a parallel story of heartbreak. On the ride home, Annie confronts a chilling truth: the life she built wasn't a beginning, but an end. While Annie gives Lionel closure, her own life remains unfulfilled. It’s a haunting last act, tinged with a desperate hope. It gave me chills.

Thanks to Libro.fm, Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group and the author for a gifted copy. This exchange of goods did not influence my review.

Rating (story): 5/5 stars

Rating (narration): 5/5 stars

Format: Audiobook (personal library)

Dates read: July 4 – July 12, 2024

Multi-tasking: Not recommended. The writing is beautifully, and the stories are engaging, so you should treat yourself to the prose instead of focusing on other activities.