The Sound Of Silence

by Barbara Constant, Roger Melin (Narrator)

Most people, when asked to define the ultimate in loneliness, say it's being alone in a crowd. And it takes only one slight difference to make one forever alone in the crowd....
Science Fiction

Play Duration: 00:43:32
Public Domain stories from Project Gutenberg, that are read by volunteers.
First published in ”Analog Science Fact & Fiction”
Free download from LibriVox.org
(click on the url in the details below)

Genres: Science Fiction, Short Stories, Fiction, Classics, Psychology, Audiobook

Audiobook

First published June 1, 1962

Reviews

[Prabha · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was quite an interesting read. Short and smart for it's time. I don't know how readers of this era would feel reading a story whose premise has mostly been covered in comic books or movies. But I quite enjoyed the trajectory of the book. Would definitely recommend this short piece of fiction!

[Kieran Reilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting short story originally published in Analog and now freely available.

[Rayna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story originally published in 1962 gives a glimpse inside the mind of a woman living with a very unique gift. A gift that has left her feeling outcast and alone for much of her life. This is a perfectly crafted short story that left me wanting more unfortunately there isn't much more writing to be found by Barbara Constant and for this we are all worse off.

[Zen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this story.

I listened to it in audio as I walked to work one morning. There was snow, it was cold, it was dark, and the narration was smooth and calm.

Thanks Doctor.

Seeing how it is now the Year of Our Common Era 2026, and I have consumed endless, endless Sci-Fi over the last 60 years......it was easy to figure out what was going on with Lucky Lucilla, and I pretty much knew what the denouèment was probably going to be.

But who cares!

What made the story enjoyable was how slowly and patiently Dr. Andrew's coaxed Lucilla's "Problem" out of her. It almost felt like it was real life. And I, at least, didn't find it boring.

More often than not, with Golden Age Pulp Sci-Fi, this kind of stuff usually comes off sounding forced and cheesy. And often quite rushed.

There was some nice writing in this story. That is if you are happy to indulge yourself with a long, slow reveal.

[Jessica (JT) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how the twists in this story were revealed! Barbara Constant seems like a very good author. I wish she had written more.

[Kateblue · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written short story. Although I figured it out early on, during the incident with the truck, I still found it enjoyable, if a bit dated in its attitudes toward psychiatry.

Also, it's free, always a selling point. Go here:

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/30283

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Feels like a proto X-Men short story: a secretary comes to terms with her gift through the help of her psychiatrist. The stories key themes are of being alone and the importance of a sense of belonging.

Listened via audiobook - (Classic Science Fiction Podcast)

[Libby Chapman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short story set up an intriguing premise but felt unfinished. I want to know more. 4 stars for the premise, but I feel slightly frustrated by this.

[gam s (Haveyouread.bkk) · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was ok

[Natalia Abril · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but interesting, specially the way its written. The plotwist wasnt out of this world but I didnt see it coming and that's what its about.

[Kelda Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A real feel good short story. If you're looking for something quick and easy to read with a nice happy ending. This is the one for you.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to via the Public Domain Theater podcast.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very entertaining short story. Well-crafted delivery.

[Atiesha Devachander Kejriwal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the book on serial reader, I loved how captivating it was and what an absurdly rational twist... makes you wonder... what is “normal”

[Leah Coffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

PEOPLE THIS STORY IS SO GOOD. Seriously, you should all read it. It starts out almost mundane, but it has an ending that I definitely wasn’t expecting. 10/10 would read about Lucky again.

[Sarah Powell]

Listened to through Public Domain Theater

[Katrina McCollough · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sci-fi-ish look at a woman who thinks she may be having mental problems but just needed to find her group.

[Tony Ciak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scifi, short story,psychoanalytical stigma .

[Susan Molloy · Rating 2 out of 5]

✒️ This is a very weak plot with a predictable dénouement. The plot plays along with the 1960s-70s ESP craze. 🗑 Other readers might— well, just read my mind to learn what I say further here.

📕Published— Analog Science Fiction and Fact, 1962 June. In the public domain.
🎨Illustrated in the 🟢ρ𝕣ꪮ𝕛ꫀᥴ𝕥 ᧁꪊ𝕥ꫀꪀ᥇ꫀ𝕣ᧁ e-book version.

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જ⁀🟣 Kindle.
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