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People Might Hear You
After her aunt, who is her guardian, marries the forbidding Mr. Tyrell, twelve-year-old Frances is introduced to the mysterious temple and its strange fanatical beliefs.
199 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1983
13 people are currently reading
456 people want to read
About the author
Robin Klein
89 books76 followersWinner of the Dromkeen Medal (1991).
Robin Klein was born 28 February 1936 in Kempsey, New South Wales into a family of nine children. Leaving school at age 15, Klein worked several jobs before becoming established as a writer, having her first story published at age 16. She would go on to write more than 40 books, including Hating Alison Ashley (adapted into a feature film starring Delta Goodrem in 2005), Halfway Across the Galaxy and Turn Left (adapted into a television series for the Seven Network in 1992), and Came Back to Show You I Could Fly (adapted into a film directed by Richard Lowenstein in 1993).
Klein’s books are hugely celebrated, having won the CBCA Children’s Book of the Year Award in both the Younger Readers and the Older Readers categories, as well as a Human Rights Award for Literature in 1989 for Came Back to Show You I Could Fly. Klein is widely considered one of Australia’s most prolific and beloved YA authors.
Robin Klein was born 28 February 1936 in Kempsey, New South Wales into a family of nine children. Leaving school at age 15, Klein worked several jobs before becoming established as a writer, having her first story published at age 16. She would go on to write more than 40 books, including Hating Alison Ashley (adapted into a feature film starring Delta Goodrem in 2005), Halfway Across the Galaxy and Turn Left (adapted into a television series for the Seven Network in 1992), and Came Back to Show You I Could Fly (adapted into a film directed by Richard Lowenstein in 1993).
Klein’s books are hugely celebrated, having won the CBCA Children’s Book of the Year Award in both the Younger Readers and the Older Readers categories, as well as a Human Rights Award for Literature in 1989 for Came Back to Show You I Could Fly. Klein is widely considered one of Australia’s most prolific and beloved YA authors.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
January 25, 2014
I haven't read this book since I was a teenager but I have remembered it ever since. This book affected me deeply. I enjoyed reading it at the time and thinking how realistic it was. I will have to revisit this one because this book and Robin Klein imprinted themselves on me as highlights of my reading list back then.
July 30, 2012
Despite being young adult fiction, I really enjoyed this book! A tale of an unusual religion, and a young girls desperate attempts to escape!
The most compelling thing about this book is its realism, it makes me think of those cults you see on the news, with really unusual beliefs that are forced upon many members, and children that haven't had the opportunity to know anything else.
Finished this one In a day, so it's a nice easy read, but not overly simplistic, I felt it was really well written.
Only thing I disliked about this book was the ending, a little too much left to the imagination.
June 14, 2012
I read this book when I was a teenager, and I still have really strong memories of how unnerving I found it. It wasn't an easy book for me to get in to, mostly because of how different the lifestyle was, but once you made the mindset leap the book became really dark and very interesting.
December 8, 2016
I'm revisiting books I read as a child/young adult - and while I fully understand I can never go back and really capture reading these books at the "right" time, it's still interesting to come back to them with an adult perspective. I've also taken a break from reading "Foxlowe" by Eleanor Wasserberg, and I've remembered a few other books I've read on a similar theme which I enjoyed (such as "Red Shoes" by Carmel Bird.)
I'd forgotten that Robin Klein was able to master the fun and hilarity of something like "Hating Alison Ashley" with the story of a girl who's unwillingly dragged by her aunt into a new home that from the outset is going to be a problem - because it's a survivalist doomsday cult where Frances is now expected to be shut in the "secure" home and be an obedient, quiet child until the end of times. Unlike other stories about young people in cults, having spent time outside in the "normal" world, Frances just can't integrate into this new life and won't silently accept what is happening.
What I liked about circa 80s young adult fiction was that not everything was spelled out for the reader. This meant while older readers were able to read between lines and understand the situation, the younger readers would discover things at the same rate as the main character (while still entertaining both audiences.) I like the fact there isn't a neat ending, and things like how Frances came to live with her parents wasn't explored (although it might have brought something to the story, especially the adaptability Frances had to shifting around a lot.)
At times I was a bit annoyed by Frances because much of the narrative was her complaining, either internally or externally, and the characters could be a little one-dimensional. I also thought the "reveal" about the nature of the new community was a bit too early - it was obvious from the outset that it would be problematic and Frances wouldn't adapt, with little internal struggle to try and understand how she felt about her new home. Likewise I didn't feel a change or shift in the relationship between Frances and her aunt - it always seemed a cold, authoritative dynamic, so I didn't feel that Frances "lost" her aunt to the new church or why Loras would turn to them.
I would recommend this quiet achiever of a book to young people today - sure, there's the odd thing that sort of dates it to the 80s, but it's still a good read to open a conversation about how and why our young people value their independence.
I'd forgotten that Robin Klein was able to master the fun and hilarity of something like "Hating Alison Ashley" with the story of a girl who's unwillingly dragged by her aunt into a new home that from the outset is going to be a problem - because it's a survivalist doomsday cult where Frances is now expected to be shut in the "secure" home and be an obedient, quiet child until the end of times. Unlike other stories about young people in cults, having spent time outside in the "normal" world, Frances just can't integrate into this new life and won't silently accept what is happening.
What I liked about circa 80s young adult fiction was that not everything was spelled out for the reader. This meant while older readers were able to read between lines and understand the situation, the younger readers would discover things at the same rate as the main character (while still entertaining both audiences.) I like the fact there isn't a neat ending, and things like how Frances came to live with her parents wasn't explored (although it might have brought something to the story, especially the adaptability Frances had to shifting around a lot.)
At times I was a bit annoyed by Frances because much of the narrative was her complaining, either internally or externally, and the characters could be a little one-dimensional. I also thought the "reveal" about the nature of the new community was a bit too early - it was obvious from the outset that it would be problematic and Frances wouldn't adapt, with little internal struggle to try and understand how she felt about her new home. Likewise I didn't feel a change or shift in the relationship between Frances and her aunt - it always seemed a cold, authoritative dynamic, so I didn't feel that Frances "lost" her aunt to the new church or why Loras would turn to them.
I would recommend this quiet achiever of a book to young people today - sure, there's the odd thing that sort of dates it to the 80s, but it's still a good read to open a conversation about how and why our young people value their independence.
April 28, 2022
This is one of the books that made the greatest impressions on me when I was younger. It is a true horror book. Frances is used to a scatty life with her aunt, moving from house to house, so she's excited when her aunt announces she's getting married (even though it all sounds rather abrupt) and they'll be moving to a big house.
But all is not as it seems. In the big house, Frances finds herself a prisoner in a home with odd rules. First some of the rules seem oddly annoying - being quiet and not being able to watch TV and not talking at mealtimes. Then they're downright creepy, such as everyone storing up food and studying for some apocalypse. Then there's some really scary behaviour and rumours that makes her realise the place is dangerous and the people may be cruel.
I loved how the writing was sparse and there weren't easy "jumps" but the suspense grew and the horror grew. There were scenes like when someone comes to the door and everyone is scared that I thought were beautifully written so you feel the intensity of emotions about something that seems, to an ordinary person, non-scary. While the book is not without its faults and I can feel frustrated with Frances and her strategies for dealing with her problems and escaping sometimes, I really enjoyed this book.
The characters were brought up in a dreary household but they do have quite distinct personalities with the dominating Mr Tyrell and the goody-goody but snide Claire.
I thought it was an excellent book dealing with how a cult might work, and how it might get inside your head.
I am glad (unlike some reviewers who liked the book) that there is no sequel. I thought the book ended perfectly. The real horror was about what happened in the house. It wasn't really about the fascinating characters, it was about exploring the horror of that situation or at least that's what I felt worked. Some books don't need sequels or spin-offs and I think this is one of them.
I can still remember passages of this book by heart and visualise the people moving around the house; this book made such an impression on me. I can read it over and over.
But all is not as it seems. In the big house, Frances finds herself a prisoner in a home with odd rules. First some of the rules seem oddly annoying - being quiet and not being able to watch TV and not talking at mealtimes. Then they're downright creepy, such as everyone storing up food and studying for some apocalypse. Then there's some really scary behaviour and rumours that makes her realise the place is dangerous and the people may be cruel.
I loved how the writing was sparse and there weren't easy "jumps" but the suspense grew and the horror grew. There were scenes like when someone comes to the door and everyone is scared that I thought were beautifully written so you feel the intensity of emotions about something that seems, to an ordinary person, non-scary. While the book is not without its faults and I can feel frustrated with Frances and her strategies for dealing with her problems and escaping sometimes, I really enjoyed this book.
The characters were brought up in a dreary household but they do have quite distinct personalities with the dominating Mr Tyrell and the goody-goody but snide Claire.
I thought it was an excellent book dealing with how a cult might work, and how it might get inside your head.
I am glad (unlike some reviewers who liked the book) that there is no sequel. I thought the book ended perfectly. The real horror was about what happened in the house. It wasn't really about the fascinating characters, it was about exploring the horror of that situation or at least that's what I felt worked. Some books don't need sequels or spin-offs and I think this is one of them.
I can still remember passages of this book by heart and visualise the people moving around the house; this book made such an impression on me. I can read it over and over.
December 26, 2015
I know what you're thinking, one star? That's a little bit harsh.
I read this book for my English class and I can honestly say I disliked it. I had such a hard time getting through it and if it wasn't a required read, I definitely wouldn't have bothered finishing it. The ending was unsatisfying and left questions unanswered. The whole book felt slow and dragged. I won't be reading this again and am glad to have finally finished it.
I read this book for my English class and I can honestly say I disliked it. I had such a hard time getting through it and if it wasn't a required read, I definitely wouldn't have bothered finishing it. The ending was unsatisfying and left questions unanswered. The whole book felt slow and dragged. I won't be reading this again and am glad to have finally finished it.
August 9, 2025
Many years ago, I loved Hating Alison Ashley (by the same author) as a primary school read. Reading this book now was a completely different, and much darker, experience.
This quietly chilling YA novel convincingly shows how cult behaviour operates and how people can be pulled in, not with overblown dramatics, but with steady and believable pressure. The dated setting actually enhances the atmosphere. Reading about a world without mobile phones or the internet makes it easy to imagine how a group like this could hide in plain sight, cut off from help or outside influence. That lack of easy escape makes it even more unsettling.
For its intended YA audience, this is an intense and thought-provoking read. It lingers after the last page.
This quietly chilling YA novel convincingly shows how cult behaviour operates and how people can be pulled in, not with overblown dramatics, but with steady and believable pressure. The dated setting actually enhances the atmosphere. Reading about a world without mobile phones or the internet makes it easy to imagine how a group like this could hide in plain sight, cut off from help or outside influence. That lack of easy escape makes it even more unsettling.
For its intended YA audience, this is an intense and thought-provoking read. It lingers after the last page.
December 14, 2019
Gripping, well-written young adult fiction. Klein really gets into the 12 year old headspace.
However, People Might Hear You is also a story of trauma, and I think I would give it to an actual 12 year old only with some discussion of this beforehand.
Reading the last few chapters was like a fever; my body tensed and my mind swam.
However, People Might Hear You is also a story of trauma, and I think I would give it to an actual 12 year old only with some discussion of this beforehand.
Reading the last few chapters was like a fever; my body tensed and my mind swam.
June 10, 2011
I sure wish I could remember the storyline of every single book I've read....
April 29, 2013
This is one of those books that stuck in my mind even though I've not read it in about twenty years.
February 5, 2016
I read this book when I was a lot younger and enjoyed rereading it now. It's written quite simply but is thought-provoking.
October 5, 2017
My absolute favourite book from my primary school years, did my first book report on this, and it became the start of my reading affair💗
April 9, 2020
Robin Klein’s People Might Hear You (1983) adds a nightmarish but hopeful tone to the tried and true theme of duty versus love. Will the captive and interloper to a cult household, Frances, be the catalyst for the middle sister, Helen, to unravel a lifetime of coercive indoctrination to protect her ill sister and imperilled friend? Is love a more powerful force than fear or the morality of one’s upbringing?
The plot alternates between crisis and oppressive drudgery as the reader wonders whether, as her predicament finally dawns on the naïve Frances, she will submit in despair to the formidable Mr Tyrell and his cult. There are possible hints in the incongruous paper bird that Helen keeps in her room; her kindness and yearning for nature in juxtaposition to the sterile life of the ‘Temple’. Or are these, like the uninitiated Frances’ outbursts, merely weaknesses to be subsumed into the overriding imperatives of the cult?
The remaining characters mirror these alternative outcomes: the consternation and subordination of Aunt Loris, desperate to belong; Mr Tyrell as paternalistic protector and violent, menacing captor. A character itself, the Tyrell house is grim and claustrophobic: both a fortress and a prison. Small daily terrors, more so than the cult’s apocalypticism, evoke an impending dread and powerlessness that explain even the spirited Frances’ ineffectual efforts at escape.
A highly recommended book for children aged 10 and older who have opportunities to discuss these intense themes with a parent or teacher.
The plot alternates between crisis and oppressive drudgery as the reader wonders whether, as her predicament finally dawns on the naïve Frances, she will submit in despair to the formidable Mr Tyrell and his cult. There are possible hints in the incongruous paper bird that Helen keeps in her room; her kindness and yearning for nature in juxtaposition to the sterile life of the ‘Temple’. Or are these, like the uninitiated Frances’ outbursts, merely weaknesses to be subsumed into the overriding imperatives of the cult?
The remaining characters mirror these alternative outcomes: the consternation and subordination of Aunt Loris, desperate to belong; Mr Tyrell as paternalistic protector and violent, menacing captor. A character itself, the Tyrell house is grim and claustrophobic: both a fortress and a prison. Small daily terrors, more so than the cult’s apocalypticism, evoke an impending dread and powerlessness that explain even the spirited Frances’ ineffectual efforts at escape.
A highly recommended book for children aged 10 and older who have opportunities to discuss these intense themes with a parent or teacher.
February 9, 2022
I first read this book as a child - it was the first thing I read that made me think that maybe growing up in a cult was fucked up. So when I was clearing out some old books, I felt this book was worth another read before I donated it.
What struck me on the re-read was that Frances isn't smart. I know she's only 12, but I know some cunning 12-year-olds! Frances owns this early on in the book, but it does make her a relatively flat character in a nuanced story. I appreciate Frances' reaction to events in the house and her rule-breaking. Still, her inability to filter anything that comes out of her mouth seems clumsy for someone who was able to manage a relationship with a difficult caregiver early at the beginning of the book.
On the other hand, Helen is a far more interesting character. I relate to her most - likely due to her emotional turmoil and how easily she was manipulated by Frances and because of her religious upbringing. As much as I remembered how the story ended, I was frustrated on this read by the lack of resolution for Helen. I think as a child, you imagine a happily ever after for both Helen and Frances, but as an adult reading this (which I appreciate is not the intended audience), I was cynical about either character getting what they wanted.
Regardless of all that, I'm glad I re-read the book and am grateful for the seed it planted in realising how ridiculous the religion I was born and raised and isolated with actually was. But I'm also ready to now part with the book and move on to better things.
What struck me on the re-read was that Frances isn't smart. I know she's only 12, but I know some cunning 12-year-olds! Frances owns this early on in the book, but it does make her a relatively flat character in a nuanced story. I appreciate Frances' reaction to events in the house and her rule-breaking. Still, her inability to filter anything that comes out of her mouth seems clumsy for someone who was able to manage a relationship with a difficult caregiver early at the beginning of the book.
On the other hand, Helen is a far more interesting character. I relate to her most - likely due to her emotional turmoil and how easily she was manipulated by Frances and because of her religious upbringing. As much as I remembered how the story ended, I was frustrated on this read by the lack of resolution for Helen. I think as a child, you imagine a happily ever after for both Helen and Frances, but as an adult reading this (which I appreciate is not the intended audience), I was cynical about either character getting what they wanted.
Regardless of all that, I'm glad I re-read the book and am grateful for the seed it planted in realising how ridiculous the religion I was born and raised and isolated with actually was. But I'm also ready to now part with the book and move on to better things.
May 4, 2018
This YAL novel made such an impression on me when I was a teen so I did a quick reread when I discovered a stack of them in the glorious book room of my current school. When I first read it we were living in an isolated place, one of the few ethnic families in our small country town and the claustrophobic feeling of oppressive control is what must have struck me. What I appreciate now from this, our first proper Australian YAL author in my opinion is her rock solid control of plot, character and pace. There is not one moment when one felt cast adrift and I still recommend it so highly. Sadly, from my research Robin Klein is in her 80s in a nursing home, having suffered an aneurism. She, in her Puffin book editions, will always be a huge YAL hero for me.
May 2, 2019
I'd almost forgotten this book existed. I read it as a child, and it was one of the first things that gave me the idea the religious subculture I grew up in was emotionally abusive. It does contain one disturbing scene which I'd recommend reading in advance, and being prepared to discuss if you are thinking of gifting it to a young person. I think the author did an excellent job of capturing the inner experience of a child who has been brought into a cult and is grappling with the cognitive dissonance between their own perceptions and the things they are being taught.
Recommended for younger readers who can handle somewhat scary content, and for adults recovering from religious abuse.
Recommended for younger readers who can handle somewhat scary content, and for adults recovering from religious abuse.
January 13, 2019
This was my first favourite YA novel. Re-reading books that made such an impression has been a gamble. As an adult now, i understand it has some minor weaknesses, but, I am so happy to report that I still adored it. To be moved by a book that I was 'forced' to read in primary school, and for it to still have me tear up in middle age is such a relief! My love of books has only grown stronger, and I'm certain it was because books like this.
April 20, 2019
I finished this book in a few days because I’m a fast reader. The storyline was quite strange and it interested me, but the ending really left me asking a lot of questions. It wasn’t the best book I’ve ever read, mostly because I felt like there was something missing. I also thought that the book was really dragged out and boring in a lot of parts. None the less, it was a decent book, but it’s definitely not one of my favourites.
January 18, 2023
I re-visited this book after reading it almost 14 years ago. I remember reading it all those years ago & the book stuck with me.
I wanted to re-read it as an adult & I am happy I read it again. All those years ago I thought this book was creepy & I felt sorry for Frances. As an adult however, I ache for Frances as well as Helen. The book is scarily suffocating because this can very easily happen.
I wanted to re-read it as an adult & I am happy I read it again. All those years ago I thought this book was creepy & I felt sorry for Frances. As an adult however, I ache for Frances as well as Helen. The book is scarily suffocating because this can very easily happen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2023
I read Came Back To Show You I Could Fly when I was at school and liked it, so thought I’d read this book. It was ok. Two and a half stars rounded up.
I’m fascinated by cults and I guess this book is an age-appropriate take on the subject. As an adult reader however, it left me somewhat unsatisfied.
I’m fascinated by cults and I guess this book is an age-appropriate take on the subject. As an adult reader however, it left me somewhat unsatisfied.
March 12, 2024
Honestly this is one of my all time favourites. I recently picked up a copy from the local second hand bookstore as I had a craving to read it. I have been going through a reading slump and I feel like this has revitalised me.
April 2, 2026
Rereading my favourite books from my childhood. This is one I reread multiple times as a kid and I still knew so clearly when reading now 40 years later. Robin Klein is a brilliant author and one of the greatest of all times.
March 23, 2019
3.5 stars.
May 6, 2021
read this for school and it was really nice-
June 27, 2021
I love the way Robin Klein writes. It's creepy, but simple. A great book.
March 13, 2023
A genuinely terrifying book about escaping from a cult!!!!
April 12, 2023
4.5 stars
September 16, 2020
12 year old orphan Frances lives with her Aunt Loris and everything is fine until Loris falls in with a nameless cult. She marries a member named Mr Tyrell and takes Frances to live with him and his three daughters in a big old spooky house where there are lots of rules. Most importantly, they must never draw attention to themselves...
I remember reading this book when I was in my early teens and finding it very creepy. All these years later, it still retains the same sense of unsettling dread. It’s so well written that for the most part, the terror is implied as an undercurrent, rather than explicit (except for one scene which I won’t spoil here). I am not sure if “Children’s Gothic” is a genre, but if it is, then this certain fits in!
I remember reading this book when I was in my early teens and finding it very creepy. All these years later, it still retains the same sense of unsettling dread. It’s so well written that for the most part, the terror is implied as an undercurrent, rather than explicit (except for one scene which I won’t spoil here). I am not sure if “Children’s Gothic” is a genre, but if it is, then this certain fits in!
February 23, 2017
A re-read after many years - still as good as the first time I read it. Suspenseful writing - with middle school+ appeal. Very suitable as class text.
March 6, 2023
Found this in a secondhand bookshop and re-read it after several decades - Robin Klein is such an incredible YA writer and this one feels spookily prescient with its doomsday preppers, domestic abuse and mindless obedience to authority (albeit with different terminology.)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews