by Iain Reid
Published 2019
A taut, philosophical mind-bender from the bestselling author of I’m Thinking of Ending Things. We don’t get visitors. Not out here. We never have. Junior and Hen are a quiet married couple. They live a comfortable, solitary life on their farm, far from the city lights, but in close quarters with each other. One day, a stranger from the city arrives with surprising news: Junior has been randomly selected to travel far away from the farm...very far away. The most unusual part? Arrangements have already been made so that when he leaves, Hen won’t have a chance to miss him at all, because she won’t be left alone—not even for a moment. Hen will have company. Familiar company. Foe examines the nature of domestic relationships, self-determination, and what it means to be (or not to be) a person. An eerily entrancing page-turner, it churns with unease and suspense from the first words to its shocking finale.
These are AI narrators you can listen to with your own EPUB on ElevenLabs or Fish Audio. How does it work?
Top voices for narrating this book
Male · Middle-Aged · Narration · Low · Soft · Intimate · +3 more
“This low, soft, and intimate voice is perfect for capturing Junior's introspective nature and the book's psychological depth, conveying a subtle, sad undertone. The emotional quality of the voice fits the philosophical contemplation.”
American · Young · Male · Narrative Story · Crisp
“The bleak and wistful texture of 'A Lost American' beautifully conveys the subtle undercurrent of unease and existential despair inherent in Junior's narration. This voice's fragile quality mirrors the character's internal state.”
Us Southern · Young · Male · Narrative Story · Calm
“Glen's soft, masculine voice with its measured pacing is ideal for portraying Junior's quiet and reflective demeanor, lending a somber yet intimate tone to the first-person perspective. His calm presence suits the introspective man.”
American · Young · Male · Narrative Story · Calm
“Franklin offers a deep, steady, and monotone delivery, which effectively conveys Junior's measured and serious approach to narration without dramatic inflection, highlighting the detachment and contemplative aspect. The voice's consistency provides gravitas.”
Male · Middle-Aged · Narration · Low · Calm · Measured · +11 more
“This voice brings a thoughtful gravitas to the narration, with its low, calm, and measured tone aligning perfectly with Junior's serious and dark introspection. The mature middle-aged quality fits the character's age and experience.”
For listeners: use the Best Narrator voice above in ElevenReader or Fish Audio. Character casting is for authors producing audiobooks with studio tools.
Junior's wife, quiet and reflective, her voice should hint at hidden depths and perhaps a growing sense of dread as events unfold.
Female · Middle-Aged · Conversational · Narration · Character-Voice · Social-Media · +58 more
“Jade's balanced calm and mysterious qualities, with a hint of dramatic undertone, perfectly capture Hen's quiet yet deep nature and the underlying sense of dread. The warmth contrasted with dark undertones makes for compelling listening.”
Female · Young · Narration · Character-Voice · Warm · Bright · +17 more
“The soft, breathy, and intimate texture of Angela white's voice is ideal for Hen's reflective character, hinting at hidden depths and a growing sense of unease through its gentle, whispered delivery. The mysterious element is very strong.”
Female · Middle-Aged · Social-Media · Conversational · Character-Voice · Low · +58 more
“This 'Soft Voice' with its gentle, empathetic quality and potential for sadness effectively conveys Hen's mysterious depths and quiet introspection. The measured pacing allows for a subtle build-up of emotion.”
Female · Young · Conversational · Character-Voice · Social-Media · Educational · +47 more
“Manon Bannerman offers a calm, measured delivery with a subtle dark warmth that can portray Hen's reflective nature and the growing sense of dread effectively. The voice's soothing aspect can be eerily unsettling in context.”
Female · Middle-Aged · Conversational · Entertainment · Low · Educational · +56 more
“Max's low, soft, and smooth delivery effectively conveys Hen's quiet demeanor, hinting at hidden emotional layers and a sense of underlying melancholy. The gentle tone offers an intimate quality that suits the narrative.”
An official-sounding individual whose polite demeanor masks a chilling, authoritative purpose, delivering unsettling news with a detached professionalism.
Canadian · Middle Aged · Male · Narrative Story · Calm
“Stryka's formal, calm, and measured delivery perfectly embodies the detached professionalism masking a chilling purpose for the Stranger. His clear articulation ensures the unsettling news is delivered with impact.”
American · Middle Aged · Male · Narrative Story · Deep
“The deep, monotone nature of Adam's voice conveys a chilling authority and an unwavering, detached stance, ideal for an official delivering unsettling news. The strong presence of this voice adds to the antagonist's impact.”
Male · Old · Narration · Authoritative · Professional · Serious · +3 more
“This SCP Announcer voice, with its clear, serious, and measured articulation, creates an official and subtly unsettling tone, perfectly suited for the Stranger's chilling, professional persona. The formal speaking style enhances the sense of dread.”
Male · Old · Narration · Professional · Serious · Authoritative · +2 more
“Modi's serious and measured delivery, combined with a subtly raspy texture, adds a chilling layer to the official demeanor, hinting at the sinister purpose beneath the polite facade. The older age lends itself to the character's authority.”
Male · Middle-Aged · Narration · Deep · Authoritative · Professional · +5 more
“The professional news reporting style of Anchor News provides a clear, objective, and subtly unsettling delivery for the antagonist, making the unsettling news sound factual and unavoidable. Its serious tone fits the dark genre.”