Spoonbenders

A novel

By: Daryl Gregory

Narrated by: Ari Fliakos

A NEBULA AWARD FINALIST
ONE OF NPR'S BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR

"Hilarious, heartfelt and brimming with humanity.” —Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney, author of The Nest

Teddy Telemachus is a charming con man with a gift for sleight of hand and some shady underground associates. In need of cash, he tricks his way into a classified government study about telekinesis and its possible role in intelligence gathering. There he meets Maureen McKinnon, and it’s not just her piercing blue eyes that leave Teddy forever charmed, but her mind—Maureen is a genuine psychic of immense and mysterious power. After a whirlwind courtship, they marry, have three gifted children, and become the Amazing Telemachus Family, performing astounding feats across the country. Irene is a human lie detector. Frankie can move objects with his mind. And Buddy, the youngest, can see the future. Then one night tragedy leaves the family shattered.

Decades later, the Telemachuses are not so amazing. Irene is a single mom whose ear for truth makes it hard to hold down a job, much less hold together a relationship. Frankie’s in serious debt to his dad’s old mob associates. Buddy has completely withdrawn into himself and inexplicably begun digging a hole in the backyard. To make matters worse, the CIA has come knocking, looking to see if there’s any magic left in the Telemachus clan. And there is: Irene’s son Matty has just had his first out-of-body experience. But he hasn’t told anyone, even though his newfound talent might just be what his family needs to save themselves—if it doesn’t tear them apart in the process.

Harnessing the imaginative powers that have made him a master storyteller, Daryl Gregory delivers a stunning, laugh-out-loud new novel about a family of gifted dreamers and the invisible forces that bind us all.

Slow start, but patience is your friend here.

What did you love best about Spoonbenders?

Gregory does a great job of weaving storylines and really nails the voice of each character. I just also appreciated the good old fashioned storytelling aspect to this book. He deftly combines realism and magic all while maintaining a sense of humor.

What does Ari Fliakos bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Ari Fliakos is a ridiculously good narrator, the best I've heard. Not only are his voice masks on point, his inflection in every sentence is perfection - it's as though he spends hours prepping each page. I would listen to anything he reads.

If you could take any character from Spoonbenders out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Teddy Telemachus ... I'd like to see some up close sleight-of-hand while sipping my g&t.

Any additional comments?

The first third of the book did not grab me; I couldn't figure out if I liked it. Eventually as the storylines converged and the drama ratcheted I looked forward to listening during my commute home. By the time the denoument hit I was definitely along for the ride. It's a slow burn but worth it.

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!

Each character unique and so very real, kindly flawed humans in a family and storyline that will stay with me for a very long time.

Stay for the ending

Long exposition and a ho-hum middle but some twists and fireworks towards the end make this trip worthwhile.

not what I expected

I purchased this book a long time ago and finally got around to listening. The narrator does a good job with the voices. A story about a con man who ends up marrying the love of his life, a woman with legitimate extraordinary powers, and their life with children who are also gifted. The story takes place in a time when psychics/ concept of "abilities of the mind" were in the process of being studied by scientists and the government or alternatively being debunked by professional skeptics. The story begins with the kids all grown up and the Telemachus name trashed by a fateful appearance on the Mike Douglas show. Teddy the con man father, has lost his wife some years ago due to an illness and has clearly checked out from real parenting. The oldest daughter Irene, was left to basically raise the family. The current situation finds the family still in turmoil with the grown children still struggling to live with their gifts - gifts that have proved questionable at best in a world full of regular people and are at worst a curse. Maddy, Teddy's grandson, suddenly discovers he also has powers and in so doing sets the stage for an adventure that ultimately tests the familial bonds and what is really important in their lives.

Was all good except

The gender thing was my only qualm. If you're going to put stuff like that in there, there should be a disclaimer. It caused am awkward conversation with kids/parents in the car. I don't care for it but it wasn't enough to spoil the story. it was beautifully written and VERY well paced. I don't think I've ever read a story with a protagonist/hero of this sort which is really refreshing. Hats off to the author and I'll be looking out for more work from them.