The Listener

by Algernon Blackwood

Among Blackwood’s most effective ghost stories are several tales of rooms inhabited by the prowling presence of their former occupants. “The Listener” is an epistolary account told through the diary of its protagonist. Much like Guy De Maupassant’s similarly-themed “The Horla, or Modern Ghosts,” Blackwood’s tale depicts the gradual encroachment of a parasitic spirit into the life of an arguably mentally-compromised man. “The Listener” is an excellent exploration of approaching and voracious threat, much like Blackwood’s later masterworks “The Willows” and “The Wendigo.” The protagonist is a stubborn and caustic man who holds the entreaties of his friends and family at bay, isolating himself in a world of self-imposed exile. Tormented by hereditary mental health issues, illness due to malnutrition (and a sedentary, reclusive lifestyle), and mounting paranoia, the narrator finds that his efforts to exclude others from his personal affairs have left him defenseless from the destructive forces that loneliness invites.

Genres: Horror, Short Stories, Ghosts, Mystery, Classics

42 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 1907

About the author

Algernon Henry Blackwood (1869–1951) was an English broadcasting narrator, journalist, novelist and short story writer, and among the most prolific ghost story writers in the history of the genre. The literary critic S. T. Joshi stated, "His work is more consistently meritorious than any weird writer's except Dunsany's" and that his short story collection Incredible Adventures (1914) "may be the premier weird collection of this or any other century".

Blackwood was born in Shooter's Hill (today part of south-east London, but then part of northwest Kent) and educated at Wellington College. His father was a Post Office administrator who, according to Peter Penzoldt, "though not devoid of genuine good-heartedness, had appallingly narrow religious ideas." Blackwood had a varied career, farming in Canada, operating a hotel, as a newspaper reporter in New York City, and, throughout his adult life, an occasional essayist for various periodicals. In his late thirties, he moved back to England and started to write stories of the supernatural. He was very successful, writing at least ten original collections of short stories and eventually appearing on both radio and television to tell them. He also wrote fourteen novels, several children's books, and a number of plays, most of which were produced but not published. He was an avid lover of nature and the outdoors, and many of his stories reflect this.

H.P. Lovecraft wrote of Blackwood: "He is the one absolute and unquestioned master of weird atmosphere." His powerful story "The Willows," which effectively describes another dimension impinging upon our own, was reckoned by Lovecraft to be not only "foremost of all" Blackwood's tales but the best "weird tale" of all time.

Among his thirty-odd books, Blackwood wrote a series of stories and short novels published as John Silence, Physician Extraordinary (1908), which featured a "psychic detective" who combined the skills of a Sherlock Holmes and a psychic medium. Blackwood also wrote light fantasy and juvenile books.

Reviews

[Quirkyreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

The was a terrifying little creeper.

[Sauerkirsche · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reicht nicht an The Willows oder The Wendigo heran, aber bereitet trotzdem einen herrlichen Schauer. Geistiger Verfall, ein unheimliches Spukhaus, ein Horror der nicht greifbar ist. Blackwood gruselt mich jedes mal.

[Ajeje Brazov · Rating 3 out of 5]

Racconto di Blackwood molto d'atmosfera, però l'impaginazione e soprattutto il formato non mi sono piaciuti per niente. Le illustrazioni non mi hanno fatto impazzire, però alcune sono degne di nota, tipo la copertina che infatti mi aveva fatto ben sperare e rendono discretamente la storia, che si fa sempre via via più oscura. Il testo invece è ricco di sfumature introspettive del protagonista e l'angoscia e la tensione sono opprimenti, fino ad arrivare ad un finale che lascia sbalorditi.

[Emanuela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Altra meravigliosa esperienza con i libri illustrati delle storie del terrore Fanucci.
Questa è, nello specifico, l’edizione illustrata di una storia di Algernon Blackwood, con le immagini di Daniele Serra.
La storia comincia con il protagonista che si trasferisce in questo appartamento che è al primo piano di una palazzina di tre piani, di una vecchia signora placida, e lì comincia a scivolare piano piano verso delle ossessioni che rendono difficile distinguere se quello che comincia a succedere all’improvviso sia dovuto a allucinazioni o ad eventi reali.
Le vicende sono terrificanti quanto può esserlo pensare che, tutte le volte che ci si ritrovi al buio, possa esserci qualcuno, un essere indefinito, presente accanto a noi e che ci ascolti e viva tra le nostre cose.
Io ne sono stata molto colpita al punto da fare un bell’incubo quando ho spento la luce per dormire, nonostante non mi fosse sembrato così tanto terrificante.
E le immagini molto scure, cupe, a tratti rappresentate come vignette che integrano alcuni passaggi della narrazione, hanno contribuito decisamente a render tutto più angosciante.
Mi ha lasciata però un po’ interdetta il finale, che farebbe pensare ad un libro lasciato incompleto, il che ha tolto un po’ di pathos, nonostante non abbia tolto sapore al tutto, ma ha lasciato in sospeso una possibile spiegazione degli eventi e nessuna per l’identità del personaggio descritto.
Subito dopo, leggendolo ispirato a Colui che sussurrava nelle tenebre di Lovecraft, ho deciso di andare a leggerlo, ed ecco cosa ho trovato…

[ERICA 🧚🏻‍♀️🔮 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ho recentemente riscoperto Blackwood come autore grazie ai racconti "I salici" e "Il Wendigo", e devo ammettere che è un grandioso maestro nell'arte di creare atmosfere intrise di inquietudine e oscurità.

•Anche in "Colui che ascoltava nel buio", Blackwood non delude. Ci racconta la storia di uno scrittore senza nome che decide di affittare un modesto appartamento a Londra. Attraverso un diario, il protagonista svela le sue giornate, descrivendo la stranezza e la freddezza della proprietaria dell'appartamento e della domestica. Tuttavia, è soprattutto la scoperta di comportamenti insoliti e bizzarri all'interno di quell'appartamento ad attirare la sua attenzione: gli oggetti si spostano da soli, diversi dalla posizione in cui li aveva lasciati, e durante la notte avverte la presenza di una figura sinistra che lo osserva, accompagnato da strani rumori.

Possibile che ci sia un'entità, un ascoltatore nell'oscurità?
I pensieri del protagonista si dipingono sempre di più in un intricato mosaico di follia, accompagnandoci in un racconto inquietante ed indimenticabile.

•Le illustrazioni di Daniele Serra, con il loro stile inconfondibile, aggiungono un tocco di orrore che perturba il lettore, trasformando l'esperienza di lettura in qualcosa di veramente unico che consiglio a chiunque.
Mi ha davvero colpito l'approccio con cui i personaggi sono rappresentati, utilizzando l'acquarello per renderli sfocati e indefiniti. Questa scelta conferisce un'atmosfera di incubo o sogno eterno, amplificando l'aspetto macabro di questa storia.
Inoltre, l'uso dei colori scelto é perfetto con il tono del racconto. Se siete amanti dell'horror, vi consiglio vivamente di aggiungere questo libro alla vostra collezione!

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a chilling gothic short story and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Sohail · Rating 3 out of 5]

An intriguing short story with a disappointing ending. The story is weird, but it is not a good justification for its inconsistencies. For example, the story begins as if the author is mentally deranged, but soon it is forgotten and supernatural elements come into the play. Another example is how the narrative does not fit the format. The story has been written as a diary, but the narrative is more suitable for a first-person pov or epistolary fiction. For instance, the author tells us that his parents have died, or recites what happened between him and his sister, but that's not the way diaries are written. The writer of the diary is supposed to write it for his own, not an invisible audience. Therefore, he does not need to introduce his sibling to himself or tell himself that his parents have passed away.

[Kelsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually enjoyed this short story the most, out of the 3 Blackwood stories I have read.
It had the right amount of creepiness and the atmosphere was well developed; however the reason it's not a full 5 out of 5 was the main character seemed like an ass, maybe if he was more of a likeable character I would have cared more for his troubles but eh, for a short, horror story it was enjoyable enough.
x

[Ketutar Jensen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Er... all this build up and then... uh. What? Sorry, but... leprosy isn't... if he killed himself because he couldn't stand the pain... suffering... having the disease, what ever, then there shouldn't be any reason for him to stay, and... uh. And the way it was revealed was... stupid.
Just stupid.
But two stars because there were some bright spots in the story. He is a good writer.

[Persy · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I want your body. I want its covering. I am waiting for it, and listening always.”

This story was downright terrifying in parts. A definite one to give you goosebumps. What’s more terrifying than an apparition who wants your very skin?

I recommend reading it at night—when you’re alone in the dark.

[Preetam Chatterjee · Rating 5 out of 5]

#Binge Reviewing my previous Reads #Horror Short Stories #Anthologies

In The Listener, Blackwood explores the intersection of the unseen and the psychological. The story centers on an individual who becomes aware of an inexplicable presence, with tension and suspense generated by perception, suggestion, and gradual revelation. The narrative combines Gothic motifs with a profound sense of the uncanny, inviting readers to question the boundary between reality and imagination.

The story excels in atmosphere and pacing. Blackwood meticulously builds suspense, using the environment, sensory cues, and character reactions to evoke unease. The narrative’s first-person perspective enhances intimacy, drawing readers into the psychological experience of fear and uncertainty.

Comparatively, The Listener shares qualities with Guy de Maupassant’s The Horla and Sheridan Le Fanu’s Green Tea, where unseen forces destabilize perception and provoke existential anxiety. Like Poe’s psychological tales, the story emphasizes obsession and the mind’s susceptibility to dread, rather than relying on overtly graphic horror. Blackwood’s work is distinguished by its focus on subtle, naturalistic, and often cosmic or mystical elements that expand the scope of suspense beyond immediate threat.

Ultimately, The Listener exemplifies Blackwood’s capacity to merge psychological depth, Gothic atmosphere, and subtle supernatural suggestion. Its enduring appeal lies in the meticulous cultivation of suspense and the lingering ambiguity that makes the story haunting and memorable, securing Blackwood’s place as a master of early twentieth-century supernatural fiction.

[Katia M. Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was all right, but I felt it didn't pick up until the latter half, then it was quite fast paced and creepy.

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this as part of box set Classic Tales of Horror - 500+ stories. It is a will written short story of horror give it a try. Enjoy the adventure of books 2022

[Tom Whiting · Rating 1 out of 5]

This built up to a terribly disappointing crescendo. Such a let down.

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was yelling at the narrator to Get Out for so long 😭 a cheap apartment isn’t worth a breakdown

[Eileen · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Valentina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lettura molto particolare che tiene incollati fino alla fine. I disegni di Daniele Serra sono spettacolari!

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5*

[Pamela Harju · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this until the ending.

[Joe Az · Rating 5 out of 5]

A classic ghost story ! 😛

[derdeluch · Rating 5 out of 5]

hari pota pragnę cię

[adèle · Rating 2 out of 5]

*2.5

[ghostyhalo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good short read, I highly recommend.

[Samik Basu · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I want your body; I want its covering. I’m waiting for it, and listening always.”

“Where can I find covering? Oh, who will clothe me?”

He creeps, he watches , he follows, he lusts, he cries….he listens…

Algernon Blackwood is at his best in spinning a truly atmospheric horror, rich with sight and especially sound if I may say, that will linger much after the story is read

At the centre of the tale is a haunted house and what lurks its corner listens to the every move of its occupants and at the same time it’s occupants grows increasingly impatient and paranoid as they listen out for this spectre

A lost soul who doesn’t possess but is earning for your skin is scary indeed…

The ending of the story, specifically the last line , shall leave a lasting impact…

Good and a Must read

[Alessia Saulle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Del protagonista non sappiamo nemmeno il nome, ma conosciamo benissimo i pensieri che riporta sul diario.
Uno scrittore povero che è molto felice quando trova un alloggio perfetto per lui: isolato, privo di rumori disturbanti, senza altri coinquilini ma, soprattutto, a basso prezzo.
Passa qualche giorno e l’entusiasmo iniziale si smorza, la signora che fa le pulizie continua a spostargli le cose, la notte non dorme bene, il silenzio diventa opprimente e altre piccole cose inquietanti avvengono senza che lui riesca a dare loro un senso.
Il brivido freddo sulla schiena si trasforma in qualcosa di più reale, man mano che gli eventi prendono una forma più significativa.

Cosa sta succedendo nella mente dello scrittore? Le ombre che vede sono reali o frutto della sua immaginazione? Chi è che sposta i suoi vestiti durante la notte?

Algernon Blackwood è sicuramente un maestro nel suo lavoro, ma unito alla bellezza indiscutibile delle illustrazioni di Daniele Serra, il tutto acquista una dimensione nuova.
Ogni pagina diventa ispirazione, grazie ai disegni sfocati e intensi, così perfetti per rendere al meglio la confusione nella mente del protagonista e l’ambientazione opprimente, a tratti angosciante.
L’insofferenza si trasforma in ansia, poi angoscia, poi paura e infine terrore.
Un volume da collezione che mi sento di consigliare assolutamente a chi ama i racconti inquietanti e opprimenti e le illustrazioni magnifiche.

[DaftScholar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite books. Although the plot was not Steller, it was beautifully written and the environment created was truly what you'd expect from weird fiction.