A fascinating look at how a listener- a man meant to be listening to the words and activities of a potential traitor_ becomes obsessed not with the man but with his wife. It's intriguing and unique, if slow at times. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC.

The Long Room is not the typical books I normally read, but I was intrigued by the premise. Stephen is a listener for the Institute. When he joined he had dreams of grandeur, being able to change the world through stealth and espionage. Instead he listens day after day to boring old me talk about things that will have no impact on the government or any part of his world. Then, one day, he is tasked with PHOENIX, a suspected leak that must be found and stopped. Suddenly his boring day to day life has purpose and adventure. Only, Stephen doesn't find himself intrigued this suspected PHOENIX. He's too busy being transfixed by his wife and soon, he is willing to risk anything to maintain a connection to her. This was an interesting look into the human psyche, love, obsession and truth. This is a slow read and at times, especially at first, can be a bit tedious. I was so glad I stuck with it though, as it ended up being very interesting and as more is revealed, you question more and more what is happening, what you are reading and what is truth. At first I was unsure if I was fully satisfied with the ending, since we are left with a number of unanswered questions, but ultimately, I think the ending was very fitting for the book and the questions is poses to the reader.