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Minister of Loneliness

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Minister of Loneliness

By: Matt Boren
Narrated by: Billy Crudup, Minnie Driver
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About this listen

A bittersweet love story told in four phone conversations, starring Minnie Driver and Billy Crudup.

Julia Fletcher takes her job seriously. Even as she’s planning to leave her post as the U.K.’s Minister of Loneliness, a government role designed to address the emotional epidemic plaguing modern citizens, Julia is invested in her successor, choosing to conduct the interviews herself. When an internet rabbit hole leads her to Henry Hall, a writer and iconoclastic, beloved professor at New York University, Julia’s interest is piqued. Henry is an unlikely choice: an academic located an ocean away from the Minister’s office in London, but Julia sees something in his writings that makes him a standout candidate in her eyes.

During a series of unorthodox, thought-provoking phone interviews, Julia asks Henry tough, philosophical questions aimed to get at deep truths. And Henry doesn’t hold back, displaying a vulnerability neither of them were expecting, even getting Julia to open up as well. Within their deep and winding conversations, the two of them quickly develop a comedic language all their own, the kind of which is usually reserved for life-long friends or soulmates. Well into middle age and at inflection points in their careers, both Henry and Julia are contemplating life, legacy, what it’s all for. Whom it’s all for. Soon, Henry has answered all of Julia’s questions and is left with one, burning question for her: Why is she leaving this job she’s clearly so passionate about? It’s the one question Julia isn’t ready to answer.

Lines are blurred—personal, professional. Circumstances and emotions get complicated. And somehow, two people acutely acquainted with loneliness form an unshakable connection.

Available in Dolby Atmos on Audible.

©2025 Matt Boren (P)2025 Audible Originals, LLC.
Contemporary Editors Select Entertainment & Performing Arts Women's Fiction

Editorial Review

So much more than a job interview
Who knew that a series of phone calls between the current “Minister of Loneliness” and her prospective replacement could be filled with so much witty banter? Performed by Minnie Driver and Billy Crudup, this short listen will leave you enthralled and wanting more. I found myself examining the same big questions these characters explore (maybe I’d make a good Minister of Loneliness?). These two definitely have a vibe going and, at certain moments, I felt like a third wheel. It’s the kind of storytelling that leaves a lot to be imagined on the part of the listener—all we have are these few phone calls. How would you want their lives to converge? Where might it all go on from here? After just one hour and 42 minutes of listening, I’ve spent days contemplating the possibilities.—Tricia F., Audible Editor

All stars
Most relevant
The book was witty , so witty, the word play was so good and performance of the cast was perfect. Such an easy listen . Was smiling thru the book.

Laughs…don’t let the title fool you.

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Quick-witted and irresistibly warm, the actor’s natural performances sparkled. By the end, there was no doubt these characters had forged something real. I think my ears fell a little in love with them both.

Delicious Banter

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Wonderfully narrated and such clever quick dialogue. And such an interesting concept. Loved it and happy to recommend for an enthralling quick listen!

Magical and so clever

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love love loved this, my only sadness is I wish it had more chapters!!! I so desperately wanted to see where the journey continues with the characters and then how their roles would switch. Minnie and Billy are amazing, their chemistry oozing through their voices and interactions, plus really loved how it switched between which characters voice sounded live and which sounded coming through the phone call. and it touched on really good themes of emotions, family connections, connections that cement your identity and your values. really really loved this! hehehe if you make more chapters I'll be first one to listen

the chemistry of the characters and realness of our feelings

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When was the last time you were open to genuine connection? Great discussion points for a book club

Loved it!

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This was a delight. Short, sweet, thoughtful. Performances were exceptional. I know I’ll continue to reflect on the experience and the themes it explored - what is living, what is happiness?

Beautiful Listen

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this may be a short story but gee ut was great! really enjoyed the narrators, the writing, it was funny, surprising, and so very honest!

fabulous 🤩😍

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I know I will listen to this one again and possibly again. Very clever idea, developing the storyline over the calls. And I could relate to the authors ideas, food for thought for sure. The voice actors brought such life, humour and expression to this story. Loved it!

Oh how this one resonates!

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...that tell a story - mainly 'across the pond'. A short read that is well enunciated.

A seties of conversations...

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OMG great read, wasn’t sure if I would like it and I ended up not wanting it to stop… great book

Minister of loneliness

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