Minister of Loneliness cover art

Minister of Loneliness

Preview

Get 30 days of Standard free

£5.99/mo after trial. Cancel monthly.
Try for £0.00
More purchase options

Minister of Loneliness

By: Matt Boren
Narrated by: Billy Crudup, Minnie Driver
Try for £0.00

£5.99 a month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for £6.56

Buy Now for £6.56

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
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_c

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
story brought to life by superb actors-a real joy to listen to. downloaded on a whim but will definitely be looking ipmore writing by the author

original story-superb performance

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

It is transcendent I absolutely loved the whole arrangement. I cannot recommend it enough. I keep listening to it over and over again. Sets me in such a good mood. Thank you.

Love it!!!!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

I thought the writing especially for Henry was so fresh it sounded totally unscripted. And his acting was first class. Both actors timing was exceptional and the energy between them was electric.
Excellent writing, acting and brilliant audio production. Thank you

Loved this immersive story

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

i enjoyed this well produced, well written bittersweet unusual love story. it contained the right anount of story, meaning and wisdom to ease my spirits and inspire a new willingness to live a little more…

deep, meaningful and easy to listen to

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Funny, poignant, inspiring, reflective and beautifully delivered. The spark between the characters is palpable. Best thing I’ve heard is ages.

Exceptionally well written

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

See more reviews