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People Might Hear You
People Might Hear You.jpg
First edition
Author Robin Klein
Country  Australia
Language English
Genre Children's novel
Publisher Puffin Books
Publication date
1983
Media type Print (Hardback & Paperback)
Pages 198 pp (first edition, hardback)
ISBN 0-14-036629-6 (first edition, hardback)
0140315942 (paperback)
Followed by None 

People Might Hear You is a children's novel by Robin Klein. It was first published by Puffin Books in 1983. The story is about a young girl named Frances. She finds herself in a very strict and unusual new home.

What the Story is About

Imagine moving into a new home where you can't make a sound! That's what happens to Frances, a 12-year-old girl, in Robin Klein's book People Might Hear You. Her life changes when her Aunt Loris marries Mr. Tyrell. Frances finds herself living in a big house with very strict rules.

The family believes in a special way of life. They think people outside might hear them if they are too loud. At first, Frances tries to fit in and follow all the rules. But as she learns more about this unusual family, Frances realizes she needs to find a way out.

Main Characters

Frances

Frances is the main character of the story. She is 12 years old. Before moving, she often moved from one apartment to another with her Aunt Loris. Frances always hoped each new place would be better. She is usually an obedient girl. However, her curiosity sometimes makes her break the rules.

Mr. Tyrell

Mr. Tyrell's full name is Finley Tyrell. He is the father of Rosgrana, Claire, and Helen. He can be very intimidating because of his strong beliefs. He thinks a big war will end the world soon. Mr. Tyrell follows the rules of his family's beliefs very strictly. This makes him seem a bit scary to Frances.

Aunt Loris

Aunt Loris is Frances's aunt and guardian. She often had trouble keeping a job. This meant she and Frances had to move a lot. Aunt Loris struggled to find a suitable husband. Then she met Mr. Tyrell. Her love for him is very strong. She tries to follow his family's beliefs hoping to be accepted.

Mr. Tyrell's Daughters

Mr. Tyrell has three daughters: Rosgrana, Helen, and Claire. They have been raised following their family's special ways.

Rosgrana

Rosgrana is the oldest daughter. She is very faithful to their beliefs and loves to study. She is often in charge of the house when Mr. Tyrell is out. Rosgrana makes simple clothes for everyone. Frances doesn't like these clothes because they are plain and old-fashioned.

Claire

Claire is the youngest daughter. She is very dedicated to her family's beliefs. She doesn't like Frances. Claire feels that Frances brings "outsider" ways into the house. Claire often causes trouble for Frances. She seems to enjoy telling her father when Frances breaks a rule.

Helen

Helen is the middle daughter. She believes strongly in her family's ways. However, something happens with another family member, Paul. This makes Helen start to question their beliefs. Helen begins to feel sorry for Frances. She becomes an ally for Frances in the house. This friendship lasts until the end of the book.

Awards

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