Summary

"I'm a fabulist by trade," warns Gabriel Noone, a late-night radio storyteller, as he begins to untangle the skeins of his tumultuous life: his crumbling ten-year love affair, his disaffection from his Southern father, his longtime weakness for ignoring reality. Gabriel's most sympathetic listener is Pete Logand, a fourteen-year-old fan in Wisconsin whose own horrific past has left him wise and generous beyond his years. But when this virtual father-son relationship is rocked by doubt, a desperate search for the truth ensues.

Quotes

Gabriel
This is NYH from New York City, broadcasting a special live edition. I'm Gabriel Noone and this is 'Noone at Night'. As a storyteller I've spent years living my life in fiction. Like a magpie, I tend to steal the shiny stuff ... discard the rest. The fact can always be altered to tell the story, but this time I have to be careful. I'll lay out the events exactly as I remember them. I want you to believe them after all, which will be hard as it is. This one is called 'The Night Listener'.

Gabriel
"A diary of transcendent hope and courage"? Oh, please ... does it come with aromatherapy?

Pete
Is it really you?
Gabriel
Why wouldn't it be me?
Pete
You just don't sound like yourself.
Gabriel
I'm a little less dramatic in real life.

[on a flight to Wisconsin]
Woman
Do you have family in Wisconsin?
Gabriel
Yes, actually, a son. He lives with his mother, though. I need to see him on holidays.
Woman
How old is he?
Gabriel
F-Fourteen.
Woman
You must have had him late.
Gabriel
Oh, yeah. Fairly.
Woman
Do you have any pictures?
Gabriel
As a matter of fact...
Woman
Oh, my goodness, look at those eyes! He has your nose and chin, though.
Gabriel
Really...
Male flight attendant
Excuse me, sir. I hope I'm not too pushy, but I saw your name on the passenger list and I just wanted to say I appreciate everything you have done... for us.
Gabriel
Pleasure is mine.
Woman (to Gabriel, after flight attendant leaves)
You've done something for flight attendants?

Anna
Oh my God! Oh my God. No, that's it. What if he's impersonating her?!

Gabriel
What would it be like to still believe in the boogeyman when you're 14 years old, knowing it's the same person who gave you life?