Reviews

Severance by Ling Ma

carolinerosereads's review against another edition

dark reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.25

spacem0nkeyyy's review against another edition

challenging dark reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

brookebuonauro's review against another edition

5.0

Tbh this was magnificent and so on the nose it’s scary. I know this is a controversial opinion but I LOOOOVED the ending!

k_buck4's review

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

smalleyparton's review

dark tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

maxmflick's review

dark reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

dghoiem's review

2.0

I should have loved this book. post apocalyptic satire is my jam. But it just didn't do it for me.

Spoiler

The stakes never felt high enough and I wondered why our protagonist didn't just walk away from the situation before she could no longer walk away. While I understand the main character's rebellious youthfulness is part of the story, there were elements in the writing that felt very immature and completely unnecessary (see: his schwarzenegger-size shlong). I think it was supposed to be funny, but I didn't really find much humor in the book at all.

It may be that I'm just an old fuddy-duddy who didn't "get it." Maybe it was because the previous book I had read was so beautifully written in 1924 by a Pulitzer Prize winning novelist that this one felt so lacking. Or perhaps that jump in genre was just too great for Severance to ever have a chance with me.

Lots of reviewers loved it...I did not.

arzoosingh's review

hopeful reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.0

kylereads_'s review against another edition

4.0

"Severance" by Ling Ma is a gripping novel set in a world gripped by a strange pandemic called Shen Fever. The story follows Candace Chen in New York City as she navigates the chaos caused by the illness.

Ma’s writing skillfully portrays Candace's journey, blending elements of satire and dystopia. As Candace grapples with her past and present, the novel explores themes of isolation and identity.
This book is a thought-provoking read that lingers in your mind, offering insight into the human experience amidst crisis. If you enjoy compelling literary fiction, this book is a must-read. But of course, trigger warnings!

easyvisionary's review

3.0

The girlies really said it’s got a pretty cover you’ve gotta read it!! What about the content though…

You finish this short read like so that’s it? Dang we really aren’t getting any conclusion or answers just gonna stop it there? Okay random.. anyway moving on.

I mean I’m not one for post apocalyptic storylines so I don’t know what I was trying to achieve here but anyway..

The sex scenes were short fast and uncomfortable. Me at the airport and then me on an airplane. Reading them as fast as I can to turn the page. They were just nasty I’m sorry.

3.5 stars :)