Reviews

The Test by Sylvain Neuvel

effaly's review against another edition

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2.0

As soon as I started reading it, I know Neuvel's writing style just isn't for me. It feels awkward and clumsy. Just like the protagonist and his inner monologue rumbles.

I might have given the book more stars if the plot twist wasn't revealed in the 3rd chapter and basically ruined everything. A couple of sentence in the 3rd chapter, and you'll know what'll probably happen and how it'll end.

timinbc's review against another edition

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3.0

Philosophy 101 in a dystopia format. Meh. Suitable for novella length - get an idea, explain, explore, get out.

Warning: violence is described, although, wel, let's leave it at that.

Half-star penalty for using the paddles on a flatliner, but that's what years of network TV has given us.

I liked the clear implication that the people administering the tests thought they were doing the right thing. That's an essential for a dystopia.

trippalli's review against another edition

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

4.5

A philosophical reflection on immigration and citizen test process in a more dystopian world

grahamclements's review against another edition

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4.0

A novella with a terrific premise, a man in a very near future London sits a citizenship test that he must pass for his family to stay in England, but the test morphs into much more than just answering a few written questions. A great thriller.

marion's review against another edition

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3.0

je ne sais que penser. c'était vraiment black mirror vibes ça fait peur genre j'espère vraiment que ça n'existera jamais

ananya33's review against another edition

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

3.25

mushroomymikayla's review against another edition

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dark emotional tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated

5.0

Short and sweet and SO good-- I could not put it down. As other reviewers have said it feels like a Black Mirror episode. One of the best books I've read in a while, highly recommend!!

ktaroo939's review against another edition

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5.0

So good!

Loved this! Even though it was short read, it was really powerful and I think a fantastic insight on how the immigration process can change people.

jessiejenni's review against another edition

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dark emotional sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? N/A
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

bookph1le's review against another edition

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4.0

I found this pretty thought-provoking, and I liked his commentary on what we expect of immigrants, since we don't necessarily expect the same standards from your average citizen.