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3.6 AVERAGE
3.6 AVERAGE
The Sudden Appearance of Hope was a pretty good book, I’d rate it 3.5 and round down at this point. The concept was so interesting, anyone that Hope encounters immediately forgets her when she leaves. Claire North’s writing was great as usual, and her style does a great job of drawing me into the story. However, I thought the plot was a bit slow at times, and I struggled to get through parts of it. And it was much lighter on the sci-fi elements than The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August, which I really liked.
This wasn’t what I expected it to be really, which wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. It was very high on the social commentary, especially what society seems to perfect and how that impacts a person sees themselves. It was a really interesting concept, and had some really good ideas to it. But there were just some parts I struggled through, and it brought the rating down a bit.
This wasn’t what I expected it to be really, which wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. It was very high on the social commentary, especially what society seems to perfect and how that impacts a person sees themselves. It was a really interesting concept, and had some really good ideas to it. But there were just some parts I struggled through, and it brought the rating down a bit.
This was really really good. It's essentially a novel length exploration of the question, would you be good or evil if the only person who would know, was you.
I mean, it's got plot and stuff, and characters (and the hook is really really neat), but that's essentially the question this book explores. And the answer for Hope is probably not your answer. It's not mine, and that's ok. It's not about what the right answer, it's about making you _think_ about what your answer would be.
It's also really quality writing, and the larger story (re: Perfection, etc) is also neat, and interesting, if not as unique as the hook.
Pretty much regardless of what type of book you usually read, you should give this a try. It's one of the better books I've read this year.
I mean, it's got plot and stuff, and characters (and the hook is really really neat), but that's essentially the question this book explores. And the answer for Hope is probably not your answer. It's not mine, and that's ok. It's not about what the right answer, it's about making you _think_ about what your answer would be.
It's also really quality writing, and the larger story (re: Perfection, etc) is also neat, and interesting, if not as unique as the hook.
Pretty much regardless of what type of book you usually read, you should give this a try. It's one of the better books I've read this year.
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
A masterpiece, completely original and brilliantly and evocatively written. I've never read loneliness written so beautifully.
This book has a fascinating premise. Hope is a woman who others forget as soon as she's out of sight for any amount of time. This started with her parents forgetting her when she was sixteen. So Hope goes out into the world and survives as a thief. What cost is freedom though? This world also has a truly terrifying app called Perfection that is a lifestyle coach to make people perfect. This is a very absorbing read with plenty of twists and turns as heists go wrong and global chases ensue. This book tackles a whole host of very interesting themes and sometimes manages a light touch with them and sometimes gets a bit heavy-handed, and some bits do drag on a bit. But saying all that I did keep eagerly turning pages to find out what happens next. [Dec 18]
I keep thinking about this book and Hope... [July 2019]
I keep thinking about this book and Hope... [July 2019]
Brilliant, as always. Claire has an absolute knack of capturing the ordinary human within a very exceptional character. Hope's talent is to be instantly forgettable, but it's also her curse. Half spy thriller, half a search for belonging, this is a gripping page turner.
Buy it, read it. :-)
Buy it, read it. :-)
I couldn't get past the first 50 pages. I LOVED The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August, but this book didn't make any sense. I read 50 pages and still had no idea what was going on. I kept wondering what I was missing.
I received this as a free reading copy and I am really not sure what I thought. I found the book slow to get into but then I was intrigued by the premise. What would you do if no one would remember you? Would you steal if that was the only way you could eat? If you were unable to work because no one remembered that they employed you how would you pay bills?
I had trouble putting this book down once I started. The concept is fascinating and the delve into privacy, convenience and perfection very relevant. The tidbits of information, the facts, sprinkled throughout relating the book back to our society sort of terrifying (and making me look at the apps on my phone askance).
The ending left me wanting for a resolution, but I also understand the choice the author made. Sometimes it’s better to let the reader hanging a little (or a lot) to make them think and not discard the message you're trying to get across.
Definitely recommended!
The ending left me wanting for a resolution, but I also understand the choice the author made. Sometimes it’s better to let the reader hanging a little (or a lot) to make them think and not discard the message you're trying to get across.
Definitely recommended!