Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.73 AVERAGE
3.73 AVERAGE
i’m not even really sure how to review this book. it’s so unlike anything i’ve ever read before. which i suppose is logical, as it’s arguably the first dystopian novel. the premise and general story arc are not unlike other similar novels that would follow. the vagueness of the narrator (and his plentiful and ambiguous ellipses) seem incongruent with his otherwise mathematical and precise language. i suppose it all combines to underscore the complicated position he’s in. a confounding but also thought-provoking read.
A truly great work that would have probably been more enjoyable if a one's savvy in mathematics and physics.
dark
funny
reflective
Certainly an influential and creative story, We seemed like an inferior 1984. Something about the book just never clicked with me and captured my full interest.
An interesting book, but not necessarily an easy read.
Written in 1921 and before many dystopian/sci-fi novels had been written to define various alternate futures, We and the One State it portrays is a well imagined world of regimentation, order and surveillance. Glass walls everywhere so everything you do is visible, apart from when being issued with a pink slip to engage in sex, when the blinds can go up.
D503 is a mathematician and constructor of 'The Integral' a new spaceship to take the One State to other worlds. Meeting I330 who rebelliously drinks alcohol, smokes and indulges in unprescribed sex triggers confusion and many thoughts in D503, hence the writing of the 'records' that make up the book.
An interesting aspect for its time is that the main roles are almost equally split by gender and in I330 arguably the strongest character is female.
Generally, the book has aged well and is an interesting read to see the influence on 1984, Brave New World etc.
Written in 1921 and before many dystopian/sci-fi novels had been written to define various alternate futures, We and the One State it portrays is a well imagined world of regimentation, order and surveillance. Glass walls everywhere so everything you do is visible, apart from when being issued with a pink slip to engage in sex, when the blinds can go up.
D503 is a mathematician and constructor of 'The Integral' a new spaceship to take the One State to other worlds. Meeting I330 who rebelliously drinks alcohol, smokes and indulges in unprescribed sex triggers confusion and many thoughts in D503, hence the writing of the 'records' that make up the book.
An interesting aspect for its time is that the main roles are almost equally split by gender and in I330 arguably the strongest character is female.
Generally, the book has aged well and is an interesting read to see the influence on 1984, Brave New World etc.
Only gripe is the dialogue; it wasn't always clear who was saying what.
Okay, I guess there are two ways to look at this:
A distinguished mathematician gets involved with a sexually manipulative dominatrix and, in the process, joins an undeground revolution and satanist cult aiming at disrupting societal order.
His viewpoint changing like a metronome depending on his domina's presence or absence (a troubling signal of a toxic relationship), our protagonist finds himself facing the tough choice whether to betray everything he previously believed in exchange for (possibly) kinky sex.
In the distant future, man is still man, so his choice wouldn't surprise you.
And there is the second way to look at this:
A deep, disturbing, dystopian novel about freedom, the constricting effect of a totalitarian stare to free thought, and salvation through love. Zamyatin's prophetic look into a future that very well may be provokes his readers' thoughts and imagination!
A distinguished mathematician gets involved with a sexually manipulative dominatrix and, in the process, joins an undeground revolution and satanist cult aiming at disrupting societal order.
His viewpoint changing like a metronome depending on his domina's presence or absence (a troubling signal of a toxic relationship), our protagonist finds himself facing the tough choice whether to betray everything he previously believed in exchange for (possibly) kinky sex.
In the distant future, man is still man, so his choice wouldn't surprise you.
And there is the second way to look at this:
A deep, disturbing, dystopian novel about freedom, the constricting effect of a totalitarian stare to free thought, and salvation through love. Zamyatin's prophetic look into a future that very well may be provokes his readers' thoughts and imagination!
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
challenging
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
If you’re wondering whether or not to read this book, read it. It is imaginative and prescient, but beyond that it will remind you, like any great work of art, of the magic and beauty of our present world