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daimencianci's review against another edition
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.0
coppenh23's review against another edition
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
madmooney's review against another edition
5.0
If you took all of the pig scenes from [b:Animal Farm|170448|Animal Farm|George Orwell|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1325861570l/170448._SY75_.jpg|2207778], and plugged them and the media with scenarios from the American political zeitgeist from 2016-2020, you would begin have an idea of what is entailed in the experience of reading The Brief and Frightening Reign of Phil.
"SKY REMAINS DARK AS NIGHT PROCEEDS"
However, this book was written in 2005, literally smack dab in the middle of the GW Bush era - which begs the question on whether or not we are doomed to forever be bound to this cyclical political rack, with the same crests and valleys being played over and over (however, forgetting that it is a cycle and each age keeping the tale told as if it were of its own unique experience).”
"MAJOR MEDIA FIGURES BRAVELY FOLLOWE STRANGE EXODUS FROM BORDER AREA, DETERMINED TO SEE WHAT IS UP WITH THAT?"
In a tale that draws its cascading absurdity of Beckett & Kafka, TBaFRoP uses the backdrop of Inner & Outer Horner as its stage (with the preferably habitable Inner Horner only able to accomodate one citizen at a time). Its citizens cycle through who gets to be the Inner Hornerite one at a time but then CALAMITY happens and then a despot (Phil) begins his demagogic rise and control of Horner.
"VISIONARY LEADER DAZZLES NATION WITH DECISIVE GREATNESS"
"PREZ DOES WHAT PREZ MUST DO"
TBaFRoP is not entirely cynical, one will be left with the taste of hope and kindness upon completion, which differs this title from its Kafka/Orwell/Beckett roots.
"SKY REMAINS DARK AS NIGHT PROCEEDS"
However, this book was written in 2005, literally smack dab in the middle of the GW Bush era - which begs the question on whether or not we are doomed to forever be bound to this cyclical political rack, with the same crests and valleys being played over and over (however, forgetting that it is a cycle and each age keeping the tale told as if it were of its own unique experience).”
"MAJOR MEDIA FIGURES BRAVELY FOLLOWE STRANGE EXODUS FROM BORDER AREA, DETERMINED TO SEE WHAT IS UP WITH THAT?"
In a tale that draws its cascading absurdity of Beckett & Kafka, TBaFRoP uses the backdrop of Inner & Outer Horner as its stage (with the preferably habitable Inner Horner only able to accomodate one citizen at a time). Its citizens cycle through who gets to be the Inner Hornerite one at a time but then CALAMITY happens and then a despot (Phil) begins his demagogic rise and control of Horner.
"VISIONARY LEADER DAZZLES NATION WITH DECISIVE GREATNESS"
"PREZ DOES WHAT PREZ MUST DO"
TBaFRoP is not entirely cynical, one will be left with the taste of hope and kindness upon completion, which differs this title from its Kafka/Orwell/Beckett roots.
alisonhori's review against another edition
4.0
Definitely not lacking in subtlety of any form, this little book was still just a hoot. Very amusing, in your face, satire.
cyntismiles's review against another edition
dark
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I enjoyed this quick novella for its inventive world and humorous take on “current” politics. It was written in 2005 but still relevant today (and possibly lots of other times in history).
It wasn’t anything special in the way of commentary but that might be because I agree with most of the points made.
The characters and the weird sci-fi landscape was the most interesting part. I found much of the story amusing in a dark humor kind of way. I’ve heard a lot of good things about George Saunders and that some of his works may be liked for or funnier. If that’s the case, I would be interested in reading them.
This was amusing and interesting but I don’t think I gained that much in reading it. In the end, it was mostly an interesting way to pass the time.
It wasn’t anything special in the way of commentary but that might be because I agree with most of the points made.
The characters and the weird sci-fi landscape was the most interesting part. I found much of the story amusing in a dark humor kind of way. I’ve heard a lot of good things about George Saunders and that some of his works may be liked for or funnier. If that’s the case, I would be interested in reading them.
This was amusing and interesting but I don’t think I gained that much in reading it. In the end, it was mostly an interesting way to pass the time.
eb2114's review
challenging
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
hieronymusbotched's review against another edition
5.0
Hysterical and funny and dark and true. Over a decade old and still furiously on point. This is the story of cultural decay in the West.
rachcannoli's review against another edition
3.0
Quite possibly the weirdest 'book' I've ever read, though I'd hardly call it a book, it's really just a bound novella.
This novella is reminiscent of Animal Farm, with its extreme satire, bizarre art parable, and slightly heavy handed allegories, but isn't as coherent as the former work. It is super short discussing border disputes, leadership, the media, and standing up to oppression. Creepily enough, it feels quite prescient given our POS former President, even though it was originally written in '05.
There were several parts when I did laugh at the sheer ridiculousness of dialogue and situations happening. Particular favorites were the Kellerites, the President being so out of touch, and the take on the media. I found the messages to be overly obvious and the characterizations to be really cartoony, overall it just felt kind of goofy when I think it's meant to be deep and though provoking. It's a super easy, short read, but I cannot believe I paid money for it as a standalone...I feel like it should've been with several novellas. Oh well, I don't regret reading it, but it's just really a strange one.
This novella is reminiscent of Animal Farm, with its extreme satire, bizarre art parable, and slightly heavy handed allegories, but isn't as coherent as the former work. It is super short discussing border disputes, leadership, the media, and standing up to oppression. Creepily enough, it feels quite prescient given our POS former President, even though it was originally written in '05.
There were several parts when I did laugh at the sheer ridiculousness of dialogue and situations happening. Particular favorites were the Kellerites, the President being so out of touch, and the take on the media. I found the messages to be overly obvious and the characterizations to be really cartoony, overall it just felt kind of goofy when I think it's meant to be deep and though provoking. It's a super easy, short read, but I cannot believe I paid money for it as a standalone...I feel like it should've been with several novellas. Oh well, I don't regret reading it, but it's just really a strange one.