Reviews - The Machine Stops

778 reviews for:

The Machine Stops

E.M. Forster

4.01 AVERAGE

beermeadude's review against another edition

5.0

challenging dark reflective medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Incredibly prescient story considering when it was written! People have pointed out many of the similarities between this world and our own present but the one that sticks out to me a lot is the annoyance at having one's time "wasted" by communication not focussed on one's job. Any human connection is met with an annoyed attitude and "make it quick, I don't have time for this" as if the Machine and one's content output is more important than even family.

pkamara's review against another edition

4.0

dark emotional reflective fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: N/A

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

joillian's review against another edition

5.0

mysterious

kcherry's review against another edition

DID NOT FINISH

slow paced & dystopian/too futuristic

breedawnwriter's review against another edition

4.0

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense

I read this per the recommendation of Allen Arnold. It's probably one of the best short stories I've ever read. It couldn't be a more timely piece, and I truly think that everyone should read it at least once.

Content Warnings