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3.78 AVERAGE

challenging mysterious reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. It was well written, it had deep things to say about society, our need for connection, our reliance on tech, and how it helps-and hinders- in our day to day life. A true exploration of what it is to feel loneliness and what we will do to try and fill that void. I believe this is the first novel Dyroff has written, but I honestly couldn't tell. She has a strong narrative voice, she is strong in her characters and world building. I would absolutely recommend this book to others.

3.5 rounding up to 4.

Main character was pretty robotic/childish in her inexperience and the world building could’ve used more explaining of exactly where we were in the future as a society. It was left pretty ambiguous, but would have these insane drops of technology for the most minor of things/tasks.

The concept was enjoyable and the execution a bit slow so the finale seemed like going from 10 to 1000. Overall, I liked it even though I can’t really articulate what it was missing, why this wasn’t a 4 or 5 star. A Missing connection perhaps to the main character.

4.5
At times I thought this would be a 4, but I can't help but love when fiction has a bunch of quotes that make me think about myself a little more (yes, I support navel gazing!). There were so many times when I wanted to cry while reading this (in a good way), and sometimes did. Intensely relatable. I loved this, and I can't wait to reread.
nyxstyx's profile picture

nyxstyx's review against another edition

DID NOT FINISH: 12%

i rebuke reading books idgaf about
hopeful reflective tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

For context, I read mostly non-fiction, and when I read fiction I am looking for an entertaining and gently thought-provoking story. As I have been reading about AI and friendship lately, but needed something a little lighter to read while on vacation, I was instantly drawn to Loneliness & Company. It didn't disappoint!

I related to the main character, appreciated her drive and her disappointment both, and just wanted to tag along with her as she started going all-out gathering lived experiences. I also felt at ease in the kind of futuristic backdrop that did not require me to fully suspend disbelief, a hint dystopian but not a whole lot more than today. I had the satisfaction of foretelling where the story was headed, and then being surprised anyway because it wasn't exactly what I thought. And who doesn't like toast and chocolate sauce in a diner?

If I end up reading only one novel this year, I'll be happy that it was this one.

DNF
xoxogossiplaur's profile picture

xoxogossiplaur's review

5.0

I loved this book so much. I loved how it represented complacency, loneliness, friendship and community. I loved watching Lee become someone new.
I also loved loved LOVEEEEEDDDD that this book turned out to be anti AI!!!!!!

This book was absolutely captivating in the best way. It’s a beautiful story about what it means to be human and living life to its fullest, even when it’s scary. Especially so.

While Lee is more on the logical researcher side, I still find myself having a lot in common with her. And I believe a lot of us do. Especially for the last few years since the beginning of the lockdowns, doing things outside of working every waking moment inside my house feels hard and scary. But I’ve been pushing myself to go on a similar journey as she does, which makes this book so timely for me.

It’s a charming, fantastic read that makes you think about loneliness and the journey of being a human.