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perleerose's review against another edition
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
The world building of this book felt quite lazy at times, especially since the first half of the book is dedicated to explaining how said world works. The author says he doesn’t have time to explain certain things but it reads as if he didn’t actually want to develop those parts himself.
The action in the second half was more enjoyable than the first half.
The action in the second half was more enjoyable than the first half.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Sexism, and Misogyny
lethaltouch's review
challenging
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? No
3.0
In terms of physics and geometry, this book was an interesting read. Specifically, the parts where the main character addresses the point and line world and is then expected to acknowledge the 3rd dimension I found intriguing and were compelling to read, especially noting that the thoughts of higher dimensions were being thought about even in the 19th century. I thought this aspect was written and conveyed pretty well for its time and served its purpose. The philosophical nature of the plot for the main character I also thought interesting considering the stark change in the circle's life and worldview and how he coped with the new information .
In terms of the political aspect, even if written for satirical purposes and the era of the book's release kept in mind, the continued belittling of the female characters is hard to read and unpalatable especially considering the detail went into. The class separation and social commentary was unexpected but again most likely is to reflect the society of Abbott. I thought the writing of it was fine and served the purpose to demonstrate the nonsensical nature of the barriers between the shapes.
Overall, it was a good read and felt an even better one the longer it went without mentioning the fragility and inferiority of the women.
In terms of the political aspect, even if written for satirical purposes and the era of the book's release kept in mind, the continued belittling of the female characters is hard to read and unpalatable especially considering the detail went into. The class separation and social commentary was unexpected but again most likely is to reflect the society of Abbott. I thought the writing of it was fine and served the purpose to demonstrate the nonsensical nature of the barriers between the shapes.
Overall, it was a good read and felt an even better one the longer it went without mentioning the fragility and inferiority of the women.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism and Misogyny
jamescwash2's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism
slimywyrm's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
informative
lighthearted
slow-paced
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism and Ableism
Minor: War
flankaykay's review against another edition
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism and Misogyny
Minor: Domestic abuse and Murder
brycestevenwilley's review
funny
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.75
I never realized you could be racist and sexist against shapes, but here I am, reading that women are "wholey devoid of brain power". Like, I get the main focus is on the dimensions, and parts are staire, so you could read it as "flatland is kinda stupid and backwards anyway". The classism of the different shapes is done well. But why have classes be different shapes, but an entire gender is just one, the lowest one? There's so much BS and bad world building at the beginning that is never revisited or really has any affect on the story. I might be being too harsh on a short story from 1884, but I feel like it's overhyped in certain circles as "great science fiction". Just go play with 4d toys (on Steam), you'll get just as much out of understanding higher dimensions.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Sexism
Minor: Violence and War
jcprewett's review
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Misogyny, Classism, and Sexism
esmathteacher's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
I rather enjoyed most of this book. Granted I am a geometry teacher. It’s a must read for any geometry teacher! The ableism and sexism was extremely cringey and I’m very disappointed with that. Overall, meh but funny too I guess!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism and Sexism
glacialis's review
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism and Classism