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bluejaybooks's review against another edition
4.0
Actual Rating: 3.5/5
Note: An advanced copy was provided by the publisher (Redhook), but opinions are my own.
After thoroughly enjoying Claire North's other novel, The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to review this book. While I did enjoy this novel, my overall opinion is very mixed.
My favorite aspect of the book is its concept. The idea of people hiding in plain sight has always intrigued me, and this book explores how being forgettable can affect someone's life in ways I had not considered.
Our main character, Hope, has had no relationships lasting more than a day since she was sixteen-years-old. Her own parents have no memory of her. The only thing that remembers her are machines. This makes holding a job and obtaining medical care beyond complicated for her.
This novel uses Hope's unusual circumstances to explore aspects of modern society including the idea of "perfection" through the use of an app that the author made seem so plausible it was a little scary.
This novel is fairly slow pace with repetition that comes with having a character who needs to reintroduce herself to everyone everyday. The most frustrating aspect of this book is that because of the constant reintroduction there wasn't much in the way of prominent secondary characters. No one trusted hope because they couldn't get to know her, and, therefore, never opened up to her. This allows the reader to understand just how alone Hope's situation has made her, but at the same time makes it more difficult to connect to the story.
The writing style is unconventional. There were a number of bulleted lists spread throughout the text as opposed to at the beginnings of chapters like it normally might be. I'm still not sure how I feel about this technique. One one hand, some of the information was very interesting and added to the story. On the other hand, at times it could go on so long I skipped it because it felt a bit like an info-dump.
The plot structure isn't typical either. Rather than building to a climax, the story ends on a note that leaves more questions than answers.
Note: An advanced copy was provided by the publisher (Redhook), but opinions are my own.
After thoroughly enjoying Claire North's other novel, The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to review this book. While I did enjoy this novel, my overall opinion is very mixed.
My favorite aspect of the book is its concept. The idea of people hiding in plain sight has always intrigued me, and this book explores how being forgettable can affect someone's life in ways I had not considered.
Our main character, Hope, has had no relationships lasting more than a day since she was sixteen-years-old. Her own parents have no memory of her. The only thing that remembers her are machines. This makes holding a job and obtaining medical care beyond complicated for her.
This novel uses Hope's unusual circumstances to explore aspects of modern society including the idea of "perfection" through the use of an app that the author made seem so plausible it was a little scary.
This novel is fairly slow pace with repetition that comes with having a character who needs to reintroduce herself to everyone everyday. The most frustrating aspect of this book is that because of the constant reintroduction there wasn't much in the way of prominent secondary characters. No one trusted hope because they couldn't get to know her, and, therefore, never opened up to her. This allows the reader to understand just how alone Hope's situation has made her, but at the same time makes it more difficult to connect to the story.
The writing style is unconventional. There were a number of bulleted lists spread throughout the text as opposed to at the beginnings of chapters like it normally might be. I'm still not sure how I feel about this technique. One one hand, some of the information was very interesting and added to the story. On the other hand, at times it could go on so long I skipped it because it felt a bit like an info-dump.
The plot structure isn't typical either. Rather than building to a climax, the story ends on a note that leaves more questions than answers.
kamikazefooby's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
vinjii's review
3.5
Claire North is undeniably clever. Her concepts are always intriguing, and her premises so very unique. North's novels often make me, a wannabe writer, think, "How did she come up with that?" and "Why can't I come up with something as clever as that?"
Despite that, I have to admit that North's books don't always work for me. While The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August is one of my favourite books, I did not finish The End of the Day. I loved the premise, but didn't gel with the execution. I'm not mad about that. It happens.
The Sudden Appearance of Hope, a story about a woman who has a rare condition that makes her instantly forgettable to everyone she meets, ended up being a bit of a mixed bag for me. I enjoyed the author's comments on politics and social issues, and I especially loved the way she criticises social media in this book, but the pacing is slow in places, and the story never managed to fully grip me.
Overall, it's definitely an enjoyable read that will appeal to fans of North, and while I didn't love it, I still found it to be an interesting and worthwhile read.
Despite that, I have to admit that North's books don't always work for me. While The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August is one of my favourite books, I did not finish The End of the Day. I loved the premise, but didn't gel with the execution. I'm not mad about that. It happens.
The Sudden Appearance of Hope, a story about a woman who has a rare condition that makes her instantly forgettable to everyone she meets, ended up being a bit of a mixed bag for me. I enjoyed the author's comments on politics and social issues, and I especially loved the way she criticises social media in this book, but the pacing is slow in places, and the story never managed to fully grip me.
Overall, it's definitely an enjoyable read that will appeal to fans of North, and while I didn't love it, I still found it to be an interesting and worthwhile read.
dilchh's review against another edition
4.0
Oh my, I don’t know where to begin. This book is just so cool. First off, a character that everyone can’t seem to remember? How amazing was that? How do you go around writing a story when your main character is someone who can’t be remembered? You have got to have a solid storyline to make that work, and yes, the story is that solid!
I don’t quite enjoy the ending or the story leading up to the ending of the book. I felt that it was a bit rushed, because the high point of the story had passed several chapters before the actual story came to an end, but as I finished the book, it was not entirely on the story only that made so caught up in it, but the idea and the questions posed in the books that got me hooked.
I love the fact that this story took something that is already present in today’s life and then upped by a lot, making you question about your current lives, especially your digital lifestyle. The ethical question about who you really are as person being made into a data that then will be used and tweaked using certain algorithms that is then being sent back to you, subtly telling you how to live your life. It’s just so amazing, and scary.
I love the fact that the book is so relevant on what is actually happening these days, especially in the digital realm. The internet gave us all the power of speech, and what did discover? The victory goes to he who shouts the loudest, and that reason does not sell. I can’t believe how perfect that quote was in describing the current situation on my Facebook’s newsfeed, where those who screams the loudest on certain topics (mostly politically and/or religiously related) is those who speak the words of wisdom and truth, and whilst there are people are much more reasonable, they are unheard of as they don’t scream nor do reason sell, because outrageous topic and lies sold more than the actual reasonable comments.
I don’t quite enjoy the ending or the story leading up to the ending of the book. I felt that it was a bit rushed, because the high point of the story had passed several chapters before the actual story came to an end, but as I finished the book, it was not entirely on the story only that made so caught up in it, but the idea and the questions posed in the books that got me hooked.
I love the fact that this story took something that is already present in today’s life and then upped by a lot, making you question about your current lives, especially your digital lifestyle. The ethical question about who you really are as person being made into a data that then will be used and tweaked using certain algorithms that is then being sent back to you, subtly telling you how to live your life. It’s just so amazing, and scary.
I love the fact that the book is so relevant on what is actually happening these days, especially in the digital realm. The internet gave us all the power of speech, and what did discover? The victory goes to he who shouts the loudest, and that reason does not sell. I can’t believe how perfect that quote was in describing the current situation on my Facebook’s newsfeed, where those who screams the loudest on certain topics (mostly politically and/or religiously related) is those who speak the words of wisdom and truth, and whilst there are people are much more reasonable, they are unheard of as they don’t scream nor do reason sell, because outrageous topic and lies sold more than the actual reasonable comments.
katykelly's review against another edition
5.0
The sci-fi Queen of the 'what ifs'?
Claire North, so far, has managed to create a superb take on human nature, capability and limitations with each book she writes under her pen-name.
From the people who relive the same life over and over, to those that can transfer their mind to a body by touching another, and now to the woman who is forgotten as soon as she leaves your sight... Stunning ideas, and absolutely brilliantly executed. This is the sort of sci-fi I like - rooted in the real world but creating one that we can all picture ourselves imagining.
In a shocking plot opener, we learn that Hope Arden began to be 'forgotten' by her friends and parents while still at high school: her place setting was forgotten at dinner, her dad not remembering to drive her to school, friends who look and see only a stranger.
Just what does a person do when their mum and dad forget who they are? Hope sets off on her own, and makes a life for herself, though with no real consequences, she is able to excel as a thief. Making a connection with a rich and beautiful young woman, one of many who has succumbed to the latest lifestyle App - Perfection - she finds herself with a cause after her acquaintance dies: Perfection, she sees it, is to blame.
And what is Perfection? An App that tells you what to eat, what to wear, what job to have, how to behave. And it awards you points when you follow its instructions.
Insidious, creepy, yet all too real-feeling, I thought. I loved the intertwining of Hope's own story - the woman who can't be caught, who can't be pinned down, with the App that is slowly taking over the world.
It kept me hanging on, though it did feel like a lengthy read, it is absolutely fascinating in its creation of a person that you may have met, conversed with, kissed even, before, but looking at now appears to be a total stranger - even compared to the police mugshot in front of you...
Just brilliant. If you're a fan of North, this will only cement your feelings. If you've not read her work before, this is as good a place to start as any.
It's rather heart-breaking as well as intriguing: just how would it feel if everyone forgot you, saw right through you? For Hope:
"Having no one else to know me, having no one to catch me or lift me up, tell me I'm right or wrong, having no one to define the limits of me, I have to define myself otherwise I am nothing, just a... liquid that dissolves."
I can't wait to see what the author comes up with next, she is one of a very few writers that I will immediately request upon seeing a new book is coming. I know to expect something intriguing, creative and well-crafted.
With thanks to Netgalley for the advance reading copy.
Claire North, so far, has managed to create a superb take on human nature, capability and limitations with each book she writes under her pen-name.
From the people who relive the same life over and over, to those that can transfer their mind to a body by touching another, and now to the woman who is forgotten as soon as she leaves your sight... Stunning ideas, and absolutely brilliantly executed. This is the sort of sci-fi I like - rooted in the real world but creating one that we can all picture ourselves imagining.
In a shocking plot opener, we learn that Hope Arden began to be 'forgotten' by her friends and parents while still at high school: her place setting was forgotten at dinner, her dad not remembering to drive her to school, friends who look and see only a stranger.
Just what does a person do when their mum and dad forget who they are? Hope sets off on her own, and makes a life for herself, though with no real consequences, she is able to excel as a thief. Making a connection with a rich and beautiful young woman, one of many who has succumbed to the latest lifestyle App - Perfection - she finds herself with a cause after her acquaintance dies: Perfection, she sees it, is to blame.
And what is Perfection? An App that tells you what to eat, what to wear, what job to have, how to behave. And it awards you points when you follow its instructions.
Insidious, creepy, yet all too real-feeling, I thought. I loved the intertwining of Hope's own story - the woman who can't be caught, who can't be pinned down, with the App that is slowly taking over the world.
It kept me hanging on, though it did feel like a lengthy read, it is absolutely fascinating in its creation of a person that you may have met, conversed with, kissed even, before, but looking at now appears to be a total stranger - even compared to the police mugshot in front of you...
Just brilliant. If you're a fan of North, this will only cement your feelings. If you've not read her work before, this is as good a place to start as any.
It's rather heart-breaking as well as intriguing: just how would it feel if everyone forgot you, saw right through you? For Hope:
"Having no one else to know me, having no one to catch me or lift me up, tell me I'm right or wrong, having no one to define the limits of me, I have to define myself otherwise I am nothing, just a... liquid that dissolves."
I can't wait to see what the author comes up with next, she is one of a very few writers that I will immediately request upon seeing a new book is coming. I know to expect something intriguing, creative and well-crafted.
With thanks to Netgalley for the advance reading copy.
lauraleto's review against another edition
2.0
That was a torture. The story is interesting, new, but it's too long to keep the reader (me) interested. It was a struggle to finish this book.
nderiley's review against another edition
4.0
Another winner by Claire North! A fun exploration into potential negatives of social media while delving into what life might be like if you were perfectly forgettable