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moongirljesse's review
adventurous
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
hilikus_00's review
4.0
This inventive dystopian novel set in a society that has a caste system based on which colours one can perceive and precisely how much of it one can perceive, was a fun read. It took a long time to get going, but once it did, I was along for the ride and was engaged. I liked the characters, particularly Jane. Fforde's writing style is very descriptive. There is a lot of exposition in this novel and I thought that had the world been any less dynamic and different from ours, it would have been overkill. But I enjoyed reading about the particularities of the world the Fforde builds because it was just so unique. Also, the vocab! I'm pretty sure I learned about 30 new words while reading this.
libraryofdreaming's review against another edition
4.0
I read and enjoyed Jasper Fforde's quirky debut: The Eyre Affair but after several sequels found my enthusiasm and stamina waning. His universe became too overwhelming for me so I took a step back and shelved the other books for the time being. In the meantime I heard about this book which came highly recommended from someone on Tumblr (I've since forgotten who but it was high praise). I was also under the (mistaken) impression that it was stand alone. My library had it and I thought it would be a good way to get back into Jasper Fforde's fun writing style without being overwhelmed again.
And I really enjoyed it! The plot and dystopian setting was very clever. I absolutely loved the novel idea of a society organized by how much color you can see. It was refreshing and entertaining - especially when sprinkled with that special brand of Fforde randomness (lethal swan attacks, a spoon shortage, the Last Rabbit, and deadly colors)! His writing is just delightfully compelling while being absolutely wonky at the same time. I was completely engrossed by the teasing narrative right up until the end.
I was somewhat disappointed to discover that so far no sequel has been published and there are conflicting dates out there for its eventual release. The ending itself was not exactly a cliffhanger and if no sequel materializes I can content myself with a revisionist ending where
So now, friends, you must read this book so we can petition Jasper Fforde to get on that sequel! ^_^
And I really enjoyed it! The plot and dystopian setting was very clever. I absolutely loved the novel idea of a society organized by how much color you can see. It was refreshing and entertaining - especially when sprinkled with that special brand of Fforde randomness (lethal swan attacks, a spoon shortage, the Last Rabbit, and deadly colors)! His writing is just delightfully compelling while being absolutely wonky at the same time. I was completely engrossed by the teasing narrative right up until the end.
I was somewhat disappointed to discover that so far no sequel has been published and there are conflicting dates out there for its eventual release. The ending itself was not exactly a cliffhanger and if no sequel materializes I can content myself with a revisionist ending where
Spoiler
Eddie and Jane drive off into the sunset to take down society on their honeymoon... But I want a happy ending for them!! None of this complementary color nonsense! (There's a sentence I never thought I'd write.)So now, friends, you must read this book so we can petition Jasper Fforde to get on that sequel! ^_^
armellereads's review
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
jessicacragg's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
wutz_04's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
crystalstarrlight's review
4.0
"If you can't find the correct answer, then you are obviously asking the wrong question"
Eddie Russett lives in a world where social standing is based on the color of the rainbow that you see. He is a Red, as is his father. Both are relocating to East Carmine after a prank Eddie performed, but the trip turns out to be far more exciting and eye-opening than Eddie could ever imagine. And it all started with one girl with a cute nose.
As I was reading the book, I couldn't help but think of Douglas Adams' [b:The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy|11|The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Hitchhiker's Guide, #1)|Douglas Adams|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1275622284s/11.jpg|3078186] and Aldous Huxley's [b:Brave New World|5129|Brave New World|Aldous Huxley|http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41SJW829TEL._SL75_.jpg|3204877]. The humor is this book is along the same lines of Adams' works: zany, somewhat ridiculous and very enlightening commentary to our society. And yet, the book also speaks of a time where the society Leapbacks--removing technology such as vehicles, tractors, lightbulbs, and more--people marry based on their desire to rise in the color ranks and actions are rewarded or punished with a strange pseudo-currency, merits.
Astonishingly, the characters in this novel were particularly well-drawn. Our protagonist, Eddie, is of course well written. He is curious, somewhat dense, and enlightening. His naivety makes it easier for the audience to merge into this strange society. By the time you finally get to him being eaten by the yatevo from the beginning of the book, you are truly worried about his fate and want him to succeed.
Eddie is accompanied by many colorful (okay, bad pun!) secondary characters. Tommo, Courtland, Bunty, Sally Gamboge, Yewberry, Lucy Ochre, and of course, Jane and his father, have desires and motives and are not in any way two-dimensional.
If there is a problem with this book, it would be the slow pace and the slow plot. The first 200 pages were particularly painful, as we are dropped headfirst into this new culture with little to soften the blow. For the next 200 pages, we are desperately playing catch-up and trying to avoid pulling out our hair as we get more and more questions and few answers. What happened to Travis? What's up with the Apocryphal man? Why is Jane so belligerent? How did she get from Vermillion to East Carmine so quickly? Who was the Grey in Purple disguise? Why was he there? And what the hell is up with all the spoon talk?
Fortunately, the last 200 pages (specifically the last 50) more than make up for our earlier confusion. By the time you reach about page 275, it's a downhill slide. Answers pile up, light bulbs turn on in our heads, and the threads begin to tie up. The answers are solid, satisfying, and sensible. The conversations between Jane and Eddie are fascinating, revealing much about freedom, imprisonment, and tough choices:
"Prisons are still with us, only the walls are constructed of fear, taboo, and the unknown."
"If we're to make a difference here, we have to make hard decisions."
Not to mention, the solution to the spoon problem is HILARIOUS! I literally laughed out loud (not a common feat!).
This is part one of a projected trilogy; however, there is quite a bit of closure in this book. Sure, there are plot threads open for the next book, but on the most part, many of the questions the book raises are answered.
When I first started reading, I was close to bailing. The writing style, language, and all the info dumping was almost too much. Fortunately, I made it past the crest and was able to sail to the ending. So, if you like Douglas Adams, if you like dystopias, if you don't mind trilogies (that aren't finished--no note at this point when the next book will be out) and can get through the first part, you are bound to find this an interesting book.
Eddie Russett lives in a world where social standing is based on the color of the rainbow that you see. He is a Red, as is his father. Both are relocating to East Carmine after a prank Eddie performed, but the trip turns out to be far more exciting and eye-opening than Eddie could ever imagine. And it all started with one girl with a cute nose.
As I was reading the book, I couldn't help but think of Douglas Adams' [b:The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy|11|The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Hitchhiker's Guide, #1)|Douglas Adams|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1275622284s/11.jpg|3078186] and Aldous Huxley's [b:Brave New World|5129|Brave New World|Aldous Huxley|http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41SJW829TEL._SL75_.jpg|3204877]. The humor is this book is along the same lines of Adams' works: zany, somewhat ridiculous and very enlightening commentary to our society. And yet, the book also speaks of a time where the society Leapbacks--removing technology such as vehicles, tractors, lightbulbs, and more--people marry based on their desire to rise in the color ranks and actions are rewarded or punished with a strange pseudo-currency, merits.
Astonishingly, the characters in this novel were particularly well-drawn. Our protagonist, Eddie, is of course well written. He is curious, somewhat dense, and enlightening. His naivety makes it easier for the audience to merge into this strange society. By the time you finally get to him being eaten by the yatevo from the beginning of the book, you are truly worried about his fate and want him to succeed.
Eddie is accompanied by many colorful (okay, bad pun!) secondary characters. Tommo, Courtland, Bunty, Sally Gamboge, Yewberry, Lucy Ochre, and of course, Jane and his father, have desires and motives and are not in any way two-dimensional.
If there is a problem with this book, it would be the slow pace and the slow plot. The first 200 pages were particularly painful, as we are dropped headfirst into this new culture with little to soften the blow. For the next 200 pages, we are desperately playing catch-up and trying to avoid pulling out our hair as we get more and more questions and few answers. What happened to Travis? What's up with the Apocryphal man? Why is Jane so belligerent? How did she get from Vermillion to East Carmine so quickly? Who was the Grey in Purple disguise? Why was he there? And what the hell is up with all the spoon talk?
Fortunately, the last 200 pages (specifically the last 50) more than make up for our earlier confusion. By the time you reach about page 275, it's a downhill slide. Answers pile up, light bulbs turn on in our heads, and the threads begin to tie up. The answers are solid, satisfying, and sensible. The conversations between Jane and Eddie are fascinating, revealing much about freedom, imprisonment, and tough choices:
"Prisons are still with us, only the walls are constructed of fear, taboo, and the unknown."
"If we're to make a difference here, we have to make hard decisions."
Not to mention, the solution to the spoon problem is HILARIOUS! I literally laughed out loud (not a common feat!).
This is part one of a projected trilogy; however, there is quite a bit of closure in this book. Sure, there are plot threads open for the next book, but on the most part, many of the questions the book raises are answered.
When I first started reading, I was close to bailing. The writing style, language, and all the info dumping was almost too much. Fortunately, I made it past the crest and was able to sail to the ending. So, if you like Douglas Adams, if you like dystopias, if you don't mind trilogies (that aren't finished--no note at this point when the next book will be out) and can get through the first part, you are bound to find this an interesting book.
hannchilada's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
3.25
It’s a clever world that I’m excited to learn more about. The character really grows on you but the romance isn’t super believable and it can be difficult to get through purposely obscure world building hints in a slow first three-quarters.