Reviews

They by Kay Dick, Scholes

humblebee20's review against another edition

3.0

A novella with some important points tro make bu that gets dragged down by its own confusing prose. I liked a lot about the book but I had no idea what was going on half the time. Honestly, if there hadn't been an introduction, I would have been in the dark. Dystopias can be hit or miss, and this one wasn't exactly what I was hoping for. Cool world, but the rules made no sense. Things seemed to be dangerous or safe would change status for no reason. Paintings will be punished but thank god latte art isn't considered "real" art. Yes this book is old and from a queer author, but I wanted to see more of the small things lost between people and their lives. Show me the painters grief, let the pain simmer until it boils over or peters out. Give me more stakes to feel the tension from.
That being said, there are some nice moments and good quotes. This novella is fine but calling it a timeless classic would have me disagree.

blackheartbella's review

4.0

This book reads like a dream. I often have very vivid dreams and this book reminded me of them. I could picture the scenery so clearly in my head but there were missing pieces in the story so I can’t quite make sense of everything that is going on. It’s like I know what is happening but at the same time I have no clue what is happening. There’s just enough substance to maintain a story line but I have to use my imagination to fill in the rest.

nebulous_tide's review against another edition

4.0

Highly unsettling. It took me a while (too long) to realise the chapters are individual tales, disconnected. Each tale seems to take place in a subtly different world. Or perhaps the same world through different lenses. Many of the characters are similar, and there’s always a dog. It reads like a recurring nightmare.

copiousw's review against another edition

challenging dark mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

pegasusgm's review against another edition

challenging dark reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

2.75

karlijntje_mandarijntje's review against another edition

challenging dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

dumbassbry's review against another edition

dark mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

prettymuchbooks's review

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

4.0

A novel told in nine interconnected short stories — behold a mysterious new world order run by a mob mentality to destroy and bring distrust. Dystopian fear lies ahead if you dare read and you must! Overcome panic and do not betray apprehension. A disturbing book that doesn’t let go of how daunting it is to be alive and resist. One must never forget for if we do, that’s when trouble begins. 

infamous_millimetre's review against another edition

challenging dark mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

liiaaa's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.5