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allyjshand's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
I loved the premise of this book and was took in by Margaret Atwood’s review. A dystopian novella, similar in concept to 1984, that discussed the suppression of art, love and emotion by an anonymous group. Some of Dick’s short stories had me gripped, particularly the first few. Although after that, the characters lacked distinguished personalities and I lost interest in the story slightly and failed to understand some of the nuances of the plot.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Animal cruelty, and Forced institutionalization
Minor: Domestic abuse, Death, and Physical abuse
bubblyfemme'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? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
This book had very little impact on me.
As someone who loves dystopian novels I thought this would be an interesting read. However, when I read it, the story felt empty.
The setting and characters had no individuality, and I felt very little empathy for any of them.
To be honest, I don't understand why it is advertised as ‘a masterpiece’ when it is one of the most generic dystopian novels I have ever read.
As someone who loves dystopian novels I thought this would be an interesting read. However, when I read it, the story felt empty.
The setting and characters had no individuality, and I felt very little empathy for any of them.
To be honest, I don't understand why it is advertised as ‘a masterpiece’ when it is one of the most generic dystopian novels I have ever read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Injury/Injury detail, and Gore
Minor: Physical abuse
janiswong's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
slow-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
4.5
A dark, dystopian novel that was contemporary for its time centered around the loss of individual artistic autonomy. I enjoyed the lack of context and insight into personal lives. The book was much darker than I expected and I felt tense throughout the short book. Dick's writing is gripping, full of mystery, and leaves the reader to fill in the gaps. The short stories as independent chapters, taken metaphorically, reminded me of how technologies can also have dimming effects, as people may slowly lose their individuality through the wearing down by infinitely scrolling online... A much needed short read that feels fresh, poignant, and relevant, even though written 50 years ago.
Content Warnings
Minor: Emotional abuse, Forced institutionalization, Physical abuse, Murder, Blood, and Death
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