Reviews

Zij by Kay Dick

balancinghistorybooks's review against another edition

• Loveable characters? No

2.0

mayormccheese's review against another edition

challenging dark mysterious tense fast-paced

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

4.0

harrythesequel's review against another edition

challenging dark tense fast-paced

4.0

notebooksandlaptops's review against another edition

challenging dark reflective sad tense slow-paced

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

4.0

becjc's review against another edition

dark inspiring mysterious medium-paced

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

4.0

lddlb's review against another edition

challenging medium-paced

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

2.5

cbags's review against another edition

slow-paced

3.5

davethescot's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

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

4.0

ehmvert's review against another edition

challenging dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced

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

3.5

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.