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3.13 AVERAGE
3.13 AVERAGE
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Overall this book was very enjoyable. I enjoyed the comparisons to brexit with the made-up reversalism. I also though it was wrote very well. However, the references to the political cockroach was abit over bearing. In contrast the Jabs over how the government handled brexit the uks and usa special relationship and the me too mention was very well written.
I am a big fan of Ian McEwen and of satirical writing, so I enjoyed this. I think it could’ve been done as a short story. I enjoyed some of the more minor satirical elements, the US Pres, for example, and the part about Me Too. I’m not particularly interested in the complexities of Brexit or global economics so some aspects were beyond me, but I’m glad I read it.
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
funny
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Kaftka's 'Metamorphosis' in reverse and with a political twist. This is a well-written satirical novella which provides a few welcome jabs at the wayward Brexit-Trump era. The plot is rather thin and use of the toxic metaphor 'political cockroach' for the entire Cabinet (bar the foreign secretary) was hard to read. I enjoyed the delicate interweaving of British politics, international diplomacy, and the Anglo-American special relationship into the narrative nevertheless.
Well, this was a disappointing read. As per prior reviews it's a brexit satire but it doesn't touch on anything dealing with brexit except the absurdity. Too little insight into the cockroach plot or insight into the teething pains of adapting as a human. The speach at the end did not illuminate and in all a messy story. 1.5 stars as it was not badly written just the construction of the themes fell flat.
challenging
funny
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
In this parody of Kafka's Metamorphosis, cockroach Jim Sams awakens one morning in the body of a human. Not just any human, but the Prime Minister. Now in charge of a country divided between the Reversalists (people who want a inverted economy where you pay for your job and get money from shopping) and the Clockwisers (who support the current system), as well as dealing with the American president and other international incidents, what sort of leader will Jim be?
Whilst the satirical elements of this short book are interesting (and a clear comment on Brexit), it can feel a little too heavy-handed in places - but perhaps being based on such a famously bizarre premise will help justify a lack of subtlety to some. The ultimate reveal is also an amusing observation about the perceived nature of politicians, which I personally enjoyed.
Whilst the satirical elements of this short book are interesting (and a clear comment on Brexit), it can feel a little too heavy-handed in places - but perhaps being based on such a famously bizarre premise will help justify a lack of subtlety to some. The ultimate reveal is also an amusing observation about the perceived nature of politicians, which I personally enjoyed.