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3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
“The Dreamers”, by Karen Thompson Walker
4 brilliant stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was my second book by this author, after “The Strange Case of Jane O.”, where her narrative skills really captivated me, however, I purchased a copy of this book at the time of its publication, in 2019.
In here, her narrative does not disappoint. It is formidable!
The concept of the story may not be that original, but the idea of a virus that can cause a deep sleep was interesting.
The development of the story was well executed, regardless of not given a solid explanation for the strange occurrences, or a satisfying conclusion.
Perhaps there were too many characters and not enough depth, but I was enthralled nonetheless. It’s all about the narrative. And for me, after reading so many books written in 1st person lately, it was refreshing to read one written in 3rd person.
This kind of story may leave some readers frustrated, so I suggest taking the story as a dystopian tale. By the way, it is a fast read.
e-book (Kobo): 256 pages (default), 81k words, 57 chapters
Hardcover (Random House -1st Edition): 303 pages
I was too distracted by the glaring absence of urinary catheters or adult diapers and other signs of inadequate nursing! Fun read, otherwise.
The writing in this book is phenomenal. A bit lyrical, a bit poetic, and definitely visual. She paints a picture so well, I really felt that I was in Santa Lora, seeing the passed out people on the ground, looking at the houses with the black X's. That being said, I think she could have spent more time on the ending of this book. It felt anti-climactic and a bit untidy, as if even she wasn't sure why these people were dreaming, or how they woke up. Even though we do get to read about the various outcomes of each character, it felt as if her editor gave her an immovable deadline, and she didn't have time to fully explain and explore the story. There were minute details that I feel like should have/could have been addressed. At only 303 pages, there is definitely room for more development.
'A sleeping sickness. That’s what the local reporters are calling it.'
Lightly speculative and deeply mysterious. Set in a town where people start randomly falling asleep and staying that way. It's compelling and suspenseful, waiting to see who will succumb next and under what incongruent or mundane circumstances.
'These are not the brains of ordinary sleepers. These are not the brains of the comatose. These brains are extraordinarily busy.'
Lightly speculative and deeply mysterious. Set in a town where people start randomly falling asleep and staying that way. It's compelling and suspenseful, waiting to see who will succumb next and under what incongruent or mundane circumstances.
'These are not the brains of ordinary sleepers. These are not the brains of the comatose. These brains are extraordinarily busy.'
3.5 stars. I love this author's style of writing. The premise of this book really captivated me, but I felt like it didn't really ramp up until the last 1/4 or so, and then left me wanting more and with lots of questions. Too many tangents and loose ends not tied up. This author knows how to turn a phrase and capture emotion so I would give her next book a try, but for readers new to KTW, I'd highly recommend The Age of Miracles instead.
medium-paced
Ugh, i do not love this one. 😬 It was... just "meh" pretty much throughout. Slow. And then the ending was kind of a let down for how slow it was... I feel like it should have been... more. You have like four different storylines, i believe. My fave was the dad and his two daughters... then, I guess, Mae.
Maybe, it's because it was so Covid-y that I just didn't want to hear it again. I mean, it WASN'T covid, but there was quarantine and masks and panic and closing off a whole town and overflowing hospitals... just... meh.
The it's just like, ope! It's all over now. Good stuff. Happy days and a few dead folk. Carry on. I liked fully explained stories. Lol. I dont like stories that make me feel left hanging.. well, sometimes I do, but this time I didn't. 🤣
Anyway, I don't hate that I finished it, but I don't think id recommend it to anyone lol
Follow me on Instagram @bookmarkedbya and see my full review at https://bookmarkedbya.wordpress.com/2019/02/09/the-dreamers-karen-thompson-walker/
The hauntingly beautiful tale of a mysterious sleeping disease that ravages a small college town.
•
The sickness starts in the college’s dorm. A young woman, six weeks into her freshman year, falls asleep and won’t wake up. The disease spreads quickly from there. The Dreamers follows several different people in the town as their lives are overturned by the sickness. Who will succumb to the long sleep? What is happening during the sleep? And will they ever wake up?
•
The Dreamers is such a fantastic piece of fiction. Walker’s writing is dreamy and descriptive, and her use of omniscient third-person narration provides valuable information about the sickness’s effects on its victims and the town’s inhabitants. You’ll be so intrigued by the origin and anatomy of the sickness, but the story is about so much more - perseverance in times of crisis, sacrifice and love for your family, and the powerful nature of dreams. I highly recommend this incredibly beautifully written novel.
The hauntingly beautiful tale of a mysterious sleeping disease that ravages a small college town.
•
The sickness starts in the college’s dorm. A young woman, six weeks into her freshman year, falls asleep and won’t wake up. The disease spreads quickly from there. The Dreamers follows several different people in the town as their lives are overturned by the sickness. Who will succumb to the long sleep? What is happening during the sleep? And will they ever wake up?
•
The Dreamers is such a fantastic piece of fiction. Walker’s writing is dreamy and descriptive, and her use of omniscient third-person narration provides valuable information about the sickness’s effects on its victims and the town’s inhabitants. You’ll be so intrigued by the origin and anatomy of the sickness, but the story is about so much more - perseverance in times of crisis, sacrifice and love for your family, and the powerful nature of dreams. I highly recommend this incredibly beautifully written novel.