Scan barcode
mochiwaffles's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Religious bigotry, and Gore
Minor: Racism and Antisemitism
tildafin16's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
Oh dear - the first Huxley I’ve read other than BNW - not great for me
nobodyatall's review against another edition
2.0
This is a wierd book.
Flavours of Vonnegut.
It seems both incredibly modern in its commentary on war, politics, exploitation and ignorance about the environment, and incredibly prurient and old fashioned.
I found the satirical commentary really interesting, topical and insightful. The style and framing though, make it a difficult and often uncomfortable read which has sadly not aged very well.
I'm pleased that I read it, but no more than 'okay' for me.
Flavours of Vonnegut.
It seems both incredibly modern in its commentary on war, politics, exploitation and ignorance about the environment, and incredibly prurient and old fashioned.
I found the satirical commentary really interesting, topical and insightful. The style and framing though, make it a difficult and often uncomfortable read which has sadly not aged very well.
I'm pleased that I read it, but no more than 'okay' for me.
libdibs's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
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? It's complicated
2.5
I see what you're trying to do... but gruesome, grotesque description of human violence is not my idea of a good time.
bloodonasnuggie's review against another edition
5.0
A wonderful dystopian literature where the story shifts so much from the original intent to the end...tied back up again. True craft of storytelling, and a harsh parody of Hitler's Germany.
aneides's review against another edition
2.0
Unlike revenge, satire is a dish one oughtn't serve cold.
Some of the (wrongheaded) philosophy embedded in the satire was interesting.
I was pretty impatient with this one.
Some of the (wrongheaded) philosophy embedded in the satire was interesting.
I was pretty impatient with this one.
interplanetarypages's review against another edition
dark
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Pretty much falls into the classics trap of being anti-Semitic and sexist but the text itself and the prose were really impactful and the structure of it being a publication of a fictional screenplay with the forward of the man who found it was so cool
marcatili's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars.
As a teen, Brave New World was probably my favourite book. It's the one that got me into reading – where I could clearly see stories could be much more than what they appear at face value. Over time I've slowly been making my way through Aldous Huxley's other works and this one has been on the list for a while.
Ape and Essence was not the worst Aldous Huxley book I've read, but I've certainly read better. Like many of his speculative novels it's a bit quirky – certainly flawed – but in typical Huxley style uses its weird premise to explore ideas of morality, politics, and to some degree even environmental degradation. And though it seems kind of dense I actually found it a quick read.
As a teen, Brave New World was probably my favourite book. It's the one that got me into reading – where I could clearly see stories could be much more than what they appear at face value. Over time I've slowly been making my way through Aldous Huxley's other works and this one has been on the list for a while.
Ape and Essence was not the worst Aldous Huxley book I've read, but I've certainly read better. Like many of his speculative novels it's a bit quirky – certainly flawed – but in typical Huxley style uses its weird premise to explore ideas of morality, politics, and to some degree even environmental degradation. And though it seems kind of dense I actually found it a quick read.
laurabittman's review against another edition
5.0
A harrowing glimpse into a dark, post World War III future, with LA as the backdrop.
jelina's review against another edition
2.0
While full of sharp and witty images and commentary, the plot and characters are rough caricatures for the narrator briefly examine and dismiss. The dialogue and set up doesn't particularly shine nor is the romance particularly compelling. It is mercifully short and Huxley has a mastery of the English language best seen in his other work. If this isn't your first time reading Huxley then by all means look to the others for entertainment if it is Belial has you by the horns.