A review by charlote_1347
The Circle by Dave Eggers

5.0

This novel terrifies me - it is one of those works of fiction that remains in your mind long after you've finished reading, whether because of its implications, its characters or its plot. In this case, it's the implications. To think of a technological world, completely transparent, where privacy is no longer considered a right, or even an honest desire, and where everyone knows everything about everyone sends shivers down my spine. Why would I want a neighbour to be able to watch me in my home, any time they wish? Why would I want SeeChange cameras installed in my home, transmitting footage twenty four hours a day to whoever wants to watch? Why would I want to deprive myself of the freedom to act how I wish, when I wish, because some stranger might disapprove of my choices? I am not the most avid supporter of technological advancement anyway - I believe in seeing things for yourself, touching flowers, stroking and admiring animals, breathing the fresh sea air or the smell of fresh mown grass. Artificial knowledge and experience, while applicable in some cases, such as those presented in The Circle, seems wanting to me. The impulse to be seen and heard, regardless of the cost to one's independence and privacy, is explored fabulously and without restraint in this novel. It is the first book in a long time that has made me seriously consider the way of the contemporary world, and the paths we have set ourselves on with sites like Facebook, Twitter and countless others. The writing, initially, seemed cliché and limited but this impression was rapidly discarded as the story progressed. The imagery became powerful and poignant, the characters, and their varying viewpoints, kept me hooked and the whole concept demanded active participation and analytical thinking from the reader every time a new concept was presented. Character-wise, I can safely say that I DESPISED Mae Holland. She was barely tolerable at the beginning of the narrative, and by the end I wanted to punch her teeth out. Francis wasn't much better. He was a whiny, slippery worm with a tragic back story that attempted to add a pity element to his character which fell flat. It was Annie, and Mercer, and Mae's parents that I pitied. They each became victims of The Circle, and were each pushed to their individual extremes because of the pressures of constant surveillance. The novel ends with a punch, too: Mae in Annie's hospital room, sat by her comatose friend's side, and her only concern is that Annie is dreaming and is not sharing these dreams. Mae's BEST FRIEND is unconscious from stress, exhaustion and shock, and Mae feels DEPRIVED and DISCRIMINATED AGAINST because she does not have access to her dreams. That concept was enough to have me closing the book in disgust, but only because Mae's character, ironically enough, seemed to have closed her own circle when it comes to selfishness and a desperate scrambling for knowledge. While this is not an easy read, and it grew damn uncomfortable in places, I would recommend it to ANYONE who wants to have a serious think about where our society is heading if we stay on our current path.