hulahips91 's review for:

The Compound by Aisling Rawle

2.0

challenging dark sad tense 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: Yes

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I'm fascinated that I finished this book given I have zero interest in any reality-based tv show. I've never watched an episode of big brother, kardashian, bachelor island, biggest loser, naked/afraid...none of that. The people who populate those worlds seems desperately needy for acknowledgement of existence. They bring nothing worthy to the world, nothing but instantly forgettable brown noise. This book provided the same ennui and weeks from now, I won't remember anything about the 19 (the 20th contestant never made it to the compound) characters who vie to be the last contestant in this dystopian tv game show set in a compound surrounded by the harsh desert. There is the expected violence and sex and the conniving/dastardly deeds and nothing worth rejoicing at book's end. I gave it 2 stars because it was compelling and isn't that why these shows continue to litter our tv? Despite our own very real thriving/complicated lives, there are some who need to watch vicariously other people's dignity and empty appeal drain of any worthiness?