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A review by slichto3
Followers by Megan Angelo
4.0
Wow, Followers was truly an electric novel! I haven't had the privilege of reading a book that gripped me so hard, that left me wanting to read deep into the night, in a while, so Followers was a wonderful breath of fresh air (with Terry Gross).
The story alternates between the perspectives of two women: Orla and Marlow. In the 20teens, Orla is a fame blogger but dreams of becoming a serious writer. Blogging does not seem to be the best route for her, until she meets her new roommate, Floss Natuzzi. Floss aspires to be famous, however she can get there. Orla and Floss seem some synergy - Orla can talk up Floss on her blog, and Floss can give Orla unlimited access for juicy stories. It's perfect! Except both women have some obsessions - Floss with fame, Orla with Danny, a crush from high school - that lead to problems for them and for others.
In the 2050s, Marlow lives in a town where each resident is a professional celebrity. Almost 24/7, they are recorded and watched by followers around the US. It's great, except not so much. Marlow's relationships with everyone in her environment - her husband, Ellis, her mother, Floss - are all superficial and unfulfilling to Marlow. She wants freedom and reality, and she gets that by running away.
Both women's stories end up connecting in an exciting ride. Thinking back on it, I suppose not that much really happens in Followers, but I was locked in to everything that did. After each chapter, I wanted to get right on to the next. And it was, mostly, a satisfying journey. I had hoped for a grander conclusion, but I was happy where it ended up. I also felt that the characters didn't always stay consistent, and that some not-so-realistic things happened, but these are mostly minor quibbles. I'd recommend Followers as a fun, exciting read.
The story alternates between the perspectives of two women: Orla and Marlow. In the 20teens, Orla is a fame blogger but dreams of becoming a serious writer. Blogging does not seem to be the best route for her, until she meets her new roommate, Floss Natuzzi. Floss aspires to be famous, however she can get there. Orla and Floss seem some synergy - Orla can talk up Floss on her blog, and Floss can give Orla unlimited access for juicy stories. It's perfect! Except both women have some obsessions - Floss with fame, Orla with Danny, a crush from high school - that lead to problems for them and for others.
In the 2050s, Marlow lives in a town where each resident is a professional celebrity. Almost 24/7, they are recorded and watched by followers around the US. It's great, except not so much. Marlow's relationships with everyone in her environment - her husband, Ellis, her mother, Floss - are all superficial and unfulfilling to Marlow. She wants freedom and reality, and she gets that by running away.
Both women's stories end up connecting in an exciting ride. Thinking back on it, I suppose not that much really happens in Followers, but I was locked in to everything that did. After each chapter, I wanted to get right on to the next. And it was, mostly, a satisfying journey. I had hoped for a grander conclusion, but I was happy where it ended up. I also felt that the characters didn't always stay consistent, and that some not-so-realistic things happened, but these are mostly minor quibbles. I'd recommend Followers as a fun, exciting read.