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A review by rachcannoli
The Brief and Frightening Reign of Phil by George Saunders
3.0
Quite possibly the weirdest 'book' I've ever read, though I'd hardly call it a book, it's really just a bound novella.
This novella is reminiscent of Animal Farm, with its extreme satire, bizarre art parable, and slightly heavy handed allegories, but isn't as coherent as the former work. It is super short discussing border disputes, leadership, the media, and standing up to oppression. Creepily enough, it feels quite prescient given our POS former President, even though it was originally written in '05.
There were several parts when I did laugh at the sheer ridiculousness of dialogue and situations happening. Particular favorites were the Kellerites, the President being so out of touch, and the take on the media. I found the messages to be overly obvious and the characterizations to be really cartoony, overall it just felt kind of goofy when I think it's meant to be deep and though provoking. It's a super easy, short read, but I cannot believe I paid money for it as a standalone...I feel like it should've been with several novellas. Oh well, I don't regret reading it, but it's just really a strange one.
This novella is reminiscent of Animal Farm, with its extreme satire, bizarre art parable, and slightly heavy handed allegories, but isn't as coherent as the former work. It is super short discussing border disputes, leadership, the media, and standing up to oppression. Creepily enough, it feels quite prescient given our POS former President, even though it was originally written in '05.
There were several parts when I did laugh at the sheer ridiculousness of dialogue and situations happening. Particular favorites were the Kellerites, the President being so out of touch, and the take on the media. I found the messages to be overly obvious and the characterizations to be really cartoony, overall it just felt kind of goofy when I think it's meant to be deep and though provoking. It's a super easy, short read, but I cannot believe I paid money for it as a standalone...I feel like it should've been with several novellas. Oh well, I don't regret reading it, but it's just really a strange one.