Reviews

Nod by Adrian Barnes

books_penguin's review against another edition

challenging dark hopeful mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

sf92's review against another edition

dark tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

monkeyboystiff's review against another edition

3.0

A really fascinating idea, sadly the author thinks their nonsense about words and the main character's manuscript are much more fascinating than they are. The high concept here is great, run with that! The dropping of authors and literary allusions gets rather irritating, a bit r/iamverysmart.

Didn't take long to read though so enjoyed it overall. Ending a little meh

cllorento's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I had really expected to be enthralled by this novel, a mixture of dystopian fiction and a deep delve into the human psyche. Ultimately it disappointed me slightly. Barnes' prose was gritty and at times brutal, effectively shifting the reader into the desperate mood of the novel. The increasing delirium and deterioration of the population were interestingly presented, however Barnes increasingly honed in on elements of the breakdown of society that I found, frankly, dull. I suspect this is a case of a novel not being for me, partly due to it diverging from my expectations somewhat, rather than being a poorly written book in general as I can see how some would be intrigued by the way Barnes portrays societies rather quick descent into chaos. Unfortunately it just didn't work for me. 

lou1303's review against another edition

challenging dark tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.25

kalkn's review against another edition

1.0

I wanted to like it. The premise was interesting and the story full of potential. But the book just didn't deliver. Like many hate watch a show, I ended up hate reading this book.

stuffhanreads's review against another edition

5.0

If you ever want to know what life would be like if everyone suddenly couldn’t sleep, then Nod is the book for you. It’s absolutely crazy and I couldn’t stop reading it.

While everyone can suffer from some level of insomnia once and a while, this book takes the average insomniac to the next level. It takes us to a world of filthy people on the border of insanity.

It has been one of the most unique books I’ve read this year, definitely the most unique of December.

I would love to find a book as unique as this again someday. I recommend this to anyone who wants to see what life would be like without sleep.

meepsharrison's review against another edition

challenging dark tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

meagm's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

4.0

Unlike any horror I’ve read before, really unique and spirit crushing plot. Descent into madness genre is usually not my thing but Barnes killed it. 

pbraue13's review against another edition

3.0

A fun, short, and almost literary story of a zombie apocalypse that occurs because no one can get any sleep.