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jovanh's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
Moderate: Confinement, Death, Rape, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and War
Minor: Death of parent
jdnew18's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The gritty, vengeful, and unthinking main character undergoes a massive moral enlightenment via a dizzying yet balanced plethora of influences arising from both the cast and plot. The extremely fast pace and short length of this novel does not leave time for lengthy character monologues or introspections. Instead, the reader is simply strapped in for the ride - white knuckled, skin pulled back - their fate left to the seemingly indefatigable depths of the author's muse.
Enjoy!
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Sexism, Violence, and War
Minor: Rape and Suicide attempt
fletchie's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
If you're interested in an old school sci-fi romp that feels like it could've been written yesterday, then here it is.
Moderate: Body horror, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Toxic friendship, Sexual harassment, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
funcharge's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Rape and Violence
lalu's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
It's the 24th century. Gully Foyle (who is less than average in every aspect) is the only survivor after the space ship where he works gets destroyed. When an other space ship turns a blind eye to his distress signals, a manic urge to get revenge rises within him.
What other writers would have told in 700+ pages, Bester condenses to 240. There is no time for doubts, no time for hesitation - I could feel how driven the protagonist is.
What bothered me a lot was that apparently gender norms didn't change one bit between 1950 and ~2350. There's even a woman who secretly works in a man's job.
Apart from that it was an interesting and well written book, it just didn't meet my personal taste.
Moderate: Body horror, Confinement, Death, Sexism, Violence, and Medical content
Minor: Rape
teabeakay's review against another edition
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Moderate: Body horror, Confinement, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Torture, and Violence
torpidcup's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Graphic: Confinement, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, and Forced institutionalization
Moderate: Bullying, Death, Mental illness, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Toxic relationship, Medical trauma, Suicide attempt, and Murder
Minor: Ableism, Addiction, Drug use, Sexism, and Violence