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allysonkreh's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
libliz's review against another edition
4.0
You can tell this was published in 2019 because the term “social distancing” is never mentioned and they can contain the spread to just one community.
sittingwishingreading's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
dragonflymorning's review against another edition
4.0
Delightful suspenseful! I read it in one sitting.
britsonit's review against another edition
1.0
I really wanted to like this, and from the synopsis, I thought I would. I didn't. There is no main character. Add to that that there is also no real resolution. No real ending. I would compare this to something like "Year One" by Nora Roberts or "Station Eleven" by Emily St. John Mandel, except it doesn't hold a candle. So many threads were left untied. At one point I put it down, looked at my husband and said "What in the hell am I reading?". It didn't just miss the mark, the arrow wasn't even flying in the right direction.
elysareadsitall's review against another edition
4.0
"The Dreamers" is the story of one town struck by a highly contagious virus. The author goes into detail about how the town will be affected, the reactions of the media and government, and the changes in the town's citizens. At first, I was a little annoyed because I thought she was writing a slightly exaggerated covid story, but then I saw the book was published in 2019 and needed to lay down for a minute. She did a great job in building a sense of place, and each character we follow was unique and interesting. I was invested in all of them and what would happen.
meagan_young's review against another edition
5.0
Wow. Beautiful. This book is captivating. I was drawn in from the start and couldn’t stay away from it.
The writing reminded me of reading The Road by Cormac McCarthy, short and sweet sentences and chapters, such mystery and longing that pulls you through the whole book.
I understand why the reviews are not higher for this book, if you are expecting the typical end-of-the-world viral outbreak that may be expected by reading the summary. But that is not this book. It is more focused on the story of the virus, the many interweaving stories of the people affected, the mystery of dreams, than the thrill of “where did it come from” “how do they solve this”, etc.
I LOVED everything about this book and I definitely would recommend at least trying the first chapter and see if you get hooked as well.
The writing reminded me of reading The Road by Cormac McCarthy, short and sweet sentences and chapters, such mystery and longing that pulls you through the whole book.
I understand why the reviews are not higher for this book, if you are expecting the typical end-of-the-world viral outbreak that may be expected by reading the summary. But that is not this book. It is more focused on the story of the virus, the many interweaving stories of the people affected, the mystery of dreams, than the thrill of “where did it come from” “how do they solve this”, etc.
I LOVED everything about this book and I definitely would recommend at least trying the first chapter and see if you get hooked as well.
aotales's review against another edition
5.0
While reading a book about an epidemic during a global pandemic might not have been the brightest idea, I actually really enjoyed this novel! I listened to it as an audiobook and have to say, even though this uncannily mirrors the stressful events of our current situation - mask wearing, hoard shopping, hysteria, suspicion and government incompetence - Karen’s lyrical sentence composition and the narrator’s vocal talent actually made for a calming read. Fantastic observations on the human condition at its best and worst, pitch perfect pacing, and a genuine sense of urgency kept me on the edge of my seat interested. Told through multiple POV and bouncing from character to character quickly didn’t allow much overall character progression or attachment, but this wasn’t necessary to form the needed immediacy - really the characters were just the conduits through which we observe this virus … which felt like a sinister main character haunting each page. Thought provoking, jarring, and startlingly foretelling of the 2020 pandemic to come, this is one hypnotic read that makes you think … and maybe too much … about where that line between reality and dreams really exists.
Full Review Here: https://www.aotales.com/content/review-the-dreamers
Full Review Here: https://www.aotales.com/content/review-the-dreamers
burningupasun's review against another edition
3.0
I loved the premise and the prose. I feel like I wanted it to go somewhere more strongly and it just kind of meandered to an unexplained end. I guess the mystery of it all (where the virus came from, what it was, how it ended) wasn't really the point of the story. The point was the characters. I still wanted more of a resolution I guess.
rjradic's review against another edition
5.0
Are all of her books this beautiful? I loved it so much!