znnys's review against another edition
4.0
Inventive and engaging. I binge read it in two days. Heng expertly captures the horror and tragedy in the distinctly American obsession with perfection, and she knows how to craft a character in that fine line between deeply flawed, yet still sympathetic. I'll definitely keep an eye out for what she works on next.
orionoconnell's review against another edition
5.0
Content Warnings: Psychopathic Tendencies, Animal Death, Violence, Blood/Gore, Murder, and the obvious suicidal ideation/overarching theme of suicide in the book. All the deaths are very graphically depicted, including a very very disturbing scene mid-book.
Again, this isn't one I imagined myself rating a five star, for a plethora of reasons, but to me, everything came together, and I honestly don't think this book could have been written better.
The language is understandable, and the story is complex but able to be followed. The world-building is exceptional, and the main character isn't necessarily likeable but you WANT to follow the story. Anja was a breath of fresh air, and I think the author put her story in in just the right places when Lea's story was feeling too much, or too heavy.
There's a lot of information, but no info-dumping, and some things get left unanswered, but I don't feel like those things were missing. I think the story was told in precisely the way it was meant to, which is rare that a book can tick all the boxes.
That said, it's an incredibly dark read with a lot of really big triggers, so keep that in mind when you're picking it up.
Again, this isn't one I imagined myself rating a five star, for a plethora of reasons, but to me, everything came together, and I honestly don't think this book could have been written better.
The language is understandable, and the story is complex but able to be followed. The world-building is exceptional, and the main character isn't necessarily likeable but you WANT to follow the story. Anja was a breath of fresh air, and I think the author put her story in in just the right places when Lea's story was feeling too much, or too heavy.
There's a lot of information, but no info-dumping, and some things get left unanswered, but I don't feel like those things were missing. I think the story was told in precisely the way it was meant to, which is rare that a book can tick all the boxes.
That said, it's an incredibly dark read with a lot of really big triggers, so keep that in mind when you're picking it up.
hizashinori's review against another edition
4.0
read this one for my utopianism class. really enjoyed the premise the further i got into the book but the ending seemed to drift from where i thought the message was going…. could have also been gay too.
editing this as of march 2022,, compared to all the other books read in my utopianism class this one is definitely my favorite. and it could have been SO GAY
editing this as of march 2022,, compared to all the other books read in my utopianism class this one is definitely my favorite. and it could have been SO GAY
daisykajsa's review against another edition
The translation in Swedish was ruining everything.
cinderelfa's review against another edition
3.0
The concept of this book really intrigued me, so I went into it with high hopes I would end up loving this book. However, the delivery of the story just didn’t build enough momentum for me to give this more than 3 stars.
The book follows 2 main characters, Lea and Anja who both felt quite bland main characters.
The main focus of the book was with Lea, who was not a likeable main character, her narrow attitude toward the world made her come across as quite childish, not if someone who had been around for 100 years.
Anja on the other hand, I found to be a relatable character with more depth. Anyone who has experienced, having a loved one, who’s body is alive but is no longer here within their mind, could really relate to Anja’s experience. I was moved by some Anja’s chapters which made me want to continue reading.
Toward the end, I kept having the feeling that we were building up sone big reveal which didn’t happen.
I did like the end it showed some character development from Lea which felt like a long time coming.
The book follows 2 main characters, Lea and Anja who both felt quite bland main characters.
The main focus of the book was with Lea, who was not a likeable main character, her narrow attitude toward the world made her come across as quite childish, not if someone who had been around for 100 years.
Anja on the other hand, I found to be a relatable character with more depth. Anyone who has experienced, having a loved one, who’s body is alive but is no longer here within their mind, could really relate to Anja’s experience. I was moved by some Anja’s chapters which made me want to continue reading.
Toward the end, I kept having the feeling that we were building up sone big reveal which didn’t happen.
I did like the end it showed some character development from Lea which felt like a long time coming.
howse's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
tamzy6's review against another edition
3.0
I want to like this book, I really do, but I didn't form much attachment to any of the characters. Characters come and go, we are shown vignettes, through Lea's or Anja's eyes, so we see these glimpses of each character, rather than actually reading about them. With the exception of Kaito, all the characters seem vacant and disinteresting, even the 'rebel' Lea. And even then, Kaito's background is relatively unexplored.
twocentsmusic's review against another edition
5.0
I came to hear about Rachel Heng in a funny way, but I tried reading her (only book at that time) and was hooked. Her writing was surprisingly matured and polished and I wouldn't have guessed it was her first novel if I didn't do my usual stalk around the internet to find out more about the authors I like thingey.
The book is about a world in which science had advanced so that everyone could technically live forever. Everyone? Or not everyone? What does it mean if you were in that elite, if you were born with better genes that made it more worth it to invest this new tech on you? What about the "brand new trials" for you to become the first to live forever? An eternal life gained or freedom lost?
The book is about a world in which science had advanced so that everyone could technically live forever. Everyone? Or not everyone? What does it mean if you were in that elite, if you were born with better genes that made it more worth it to invest this new tech on you? What about the "brand new trials" for you to become the first to live forever? An eternal life gained or freedom lost?