readingtomydogs's review against another edition
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
A wonderful novel about an authoritarian regime that gets more and more restrictive. The bureaucracy is put in place to keep citizens in a constant state of uncertainty and fear.
jessd07's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
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? It's complicated
3.5
dlberglund's review against another edition
I can't decide how to give this book stars, so I won't. Did it resonate, make me think, make me fear my government? Yes. Do I think this book is important? Yes. Did I LIKE it? Not really. Do I want you to read it so you can talk abut it with me before I forget it? Yes.
How is this book categorized? Frightening autocratic nightmare? Thriller? Existential musing? Satire? I am likely missing something in the translation.
75% of the story takes place in The Queue that has formed outside of The Gate, which has replaced all other government offices. People essentially move to The Queue, living there for days, weeks, months...waiting to get their document stamped, their permit issued, their permission granted, their form signed. Very little happens besides the tightening of security, issuing of decrees, and restriction of freedoms. It is terrifying.
There's a lot to discuss about people's ability to adapt to totalitarianism, about questioning assertions that aren't backed up with facts, about state control and domination of the media conversation. People who Disappear. Denial of events that were witnessed. Reduction of women's rights. Religious takeover of the State. (Again, I say, it was all terrifying.) However, I never really understood it all or where it was going, and I definitely was left confused by the ending.
How is this book categorized? Frightening autocratic nightmare? Thriller? Existential musing? Satire? I am likely missing something in the translation.
75% of the story takes place in The Queue that has formed outside of The Gate, which has replaced all other government offices. People essentially move to The Queue, living there for days, weeks, months...waiting to get their document stamped, their permit issued, their permission granted, their form signed. Very little happens besides the tightening of security, issuing of decrees, and restriction of freedoms. It is terrifying.
There's a lot to discuss about people's ability to adapt to totalitarianism, about questioning assertions that aren't backed up with facts, about state control and domination of the media conversation. People who Disappear. Denial of events that were witnessed. Reduction of women's rights. Religious takeover of the State. (Again, I say, it was all terrifying.) However, I never really understood it all or where it was going, and I definitely was left confused by the ending.
corinniebee's review against another edition
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
meganturnsthepage's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
kale_kale's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.0
I was tempted to DNF this book many times. After I’d finished I wished I had. Don’t waste your time.
Spoiler
We spend the whole book wondering about Yehya and the state of his bullet, and what The Gate is and who’s behind it. Throughout the book we learn nothing about The Gate, and Yehya doesn’t come even remotely close to getting his bullet removed before the last few pages.salmonread's review against another edition
2018 Read Harder Challenge #19 - A book of genre fiction in translation
mschlat's review against another edition
4.0
Set in a nameless Arabic nation, the queue in question is the result of totalitarian rule. The regulations of the state have grown so complex and onerous that practically any action requires visiting the Gate, a shadowy government complex that issues Certificates of True Citizenship (among other things). But a series of Disgraceful Events have closed the Gate, and many citizens (including most of our cast) are waiting and waiting.
So, in short, it's in the vein of 1984. What I liked most about it was the same emphasis on doublespeak - the many ways the government used language to cast blame and define loyalty. It's also a much more diverse work than 1984 with a larger cast and many more perspectives. And there's an abduction scene that builds to a sense of terror through an amazing use of nonspecificity. I found the ending a bit confusing, but I found it very worthwhile reading and an excellent insight into an Arabic dystopia.
So, in short, it's in the vein of 1984. What I liked most about it was the same emphasis on doublespeak - the many ways the government used language to cast blame and define loyalty. It's also a much more diverse work than 1984 with a larger cast and many more perspectives. And there's an abduction scene that builds to a sense of terror through an amazing use of nonspecificity. I found the ending a bit confusing, but I found it very worthwhile reading and an excellent insight into an Arabic dystopia.
cat80324's review against another edition
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
3.25