rebread's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- 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
4.0
georginakerr's review against another edition
challenging
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
we_are_all_mad_here26's review against another edition
2.0
Prior to reading this book I had shelved it as satire because that's what it claims to be. It is not. It is the most farcical farce I have ever been exposed to outside of a 1980s sitcom.
Instead of a plot we have one scene following another in which the characters, both main and secondary, become more and more ridiculous. I only kept reading because once I got so far, I had to stay to see how it would all fall apart. I mean, I had to believe it was all going to fall apart in the end. And in the meantime Boyne made abundantly clear his dislike for cancel culture, performative wokeism (wokeness? I don't know), internet trolls, and so on and so on and so on.
And then in the end I think we are all meant to believe that the phones are responsible for all of it.
Bottom line is if you've never read John Boyne before DO NOT START HERE.
Instead of a plot we have one scene following another in which the characters, both main and secondary, become more and more ridiculous. I only kept reading because once I got so far, I had to stay to see how it would all fall apart. I mean, I had to believe it was all going to fall apart in the end. And in the meantime Boyne made abundantly clear his dislike for cancel culture, performative wokeism (wokeness? I don't know), internet trolls, and so on and so on and so on.
And then in the end I think we are all meant to believe that the phones are responsible for all of it.
Bottom line is if you've never read John Boyne before DO NOT START HERE.
ange461's review against another edition
In spite of all the four and five star reviews I found the subject matter rather trite and predictable and not at all funny There wasn’t one character I liked. I returned the book for a refund.
milliedenyer's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- 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
4.0
rhiannon2001's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
amycecilia's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
jaydotsea's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
roselogie's review against another edition
challenging
funny
medium-paced
- 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
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia, Deadnaming, Misogyny, and Classism
Moderate: Racial slurs
mandylovestoread's review against another edition
4.0
The Echo Chamber is the first book by author John Boyne that I have read and it was hilarious. A book that I might not have read if not sent a copy by Penguin Australia so thank you for opening my eyes.
As Blur once sang "Modern Life is Rubbish" and the Cleverley Family are going to find this out the hard way. Today we live our lives online - photos, thoughts and opinions are all out there for all to see and judge. Meet The Cleverley Family - they are wealthy, have everything that could possibly want in life and are in the limelight. Father George is a BBC chat show host, the mother is Beverley, a novelist. And then there are their 3 children - Achilles, Nelson and Elizabeth, all of whom have their own issues.
This family will be their own worst enemies. They try to navigate the online world of political correctness, trying to boost their followers and fame. There is not alot of room to really get your point across in a Tweet but that does not stop them from trying.
Their downfall is inevitable and it is hilarious. Really enjoyed this fun look at the world.
As Blur once sang "Modern Life is Rubbish" and the Cleverley Family are going to find this out the hard way. Today we live our lives online - photos, thoughts and opinions are all out there for all to see and judge. Meet The Cleverley Family - they are wealthy, have everything that could possibly want in life and are in the limelight. Father George is a BBC chat show host, the mother is Beverley, a novelist. And then there are their 3 children - Achilles, Nelson and Elizabeth, all of whom have their own issues.
This family will be their own worst enemies. They try to navigate the online world of political correctness, trying to boost their followers and fame. There is not alot of room to really get your point across in a Tweet but that does not stop them from trying.
Their downfall is inevitable and it is hilarious. Really enjoyed this fun look at the world.