Reviews

After reading The Day of the Triffids last year (a book that I maintain has the best opening chapter I've yet encountered) I was itching to read more of Wyndham's work. For me, The Chrysalids and Chocky were the ones I was most excited to read but I think that's what slightly ruined this book for me was that I went into it expecting something more sinister than what I was presented with.

The writing here is excellent; Wyndham again has demonstrated his skill and subtly in this work and I thoroughly enjoyed that aspect of this reading experience. The plot, for me, sits on a fine line between science fiction and horror, and I think I went in expecting more for the latter. So when the book didn't take on that darker tone, I think that left me feeling disappointed and disjointed from the story so I wasn't feeling as urgent a need to pick it back up again once I had set it down. This was especially reinforced as I was reading this as I was also reading The Exorcist, which I don't think worked in Chocky's favour.

This isn't to say that this book wasn't creepy and, at times, disturbing. It's an extremely well crafted and enjoyable book, only that I think I read it at the wrong moment. I wish I could give this 3.5 stars instead of 3 but 4 seemed too high for a book that I liked but didn't really love or feel excited about whilst I was reading it.

I think this is definitely something I have to come back and read at some point.

angelkisses's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

A bit too English for my tastes. But the concept of guardian angel aliens astral projecting onto the earthly plane is pretty fun.

marianne92's review against another edition

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challenging mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes

4.0

Really captivating and I found it really interesting that the dad was so supportive of his son, that gave it a different lens that allowed you to explore the idea of possession more deeply. Surprisingly very good

theopanov's review against another edition

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5.0

Страхотно много ми хареса. Започнах я снощи и историята така силно ме увлече, че за няколко часа я прочетох цялата. Не успях да оставя книгата, докато не стигнах докрая. Хем добре, че беше от по-кратките, хем ми се искаше да има още от нея. Супер завладяващ и невероятно поднесен сюжет. Чудесна фантастика с послания.