maybeans's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
emgregg's review against another edition
4.0
I received an audio ARC of Jonathan Abernathy You Are Kind through Netgalley.
Jonathan Abernathy is every American who feels as if they are three steps behind. I never thought a narrative written in third person could feel so much like second person. It's dreamlike, which works as much of the story takes place in dreams. The prose reflects this wonderfully, and I was completely immersed in Abernathy's small world.
The nods to the harsh realities of life in a capitalist society are on-the-nose and often stated outright, but the writing is beautifully dark and surreal. I wish there had been more to explanations of dream symbolism, as it would have added humor and depth to the parts that take place within dreams. The narrator gives hints to much of the ending as the story goes along, which made it feel slow to resolve in some parts, but overall the pacing is well done.
The audio narration by MacLeod Andrews is exceptional. The highs are high and the lows are low, and I felt he was in full control of the emotional rollar coaster that was this book.
I recommend for anyone who enjoys journeys with flawed characters who try their best but get in their own way. Readers who like speculative elements that are surreal, yet believable due to real-world parallels, will connect with this book.
Jonathan Abernathy is every American who feels as if they are three steps behind. I never thought a narrative written in third person could feel so much like second person. It's dreamlike, which works as much of the story takes place in dreams. The prose reflects this wonderfully, and I was completely immersed in Abernathy's small world.
The nods to the harsh realities of life in a capitalist society are on-the-nose and often stated outright, but the writing is beautifully dark and surreal. I wish there had been more to explanations of dream symbolism, as it would have added humor and depth to the parts that take place within dreams. The narrator gives hints to much of the ending as the story goes along, which made it feel slow to resolve in some parts, but overall the pacing is well done.
The audio narration by MacLeod Andrews is exceptional. The highs are high and the lows are low, and I felt he was in full control of the emotional rollar coaster that was this book.
I recommend for anyone who enjoys journeys with flawed characters who try their best but get in their own way. Readers who like speculative elements that are surreal, yet believable due to real-world parallels, will connect with this book.
shimmeringice's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Child death
fabulousdave's review against another edition
5.0
Wow. Loved this bleak and funny novel about the endless grind of debt and what people are forced to do to claw their way out. There is little hope offered to abernathy in the job of cleaning up people's dreams to make them more productive workers but I appreciated the persistence of kindness throughout. some of it fleeting, some extending for years, but all important in the face of the merciless capitalist machine. Would definitely recommend!
echarp's review against another edition
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
pmbisiar's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
rach_daube's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.0