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elysareadsitall's review
4.0
"The Dreamers" is the story of one town struck by a highly contagious virus. The author goes into detail about how the town will be affected, the reactions of the media and government, and the changes in the town's citizens. At first, I was a little annoyed because I thought she was writing a slightly exaggerated covid story, but then I saw the book was published in 2019 and needed to lay down for a minute. She did a great job in building a sense of place, and each character we follow was unique and interesting. I was invested in all of them and what would happen.
meagan_young's review against another edition
5.0
Wow. Beautiful. This book is captivating. I was drawn in from the start and couldn’t stay away from it.
The writing reminded me of reading The Road by Cormac McCarthy, short and sweet sentences and chapters, such mystery and longing that pulls you through the whole book.
I understand why the reviews are not higher for this book, if you are expecting the typical end-of-the-world viral outbreak that may be expected by reading the summary. But that is not this book. It is more focused on the story of the virus, the many interweaving stories of the people affected, the mystery of dreams, than the thrill of “where did it come from” “how do they solve this”, etc.
I LOVED everything about this book and I definitely would recommend at least trying the first chapter and see if you get hooked as well.
The writing reminded me of reading The Road by Cormac McCarthy, short and sweet sentences and chapters, such mystery and longing that pulls you through the whole book.
I understand why the reviews are not higher for this book, if you are expecting the typical end-of-the-world viral outbreak that may be expected by reading the summary. But that is not this book. It is more focused on the story of the virus, the many interweaving stories of the people affected, the mystery of dreams, than the thrill of “where did it come from” “how do they solve this”, etc.
I LOVED everything about this book and I definitely would recommend at least trying the first chapter and see if you get hooked as well.
aotales's review against another edition
5.0
While reading a book about an epidemic during a global pandemic might not have been the brightest idea, I actually really enjoyed this novel! I listened to it as an audiobook and have to say, even though this uncannily mirrors the stressful events of our current situation - mask wearing, hoard shopping, hysteria, suspicion and government incompetence - Karen’s lyrical sentence composition and the narrator’s vocal talent actually made for a calming read. Fantastic observations on the human condition at its best and worst, pitch perfect pacing, and a genuine sense of urgency kept me on the edge of my seat interested. Told through multiple POV and bouncing from character to character quickly didn’t allow much overall character progression or attachment, but this wasn’t necessary to form the needed immediacy - really the characters were just the conduits through which we observe this virus … which felt like a sinister main character haunting each page. Thought provoking, jarring, and startlingly foretelling of the 2020 pandemic to come, this is one hypnotic read that makes you think … and maybe too much … about where that line between reality and dreams really exists.
Full Review Here: https://www.aotales.com/content/review-the-dreamers
Full Review Here: https://www.aotales.com/content/review-the-dreamers
burningupasun's review against another edition
3.0
I loved the premise and the prose. I feel like I wanted it to go somewhere more strongly and it just kind of meandered to an unexplained end. I guess the mystery of it all (where the virus came from, what it was, how it ended) wasn't really the point of the story. The point was the characters. I still wanted more of a resolution I guess.
rjradic's review against another edition
5.0
Are all of her books this beautiful? I loved it so much!
vacantbones's review against another edition
4.0
I don't really write reviews, for a whole plethora of reasons, but I had to come and defend this book. Upon adding it to my list, many of my friends tried to convince me it was, for a lack of better words, boring and uneventful. And maybe they weren't necessarily *wrong* per se, but I really loved this book.
The writing was just so dreamy (I know, I know) and even though the plot didn't as much unfold as it did slowly boil over, the way the book was written was just so lovely and detailed that I finished it in two days. I know a lot of people are frustrated with the lack of "answers" and serious science, but I feel like I received just enough information about the sleep state and the unraveling of the town to be satisfied with the book. The characters were actually some of my favorites in recent history, minus that of Matthew, and that many people wish there was a relationship between him and another character just baffles me because nothing ever indicated that they were on the same wavelength. These characters were just people that brushed shoulders during a life altering event and sometimes that is just enough.
Overall, this is a 4 star read for me. I agree that maybe it's a bit of a hard one to swallow for some readers, but the writing is everything I wanted and my expectations were exceeded.
The writing was just so dreamy (I know, I know) and even though the plot didn't as much unfold as it did slowly boil over, the way the book was written was just so lovely and detailed that I finished it in two days. I know a lot of people are frustrated with the lack of "answers" and serious science, but I feel like I received just enough information about the sleep state and the unraveling of the town to be satisfied with the book. The characters were actually some of my favorites in recent history, minus that of Matthew, and that many people wish there was a relationship between him and another character just baffles me because nothing ever indicated that they were on the same wavelength. These characters were just people that brushed shoulders during a life altering event and sometimes that is just enough.
Overall, this is a 4 star read for me. I agree that maybe it's a bit of a hard one to swallow for some readers, but the writing is everything I wanted and my expectations were exceeded.
cupcates's review against another edition
4.0
mom come pick me up, another book written about a mysterious illness published before march 2020 has come for my throat
literary_liv's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pandemic/Epidemic
Moderate: Alcoholism, Chronic illness, Death, Mental illness, Suicide, Dementia, Grief, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, and Abandonment
liakeller's review against another edition
3.0
Very quick read. Such an interesting take on the virus / apocalypse theme. Enjoyable. I liked how the characters are super developed, but just little glimpses.
lesdrane's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Hrm… I think some people will love this book. It’s slow and mysterious and if you love a ~~vibey~~ book, it could be perfect for you.
I looked forward to reading the book but I felt left with questions and whip-lash at the sudden end.
PlusI WILL NEVER FORGIVE MATTHEW FOR NOT GETTING MEI AND THE BABY! Both could have been done!!! God Matthew was so annoying
I looked forward to reading the book but I felt left with questions and whip-lash at the sudden end.
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