A review by brekaboujie
Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel

emotional mysterious reflective tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

First 5 star review which is very exciting!! I have literally just finished this so this might change once I've let it settle in my brain a little more.

I raced through this book, it was very fast paced. I was a bit concerned at the beginning that the structure would put me off, as sometimes jumping from so many perspectives or plot lines can leave me a bit detatched or impatient to get back to my favourite bits, but this wasn't like that at all. There was a constant thread that went through the whole book, which I wasnt expecting as I'd completely forgotten the blurb by the time I'd picked it up. Relevant side note, would definitely recommend jumping straight in without knowing the plot by the way, it was fun.

I also have to admit, I got a violent sense of dread by the time I was half way and the first plot twist came in. Generally the book seemed like just an interesting exploration through time to start but that middle section and the way it pulled everything together was really chilling to me. It gave me Piranesi (by Susanna Clark) vibes - I found that book pretty intense and unsettling at times, and this matched that. It was a really cool take on this kind of storyline. 

Only thing to note I guess was that there was loads left out plot wise.
Like, what the hell is actually going on with the Time Institute? I get a real vibe that its run by people who know 100% about the simulation already, or that there is something bizarre going on. Why are they protecting a particular timeline? And there are multiple??? Is this leading up to a Zoey sequel?? (Personally idk if i would vibe with that but there is plenty of space for it). Also what about Dion's special project helping to build the insitute, was that just a throwaway line to connect everything in? There was sinultaneously a feeling of a very fleshed out setting in each of these spaces and also the most SHALLOW description of each.
Each of these things didn't take away from the experience of reading it but it has left me with a lot of just like WHAT IS THIS THOUGH etc. 

Overall, found it super pacey, interesting premise, loved the twists (oh my god I haven't even talked about the end i LOVED the end), and a very unique feeling to a book, I've not really read anything like it l!! Which is always exciting.
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