A review by justagremlin
The Test by Sylvain Neuvel

dark emotional reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

 

This was the first audiobook I’ve listened to, and I REALLY recommend this on audiobook! There is so much emotion in the narrator’s voice.

The book is also fairly funny in some parts but is equally as dark. The gunman actually has some fairly funny quips here and there which translate very well into an audiobook form

 

I’ve seen a lot of reviews say it gives <i>Black Mirror</i> vibes, and while I’ve never watched it, based on what I know of Black Mirror I would be inclined to agree. 

Recommend for: Sci-Fi dystopian lovers who want a short commentary on xenophobia and biases 

4.25/5 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Violence, Blood, Grief, Mass/school shootings, and Death of parent

Moderate: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, and Xenophobia

Minor: Child abuse and Fatphobia

Child Abuse:

Slight mention of a child getting slapped. Character was immediately remorseful of what he did

Blood/Death/Death of Parent/Gun Violence/Mass Shooting/Violence:

Many people are killed by a gunman including a mother sacrificing herself for her son

Emotional abuse/Mental Illness/Panic Attack/Disorder:

MC is left with PTSD after his test.

Fatphobia:

Gunman makes some hateful quips about someone’s size, however he’s a gunman so its not exactly the worst of his crimes

Grief:

Man is DEVASTATED after the death of his wife

Racism/Xenophobia

The novel explores biases especially in regards to immigration