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kalin_grace's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
oxnard_montalvo's review against another edition
Clever clever metaphor that has been expanded into a novella/short story. Not something I *enjoyed* reading. A satirical parable? I guess that's one way of describing it.
readra's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
reflective
fast-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
3.0
Full of Saunders' signature creativity and absurdity, but lacking a bit on the deep reflection of some of his other works. Short and fun.
daimencianci's review against another edition
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.0
coppenh23's review against another edition
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
madmooney's review against another edition
5.0
If you took all of the pig scenes from [b:Animal Farm|170448|Animal Farm|George Orwell|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1325861570l/170448._SY75_.jpg|2207778], and plugged them and the media with scenarios from the American political zeitgeist from 2016-2020, you would begin have an idea of what is entailed in the experience of reading The Brief and Frightening Reign of Phil.
"SKY REMAINS DARK AS NIGHT PROCEEDS"
However, this book was written in 2005, literally smack dab in the middle of the GW Bush era - which begs the question on whether or not we are doomed to forever be bound to this cyclical political rack, with the same crests and valleys being played over and over (however, forgetting that it is a cycle and each age keeping the tale told as if it were of its own unique experience).”
"MAJOR MEDIA FIGURES BRAVELY FOLLOWE STRANGE EXODUS FROM BORDER AREA, DETERMINED TO SEE WHAT IS UP WITH THAT?"
In a tale that draws its cascading absurdity of Beckett & Kafka, TBaFRoP uses the backdrop of Inner & Outer Horner as its stage (with the preferably habitable Inner Horner only able to accomodate one citizen at a time). Its citizens cycle through who gets to be the Inner Hornerite one at a time but then CALAMITY happens and then a despot (Phil) begins his demagogic rise and control of Horner.
"VISIONARY LEADER DAZZLES NATION WITH DECISIVE GREATNESS"
"PREZ DOES WHAT PREZ MUST DO"
TBaFRoP is not entirely cynical, one will be left with the taste of hope and kindness upon completion, which differs this title from its Kafka/Orwell/Beckett roots.
"SKY REMAINS DARK AS NIGHT PROCEEDS"
However, this book was written in 2005, literally smack dab in the middle of the GW Bush era - which begs the question on whether or not we are doomed to forever be bound to this cyclical political rack, with the same crests and valleys being played over and over (however, forgetting that it is a cycle and each age keeping the tale told as if it were of its own unique experience).”
"MAJOR MEDIA FIGURES BRAVELY FOLLOWE STRANGE EXODUS FROM BORDER AREA, DETERMINED TO SEE WHAT IS UP WITH THAT?"
In a tale that draws its cascading absurdity of Beckett & Kafka, TBaFRoP uses the backdrop of Inner & Outer Horner as its stage (with the preferably habitable Inner Horner only able to accomodate one citizen at a time). Its citizens cycle through who gets to be the Inner Hornerite one at a time but then CALAMITY happens and then a despot (Phil) begins his demagogic rise and control of Horner.
"VISIONARY LEADER DAZZLES NATION WITH DECISIVE GREATNESS"
"PREZ DOES WHAT PREZ MUST DO"
TBaFRoP is not entirely cynical, one will be left with the taste of hope and kindness upon completion, which differs this title from its Kafka/Orwell/Beckett roots.
alisonhori's review against another edition
4.0
Definitely not lacking in subtlety of any form, this little book was still just a hoot. Very amusing, in your face, satire.