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kitwhelan's review
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I would still rather read Psalm For The Wild Built to get my futurism from a less intense source, but this was compelling as heck.
I really wished we could’ve spent more time on the finale and what was happening in the world, and less on the island, as the ending felt a bit rushed. But, even though I have some critiques, I enjoyed the way this story was told and will probably keep thinking about it’s big ideas for a long time.
Honestly,if only it could be so easy as getting rid of three billionaires. In reality I’m not sure the forces of capitalism would allow anyone to so quickly change the world. Although I am 100% on board with social media platforms emphasizing the good rather than the anger and fear-inducing content. That would help.
I also saw the fact that they faked the apocalypse coming from the first chapters, I’m not sure if it’s meant to be a twist. But because of that I do wish we could’ve spent less time with the billionaires and more time with Martha & co actually doing the fixing of the world. (In truth, I would have rather had our heroes be more average individuals than second-in-command to the rich & powerful.) BUT I do think for the times we live in now coming at it from the perspective of tech bros was effective. Especially for those who are early in their anti-capitalist journey.
I really wished we could’ve spent more time on the finale and what was happening in the world, and less on the island, as the ending felt a bit rushed. But, even though I have some critiques, I enjoyed the way this story was told and will probably keep thinking about it’s big ideas for a long time.
Honestly,
I also saw the fact that they faked the apocalypse coming from the first chapters, I’m not sure if it’s meant to be a twist. But because of that I do wish we could’ve spent less time with the billionaires and more time with Martha & co actually doing the fixing of the world. (In truth, I would have rather had our heroes be more average individuals than second-in-command to the rich & powerful.) BUT I do think for the times we live in now coming at it from the perspective of tech bros was effective. Especially for those who are early in their anti-capitalist journey.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, and Violence
Moderate: Death
Minor: Suicide
bekkah_co's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
This book was a delight to read. It had such an interesting format, mixing standard prose with the stylistic choices of the message boards, that had no issue keeping me engaged. It was stylistically interesting and the point of view changes were done masterfully.
The Future combines notions of religion, anxiety around the current state of affairs of the world, and that there could be a chance for redemption into an exciting narrative filled with high-tension and thought provoking scenarios. Overall, this was a rich read. If you enjoy religion, Alderman's use of Sodom and Gomorrah as a framing narrative provides a useful frame to view the novel within. It hinges heavily on the ability to recognize the parallels to our own current world and how things could either get better or continue into absolute destruction. The Future is a perfect example of realistic fiction of what could be if our own world continues the way it currently is.
I wish we could have seen more of the relationships between the characters. This book felt very dependent on external factors and not fully on interpersonal relationships. Eventually some of the billionaires do merge together as they face the same chaos and anxieties. Yet, I think this was intentional. These are people living high rolling lifestyles with little concerns for those around them. Their lives become a routine of white-collar crime, fighting frivolous legal battles, and spending exuberant amounts of money. Out of all the characters in The Future, Zhen was by fair the most compelling. She was caught in a game for billionaires by falling in love with one and ultimately had her life severely disrupted. She was a survivalist trying to survive not just the apocalypse but navigating the world of money and power.
Two notes:
The Future combines notions of religion, anxiety around the current state of affairs of the world, and that there could be a chance for redemption into an exciting narrative filled with high-tension and thought provoking scenarios. Overall, this was a rich read. If you enjoy religion, Alderman's use of Sodom and Gomorrah as a framing narrative provides a useful frame to view the novel within. It hinges heavily on the ability to recognize the parallels to our own current world and how things could either get better or continue into absolute destruction. The Future is a perfect example of realistic fiction of what could be if our own world continues the way it currently is.
I wish we could have seen more of the relationships between the characters. This book felt very dependent on external factors and not fully on interpersonal relationships. Eventually some of the billionaires do merge together as they face the same chaos and anxieties. Yet, I think this was intentional. These are people living high rolling lifestyles with little concerns for those around them. Their lives become a routine of white-collar crime, fighting frivolous legal battles, and spending exuberant amounts of money. Out of all the characters in The Future, Zhen was by fair the most compelling. She was caught in a game for billionaires by falling in love with one and ultimately had her life severely disrupted. She was a survivalist trying to survive not just the apocalypse but navigating the world of money and power.
Two notes:
- It could be gayer.
I was very invested in the relationship between Zhen and Martha. I felt robbed when we didn't get more! - The ending was interesting and is really what prevents this from being a 5 Star for me.
The ending was almost too idealistic for me. Human nature is fickle. I would love to believe that everyone was good and wanted to promote a better future, but there is always going to be greed. Just because three billionaires disappear and their companies get broken up does not mean it will inspire a global "Let's Fix This" movement.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Gun violence, Suicide attempt, Blood, Pandemic/Epidemic, and Suicidal thoughts
heather_harrison's review
dark
informative
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
In all honesty - it took me a while to get through Naomi Alderman's latest release "The Future". It was unsettling and eerie and bizarre and chaotic and realistic, and the unholy combination of this was at times a lot.
The Future sits somewhere between dystopian and speculative fiction. Set in a 'not too distant future' where the world continues turning and humanity continues careening down the path to self-destruction. A handful of millionaires and their big tech companies are seeming pulling the strings behind the scenes - influencing the masses and the governments while juggling complex algorithms, technological breakthroughs and the use (or misuse) or data.
The build up was complex and intertwined many different components of the story and character. The pay off and twists towards the end was both satisfying and thought provoking.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.
The Future sits somewhere between dystopian and speculative fiction. Set in a 'not too distant future' where the world continues turning and humanity continues careening down the path to self-destruction. A handful of millionaires and their big tech companies are seeming pulling the strings behind the scenes - influencing the masses and the governments while juggling complex algorithms, technological breakthroughs and the use (or misuse) or data.
The build up was complex and intertwined many different components of the story and character. The pay off and twists towards the end was both satisfying and thought provoking.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Pandemic/Epidemic, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Violence, Suicide attempt, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Kidnapping, Death of parent, Death, Animal death, and Cancer
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