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213 reviews by:
houseofjules
I read this in a trance, the writing (and translation) is so compelling. Although short, the story packs a punch and really makes you think about the dirty work of online moderators. The book brings to light the phycological toll of having to watch and asses flagged videos for a living and the the way it bleeds into real life for many of the characters we meet. Showing us that protecting the general public from violent/graphic/disturbing content comes with major consequences.
Like most books that are divided into two parts, a "before" and "after", I find that the first half of the book was good, while the 2nd fails to captivate me (a few times I debated weather I should keep reading).
Although most people seem to focus on the stereotypical way in which this book addresses Russian immigrant, I would like to add that, being an immigrant myself, no, people dont just leave their culture behind when they come to a new country. And although I agree that having a father that drinks vodka all day is a bit too much, I wouldn't go as far as say its unrealistic. Maybe greatly exaggerated, but not unrealistic.
While reading this book, I had a constant feeling of discomfort. It felt awkward reading on about young Valclav, and his relationship with Lena, but more so when we learn about Lena's past, before she end up at her Aunt's.
I assume that was the intention of the book, to keep you in a sort of horrified trance to read more. Which I must say it did, but I did finish the book wondering if I should have stopped at part one and not have dealt with the dull and predictable ending.
I generously gave this 3 starts, but later decided 2 stars was a more fitting rating.
Although most people seem to focus on the stereotypical way in which this book addresses Russian immigrant, I would like to add that, being an immigrant myself, no, people dont just leave their culture behind when they come to a new country. And although I agree that having a father that drinks vodka all day is a bit too much, I wouldn't go as far as say its unrealistic. Maybe greatly exaggerated, but not unrealistic.
While reading this book, I had a constant feeling of discomfort. It felt awkward reading on about young Valclav, and his relationship with Lena, but more so when we learn about Lena's past, before she end up at her Aunt's.
I assume that was the intention of the book, to keep you in a sort of horrified trance to read more. Which I must say it did, but I did finish the book wondering if I should have stopped at part one and not have dealt with the dull and predictable ending.
I generously gave this 3 starts, but later decided 2 stars was a more fitting rating.
This was my first book by Jim Al-Khalili and after finishing this, I cant wait to read more of his work.
If you've always reached for fiction in lieu of books that bring back flashbacks from high school, you can rest assured, this book is more like a fun conversation with a friend, who just so happens to know a lot about physics and paradoxes.
Not only was this book entertaining and easy to read, but it was informative and captivating. I would normally stay away from anything related to science as I was never interested in the topic, but now I feel I have the courage to approach science with a sense of excitement.
If you've always reached for fiction in lieu of books that bring back flashbacks from high school, you can rest assured, this book is more like a fun conversation with a friend, who just so happens to know a lot about physics and paradoxes.
Not only was this book entertaining and easy to read, but it was informative and captivating. I would normally stay away from anything related to science as I was never interested in the topic, but now I feel I have the courage to approach science with a sense of excitement.