Natasha

Look, this was a good book, but I'm really glad its over. The vitriol and toxicity of social media in the novel (and let's be honest - in real life) gave me some very real anxiety - thank god I'm a reader and not a writer (haha).

Splendid! I felt like shaking Stevens and yelling “show some real human emotion old chap!” But obviously his inaction throughout the novel is the point. Class constraints and duty make it impossible for him to express his real thoughts and feelings.

I really did not connect to this. So disappointed. I was expecting something like The Correspondent or Remarkably Bright Creatures, but this is didactic - way more preachy and virtue signalling than I expected . Show don’t tell. I’m too cold hearted for this lol.

Did Not Finish. While the premise and moral dilemma is intriguing, and I usually don't mind hating all the characters in a book - I just couldn't stomach this anymore. If people really think like these vile characters then we, as humans, are in big trouble. Maybe I will finish it when I am in the right head space.

This book is very polarising and I can see why. The characters are awful. The writing is clever and simmering with female rage. It made me angry and uncomfortable and terrified and worried and sad and (at times) even hopeful - and I couldn't put it down. And any book that can bring out so many emotions and stays constantly on your mind deserves five stars.