Shades Of Grey

For those of you who follow along with my book reviews, you might remember that I've sort of been on a string of dark novels. So, when I was looking to pick my next book, I was hoping for something a bit lighter, and also something that wasn't part of a series. I LOVED Jasper Fforde's Thursday Next series, so I thought this book (Shades of Grey) might be just the ticket.

This book takes place in a dystopian future, after “Something” has happened. Essentially, take your typical sci-fi dystopia, now make it British. And slightly absurd. Everyone's worth and place in society is based on the colors you can see. There is a set of Rules that everyone must follow, even if they make no sense. This is one of those books where you just jump into the middle of the world with our protagonist, and have to piece things together as you go along.

I have to admit, it took me a bit to get into this book. In part, probably, because it was darker and less funny than I was hoping for initially. It is...witty? Clever? Amusing? But it didn't really make me laugh. And it took a while to gather all the breadcrumbs about what is happening in this world and put it together into a coherent story. But I did get there, and by the end I was interested and invested in the characters. If absurdist/witty dystopia sounds like your cup of tea, this is a great book for you. Otherwise, let me STRONGLY recommend the Thursday Next series (first book is The Eyre Affair).

3.5