by Richard Bachman

A Science Fiction, 1978 by Signet, 370 Pages

What I Didn’t Like:

It is a bit repetitive. That’s the point, of course, since it helps you to feel what the characters are feeling, but it is a bit slow sometimes. Plus, the dip into talk about sex, while likely realistic, is always a shock when it shows up and makes you wonder if it’s necessary to the plot.
There are a lot of unanswered questions about the world this takes place in and how this even came to be an idea that takes shape. I wanted more answers about that.
This is not a dystopian story that leaves you feeling hopeful. It’s a dystopian that does the exact opposite, actually. Consider that a content warning.

Unrelated to the story (so it won’t affect my rating) the introduction from King talking about Bachman was the best I’ve seen him be on the subject. Fascinating stuff.
The opening is absolutely perfect dystopian. You have questions but they’re compelling and keeps you reading.
The unraveling of the boy’s mental states as the walk progresses was evident in the way they talk to each other and in the things they notice. It was brilliant to watch this happen, heartbreakingly brilliant.
The best part of this book is that it’s frighteningly possible. You can imagine a situation and a world where people, desperate enough, would sign up for something like this. It’s frightening.

Dystopian fans, specifically those who liked 1984, Clockwork Orange, or Brave New World or other things that read as essentially hopeless.

While this one won’t appeal to every reader, if you are a darker dystopian fan this one might be a favorite!