'We' is a dystopian novel that follows the story of D-503, a mathematician who lives in a highly efficient and rational society where individuality and creativity are suppressed. The novel explores themes of totalitarianism, individuality, and the dangers of a society that values efficiency over humanity.

'We' can be a challenging read due to its dense writing style and complex themes. But trust me, it's worth it – the novel is a wild ride that'll leave you questioning the world we live in.

Is 'We' relevant to modern times?

Yes, the themes and ideas presented in 'We' are still widely relevant today. The novel explores the dangers of totalitarianism, the importance of individuality, and the consequences of a society that values efficiency over humanity – all of which are still relevant in today's world.

What kind of reader is 'We' for?

'We' is for readers who enjoy dystopian fiction, social commentary, and complex themes. The novel is a great choice for readers who are looking for a thought-provoking and engaging story that will challenge their perspectives and ideas.

Is 'We' a good introduction to Russian literature?

Yes, 'We' is a great introduction to Russian literature, especially for readers who are new to the genre. The novel is a classic work of dystopian fiction that explores themes and ideas that are still widely relevant today.

Can I recommend 'We' to friends?

Yes, 'We' is a great novel to recommend to friends who enjoy dystopian fiction, social commentary, and complex themes. The novel is a wild ride that will leave readers questioning the world we live in – and that's exactly what makes it so great.

How long does it take to read 'We'?

The reading time for 'We' will vary depending on the reader's pace and schedule. However, the novel is a relatively quick read, and most readers will be able to finish it in a few days to a week.

Is 'We' available in different formats?

Yes, 'We' is available in different formats, including paperback, e-book, and audiobook. Readers can choose the format that works best for them and enjoy the novel in the way that suits their preferences.

We by Yevgeny Zamyatin - A Dystopian Masterpiece

Name: A Dystopian Masterpiece That'll Keep You Up at Night
Item: We by Yevgeny Zamyatin
Rating: 3
Author: isabel_clrk

I'll be honest, I'm not a huge fan of Russian literature. Give me a good Western novel any day of the week. Even classic works can be tough to get through, especially when they're from a genre that's not exactly my cup of tea.

That's not to say I don't appreciate some Russian authors. I've always enjoyed the works of Kir Bulychev and Kavera. But let's be real, there are plenty of other authors out there who are way more well-known - like Huxley, Orwell, and Bradbury in the dystopian genre.

Then there's Yevgeny Zamyatin, whose work I'd never actually read until recently. I'd heard a lot about it, of course, and even remembered reading about it back in my teenage years. If it weren't for my familiarity with Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451, I'm not sure I would have ever made it to 'We'.

Even considering that it's a book that everyone should read, I finally got around to it. And I was impressed. Now, I'm sharing my thoughts and reactions to the book.

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We, by Yevgeny Zamyatin

Summary

This iconic novel marks the beginning of the dystopian genre, and it was even banned in the Soviet era. Now, it's considered one of the classic works of 20th-century literature, not just in Russia, but around the world. The book is set in a society where people are reduced to mere numbers, and everything is standardized - from clothes to apartments, thoughts to feelings. There's no family, no strong attachments...

Genre: dystopian fiction, science fictionAge: 16+Format: novelNumber of pages: 385 in paperback and 300 in e-bookRating on Goodreads: 4

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I love how this book keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very last page – you never know what's going to happen.

The speed of language should always be just a little bit slower than the speed of thought – and definitely not the other way around.

You're scared because it's stronger than you, you hate something because you're scared of it, you love something because you can't control it. And that's the only thing you can truly love – the things that are beyond your control.

The only way to stop people from committing crimes is to take away their freedom.

Children are the bravest philosophers out there – and the bravest philosophers are always children. We should all be like kids and just ask 'what's next?'.

Laughter is the most powerful weapon of all – it can kill anything, even murder.

The most agonizing thing is to plant a seed of doubt in someone's mind about their own reality.

If people don't understand that we're offering them a mathematically perfect happiness, then it's our duty to make them happy.

Why do you think being stupid is a bad thing? If we had spent centuries cultivating and nurturing stupidity just like we have with intelligence, maybe it would be something truly precious.

I went into this book with no idea what to expect, and I have to say, it's been a wild ride. The writing's been tough to follow at times, not just because of the author's style, but also because of the super specific way the story's been told and the weird, winding sentences. I've been struggling to keep up.

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First Impressions

The writing's been a real challenge, and it's not just the author's style that's the problem. The way the story's been structured and the way the sentences are put together is just really hard to follow. I've been wanting to say that the narrative's been flowing smoothly, but it's not.

zamiatin us

I have to admit, there have been times when I've been completely lost about what's going on. Zamiatin's writing is beautiful, especially when he's describing things, but it's just so dense and complex that I've been struggling to make my way through it.

zamiatin us content

This book's been a real slog, and I'm not the only one who's found it tough. I'm convinced that not everyone's going to make it to the end. I've been thinking about stopping myself, but two things have kept me going: my curiosity about what happens next and my reluctance to waste the time I've already invested. I don't want to give up without finding out what it's all about.

novel us zamiatin

I was expecting the first 30 pages to be tough, but after that, my brain started to adjust to the terminology and the narrative voice. And yeah, the subsequent pages did fly by a bit faster, and it became slightly more understandable, but I still didn't feel any more comfortable.

Zamiatin + Our Reviews

I found reading to be exhausting, so I ended up reading it slowly and thoughtfully, but it took me 4 evenings to get through 300 electronic pages. I wish I could've read it in one sitting, but it felt like I was squeezing the last drops out of a lemon after each small reading session.

Zamiatin + Our Reviews

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About the Book

The plot of Zamiatin's novel 'We' starts with the protagonist's thoughts, where he lovingly describes the world of the Numerals. He explains why this society is far superior to its predecessors.

Read Zamiatin

As a novel, 'We' is incredibly linear and lacks any real dynamism. It's fair to say it's even boring. The 300 electronic pages are filled with the protagonist's thoughts, specifically those of D-503, the numeral.

A Brief Overview of the World

I've been following the author's daily notes, which give us a glimpse into the world's inner workings and how society functions. The inhabitants of this world are known as numbers. Each number has a unique letter and number combination, but there are no names, nicknames, or any of the other things we're used to.

The Heroes

Each person is a unique cell in a vast community of numbers, where the primary goal is to live, work, and praise the Benefactor. He's made the most rational and significant event in this world's history.

Reviews of Me and Us

The Benefactor has created a society where people are free to live and work without the burden of traditional family structures or societal expectations. They can feel and do whatever they want, without the constraints of a rigid schedule.

Our Romance: Reviews

Each number has a strict schedule, with every moment accounted for. There's no time for personal desires or leisure activities. Even sex is scheduled down to the minute.

We're the heroes

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Characters

I've got to say, there aren't many. The main character in the book is actually the totalitarian society we're shown through the main character's life, the author's diary entries, and D-503's thoughts.

We're the heroes - reviews

The main character is just a regular number, one of millions in this world. He worships the Benefactor and doesn't even question what else could be. He lives, works, and breathes to serve the system that's been imposed on him and millions like him.

We're the heroes - brief summary

The main character, D-503, is faceless, and any other number could have taken his place (although it becomes clear later why he's the one). The other characters are just as faceless, distinguished only by their numbers, and there's no point in describing them.

We're the heroes - brief by chapters

They're just a backdrop to show us what's happening in this world and how it starts to unravel as individuals begin to realize they don't want to live like this.

My thoughts and little notes about the book that I made while reading it********

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My initial impressions of the book

The first 39 pages are tough to get through. After that, it gets a bit easier, but not so much that it's a breeze to read.

My thoughts on the book

In the world of this book, people aren't their own. You can take someone's card and use them as a sex object, whether you want to or not.

My thoughts on the book

The whole book is a reflection of the main character's thoughts. We see what he's thinking, what he's feeling, and what he's experiencing throughout the story.

My thoughts on the book

We're a single organism, a state where there's no I or you. It's all about us. A world where ego doesn't exist, where everything's done for the greater good and the Benefactor.

Our ancestors, or the old-timers, weren't exactly the sharpest tools in the shed. They had kids for themselves, not for the state. In the world of 'us', a kid doesn't belong to their parents, and having kids just for the sake of it isn't an option.

Zamyatin reviews

The wall that separates our society from the world of our ancestors is a stark contrast. In the old days, people could do whatever they wanted. The grass grew, animals reproduced, and there was no place for numbers. The sun shone bright, unlike in our world where it's just a lamp that shines on a schedule.

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Final impressions

I can understand why some people might not like the book or just not get it. It's like trying to drink from a firehose when you're not ready. I read it when I was 15-20, and my head was a mess – I would've given up halfway through.

You need to understand and accept the book for what it is. Accept its pace, Zamyatin's writing style, and the fact that this dystopian future isn't a fairy tale, but a harsh reality. The book is complex, but not because it tackles tough themes.

Zamyatin reviews

I'll be honest, the author's writing style is quite complex, and my head was constantly racing as I read through some of the chapters. I found myself re-reading certain sections multiple times because the content just wouldn't sink in.

The book is incredibly powerful and realistic, but at the same time, I have zero desire to revisit it or re-read it anytime soon. Books like this are meant to be savored once, but they linger in your subconscious for years to come.

My Book by Zamiatin

I read Bradbury's work years ago, and I can still recite each of his books from start to finish. Same thing here – you just remember it all, and there's no going back.

The only caveat I'd make about 'We' is that I'd give it a chance to grow on you, even after 30 pages or 200. The more you read through the whirlwind and chaos, the more it becomes second nature.

4/5 stars, with the condition that you'll never re-read it.

And more book reviews:

Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince

William Golding, Lord of the Flies

Daniel Keyes, Flowers for Algernon