Friday 22 May 2020

The Dreamers by: Karen Thompson Walker

Genre: Science Fiction
Published: January 15, 2019 by: Random House
Pages: 303
Rating: 5/5 stars



When introverted college freshman Mei finds her roommate mysteriously asleep for days on end, the university is perplexed. Soon, another girl falls asleep and cannot be awoken, and then another. Slowly, more residents of the isolated Southern California town become infected with this odd sleeping illness, and nobody knows why. As residents attempt to protect themselves from an unknown threat, a psychiatrist from Los Angeles attempts to uncover why all those who fall ill are reporting heightened dream activity. But what are they dreaming about?

I received this book from one of my professors, who generously gave it to me after she found out how obsessed I am with the novel Station Eleven. She said it has a similar vibe and she thought I would like it. She was not wrong! This book was so incredibly unique and special. It was unlike any "pandemic" book I have read before. And, if you're up for it of course, I think it's really worth a read during these times as well.

There is an extensive cast of characters in this book, and they all hold unique characteristics. Mei was a really strong-hearted character who I could very much relate to. There is also a couple who are trying to protect their newborn daughter from the disease, and two young girls who must fend for themselves after their grieving father succumbs to the illness. All of these characters inter-lap in a really cool way. It was awesome to see how they all affect each other's lives.

I thought that this book handles an epidemic in the way that is super unique. Normally in books that deal with this subject matter, everything gets resolved, or at least, we get answers to everything. However in this book, there is still so much that is left unanswered by the end. I don't want to give too much away, but I think this book captures the theme of uncertainty really well. Sometimes, we can't find the answer to everything. But, we just have to carry on living. I think this is a lesson that a lot of us could use nowadays.

Overall, I think this book is a very worthy read. I think a lot of people are hesitant to read plague books right now, but if it helps, the disease in this book is super fictional anyways. I think that this book offers a lot of hope in uncertain times, and I'm really happy I was recommended it.

Have you read The Dreamers? What did you think?

Emily @ Paperback Princess

10 comments:

  1. Your professor is very generous!

    Your review had me intrigued, but on the other hand, I'm vary of books with a large cast of characters...I need to get attached to them.

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    1. It was super nice of her! I went to return the book to her because I assumed she was just letting me borrow it, and she just told me to keep it! It made me so happy :)

      I definitely agree that large casts of characters need to have some really well written characters. Luckily, I did love the diversity of the characters in this book.

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  2. This is my first time hearing about this book. The premise sounds unlike any other book I've read. A sleeping illness is not something I read a lot in other books :) I'm glad you really loved it and now I just added this to my to-read in goodreads haha. Awesome review!

    Jillian @ Jillian Etc.

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    1. I’m so happy you’ve added it to your tbr! It really was an awesome book :D

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  3. This sounds so cool! I have never read Station Eleven (I know, I will soon!) but I have heard great things about it. I have not heard of this one until now but it sounds even more interesting to me. A sleeping curse like Sleeping Beauty haha! Excuse me while I go add this to my TBR. Fantastic review!

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    1. It was such a cool book! I would also totally recommend Station Eleven. It is (no surprise) my ultimate favourite book. Hope you enjoy both of them!

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  4. Ooh this one is new to me but I love the sound of it- the dreaming thing sounds super eerie! Dreams are fascinating and weird anyway haha, so science fiction that goes in that direction can be awesome!

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  5. Sounds like a sci-fi version of Sleeping Beauty! Lol :)

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    1. Kinda. But way more cooler and less problematic!

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