Ratings1
Average rating3
Novel set in a dystopian United States where a large portion of the population is dying from insomnia. Sleep is a commodity that can be donated, quantified, bought and sold, etc. Nightmares are contagious physically and can infect others from one source.
Russell is a writer with great versatility and imagination. I've read a collection of her short stories and her YA novel. I'd love to see a novel from her aimed at adults.
*3.5 stars. Karen Russell is a gifted writer. She is on the same level for me as Lauren Groff, Poe Ballantine and T.C. Boyle in her mastery. She is also exceptionally unique and creative. All of that said, this story just can't quite connect on the emotional level I wanted it to and she misses opportunities to expand on this fascinating sleep-deprived world through character development. But, man, can she write a sentence.