I can't decide how to give this book stars, so I won't. Did it resonate, make me think, make me fear my government? Yes. Do I think this book is important? Yes. Did I LIKE it? Not really. Do I want you to read it so you can talk abut it with me before I forget it? Yes.
How is this book categorized? Frightening autocratic nightmare? Thriller? Existential musing? Satire? I am likely missing something in the translation.
75% of the story takes place in The Queue that has formed outside of The Gate, which has replaced all other government offices. People essentially move to The Queue, living there for days, weeks, months...waiting to get their document stamped, their permit issued, their permission granted, their form signed. Very little happens besides the tightening of security, issuing of decrees, and restriction of freedoms. It is terrifying.
There's a lot to discuss about people's ability to adapt to totalitarianism, about questioning assertions that aren't backed up with facts, about state control and domination of the media conversation. People who Disappear. Denial of events that were witnessed. Reduction of women's rights. Religious takeover of the State. (Again, I say, it was all terrifying.) However, I never really understood it all or where it was going, and I definitely was left confused by the ending.