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glasha's review against another edition
funny
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
noleek's review against another edition
3.0
The best part is that deepfakes are now a real thing. Other than that it was meh.
m_m_tucker's review against another edition
4.5
I really like how comical and absurd this book was. Best description is a Russian infinite jest, but easier to read and funnier. It’s pretty absurd and devolves quickly in plot. But that doesn't any me? Mostly it adds to the co fusion and conspiracy.
impressionblend's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 out of 5 stars
I first attempted reading this book when I was 17, and I didn't get far—I was quickly appalled by what I managed to read, closed the book, and didn't think I would ever read Victor Pelevin again. Well... I guess the years have made me a lot more cynical because this time around I not only finished the book, but also found it to be fascinating, clever, satirical, quotable, philosophical, and pretty damn funny. But also rather depressing, and still a bit appalling. I guess my cynicism still has a bit of room to grow.
I'm taking half a star off because there were a few parts that were unnecessarily drawn out, but really, I can't believe how much I ended up loving this whole thing.
If you're wondering what Generation "П"/ Homo Zapiens / Babylon (depending on the edition you read) is even about—well, it's generally about advertising in post-Soviet Russia. And manipulation. And human values. And addiction. And consumerism. And politics. And mythology. And... I just think you should read it because I'm too tired to write a long review at the moment that this book undeniably deserves.
I first attempted reading this book when I was 17, and I didn't get far—I was quickly appalled by what I managed to read, closed the book, and didn't think I would ever read Victor Pelevin again. Well... I guess the years have made me a lot more cynical because this time around I not only finished the book, but also found it to be fascinating, clever, satirical, quotable, philosophical, and pretty damn funny. But also rather depressing, and still a bit appalling. I guess my cynicism still has a bit of room to grow.
I'm taking half a star off because there were a few parts that were unnecessarily drawn out, but really, I can't believe how much I ended up loving this whole thing.
If you're wondering what Generation "П"/ Homo Zapiens / Babylon (depending on the edition you read) is even about—well, it's generally about advertising in post-Soviet Russia. And manipulation. And human values. And addiction. And consumerism. And politics. And mythology. And... I just think you should read it because I'm too tired to write a long review at the moment that this book undeniably deserves.
pilsdoughey's review against another edition
5.0
Misha’s best rec. Pure fun and absurdist comedy throughout while also proving extremely critical of consumerism in a way that remains funny and out there enough that it doesn’t feel stale. So heavy handed that it’s not heavy handed? Or so absurd that you don’t notice the heavy handed ness? Most fun I’ve had reading a book in a long while, despite not getting all the Soviet references that pop up
mishasw's review against another edition
5.0
Oh yeah people oh yeahhhhh!!!! A scathing riotly funny critique of modern culture through the lens of the soviet 90s. Stands up to any culture any time though. A short must read for everyone. Not just a lighthearted comedy though, under those layers you better recognize how real this shit is...THIS GAME HAS NO NAME
barareads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
famel's review against another edition
3.0
Мне понравилось, нормальная книга про нормального парня. Хоть повествование часто уходит в откровенную наркоманию (не люблю такое) и мало обоснованные и даже притянутые величественные темы, но заканчивается всё красиво и лирично. Приключение Вавилена по миру рекламы написали не самыми информативными, но интересными.