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Without
Imagine you are given everything you need but it's all second-hand or even fifth-hand. Imagine there are no cars or trains, no shops or supermarkets, no computers or internet, no money or credit cards. Imagine your food is delivered by horse and cart, along with a recipe telling you what to cook for your family. Imagine Agnes the Guardian watches your every move and can take away everything you have if you put a step wrong. Welcome to Celia's world.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
2 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 21, 2022
I picked this relatively unknown novel up at my local library with no expectations and was pleasantly surprised by this gripping, dystopian book. The premise of the story was very clever and enticing. The story is split into two and this is where the book went from a 5 star to a 3 star for me. The first half was fast paced, filled with beautiful imagery and created a strong foundation for what should have been a successful second half however I was completely let down. The long winded and uneventful second half with a rushed ending was so frustrating. I still enjoyed this book and was glad I branched out of my usual genre but not sure how much I would recommend it. Argh it’s so frustrating when the concept of the book was so so good!
December 31, 2018
I see what other people meant about the second half of the book being completely different to the first half. Both were enjoyable and well thought out, but there was a definite change in writing style.
Overall, the plot was brilliant. Terrifyingly realistic, the UK cut off from the rest of the world - Brexit anyone?
The world made sense, and the idea of no one being entirely sure how they got in to that situation added a touch of humanity to the novel. The characters were likable, and their flaws helped them to stand out from other dystopian characters.
The ending felt rushed despite the characters long journey to get there, and the weird incident near the end, although a reminder of how you can trust no one, felt unnecessary and a little thrown in.
Overall, the plot was brilliant. Terrifyingly realistic, the UK cut off from the rest of the world - Brexit anyone?
The world made sense, and the idea of no one being entirely sure how they got in to that situation added a touch of humanity to the novel. The characters were likable, and their flaws helped them to stand out from other dystopian characters.
The ending felt rushed despite the characters long journey to get there, and the weird incident near the end, although a reminder of how you can trust no one, felt unnecessary and a little thrown in.
February 27, 2017
Refreshing and yet familiar
Enjoyable and well paced, "Without" gave a new perspective on an Orwellian future where everything is rationed and nothing is quite certain. Told from a mother's point of view, i found this book an easy and comfortable read that put its own twist on a few familiar concepts.
Enjoyable and well paced, "Without" gave a new perspective on an Orwellian future where everything is rationed and nothing is quite certain. Told from a mother's point of view, i found this book an easy and comfortable read that put its own twist on a few familiar concepts.
July 11, 2016
It was the cover of this book that caught my attention. It's clean and to the point and, being an environmental studies grad, I couldn't pass by.
Daily life in England some 30 years after the Upheaval is still recognisable, but there are some noticeable differences. There is nothing new, everything is used, re-used and then re-used again and again. All manufacturing has ceased and residents of England are dependent on the cast offs of their neighbours, but many items are becoming un-usable. The structure is pushed to the limits and something is bound to break.
Celia and her husband Robin have been feeling this strain and are no longer complacent about their lot in this well ordered life.
This new society didn't really seem like much of a stretch from being possible. Some people would come out better and others would be worse off, but on average, would most people really notice especially after a few decades.
I liked the way that author Glenis Stott introduced the concept of no choice in your life and that there was no benefit to people taking initiative. Even that the population in the cities were losing the basic skills of how to care for their belongings, since nothing belonged to them.
This novel is an example of the characters of the book carrying a good concept too far.
Daily life in England some 30 years after the Upheaval is still recognisable, but there are some noticeable differences. There is nothing new, everything is used, re-used and then re-used again and again. All manufacturing has ceased and residents of England are dependent on the cast offs of their neighbours, but many items are becoming un-usable. The structure is pushed to the limits and something is bound to break.
Celia and her husband Robin have been feeling this strain and are no longer complacent about their lot in this well ordered life.
This new society didn't really seem like much of a stretch from being possible. Some people would come out better and others would be worse off, but on average, would most people really notice especially after a few decades.
I liked the way that author Glenis Stott introduced the concept of no choice in your life and that there was no benefit to people taking initiative. Even that the population in the cities were losing the basic skills of how to care for their belongings, since nothing belonged to them.
This novel is an example of the characters of the book carrying a good concept too far.
May 6, 2016
This book does a good job of creating its world - a world where, due to the problems caused by climate change and excessive consumption, everything is recycled and all aspects of everyday life are strictly controlled. Some of the stricter aspects of the world are hard to figure out at first, but the reasoning for everything is gradually explained. The story as a whole is effective in delivering a warning about what current human lifestyles may lead to, without being too preachy.
The characters are a mixed bag. The central couple, Celia and Robin, are ordinary but still sympathetic, and their young children are believable without being annoying. Some side characters, like Agnes the Guardian, are quite one-note, but others are more fleshed out: Sally, for instance, who hates Celia but is given a very good reason for doing so.
There are some other weaknesses in the story. In its second half, the plot becomes quite aimless, leading to an abrupt ending. There are some parts in this section that feel like they could have been trimmed. Also, more proof reading would have been good: Robin is referred to as Richard at one point.
The characters are a mixed bag. The central couple, Celia and Robin, are ordinary but still sympathetic, and their young children are believable without being annoying. Some side characters, like Agnes the Guardian, are quite one-note, but others are more fleshed out: Sally, for instance, who hates Celia but is given a very good reason for doing so.
There are some other weaknesses in the story. In its second half, the plot becomes quite aimless, leading to an abrupt ending. There are some parts in this section that feel like they could have been trimmed. Also, more proof reading would have been good: Robin is referred to as Richard at one point.
May 30, 2016
This book is set in a near future UK which will set you arguing about which political party would put its people through such horrors.
Glenis Stott's characters are well rounded and entirely believable. The children are real - not perfect as so many kids are written these days. The story is so gentle that it glides you through the truly harrowing world. At points in the drama you really do have to stop and think about your own reactions should you be placed in that position.
I cannot believe it has taken so long for me to read this! I am so glad I did.
Glenis Stott's characters are well rounded and entirely believable. The children are real - not perfect as so many kids are written these days. The story is so gentle that it glides you through the truly harrowing world. At points in the drama you really do have to stop and think about your own reactions should you be placed in that position.
I cannot believe it has taken so long for me to read this! I am so glad I did.
August 11, 2016
This book could have been good. It started off great, I was tearing through it. Then I don't know what the hell happened. It stopped making sense, turned into a completely different story, and the ending...wtf. It's like the author just wanted to get this over with as quick as possible. Not something I would recommend to anyone. I read this because it was free on amazon and looked interesting, but yikes..
April 10, 2014
It had potential; but, some how lost it. The first half is much different than the second part and the last chapter is disjointed from the story. Overall, you are left with many questions about the society, the world outside, and how outcast can carry on their lifestyle in relative peace. It was free on Amazon. Can't beat free; but, I would not pay for it.
November 16, 2014
I one clicked this book on a whim as it was only .99 cents & the preview was intriguing.Wow!!! I was hooked from the first chapter.The premise of the book is a unique twist on the dystopian genre.The story of a typical family trying to survive in difficult times, but retain their compassion & humanity for others is intriguing and well written.I look forward to reading more by this author.
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January 23, 2014Amazing! I couldn't put it down!!
I loved how the book made me feel like I was going through all the struggles they had in the book, all in all it is a very touching and humbling read and I enjoyed it very much.
I loved how the book made me feel like I was going through all the struggles they had in the book, all in all it is a very touching and humbling read and I enjoyed it very much.
March 13, 2015
There are few books that I just can't finish but this was one. Just not my cup of tea. Somewhat disturbing to me!
June 4, 2016
Brilliant book which I have read twice and thoroughly enjoyed it both times.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews