We

by Evgenii Ivanovich Zamiatin

"We" by Eugene Zamiatin is a novel that explores the conflict between individuality and conformity in a futuristic society where creativity is suppressed in favor of collective unity. The protagonist, D-503, a mathematician, grapples with the struggle of expressing his thoughts and feelings in a society that values conformity. The narrative raises questions about art, personal freedom, and the importance of preserving one's unique identity. Zamiatin's work serves as a cautionary tale about sacrificing individuality for societal order, inviting readers to contemplate the human condition and the struggle for self-expression.

Genres: Russian Literature, Dystopia

267 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 3, 2024

Reviews

[Andria Potter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm reminded of the line from Ever After starring Drew Barrymore from Cinderella's wicked stepmother. "No matter how bad things get, they can always get worse!"

[Luka Veljovic · Rating 5 out of 5]

We is not always the smoothest or most emotionally satisfying dystopian novel, but it may be the most electrically original of the early ones. It is less polished than 1984, less socially elegant than Brave New World, but more feverish, more avant-garde, and in some ways more unsettling because its central fear is not merely tyranny. It is the human desire to be relieved of freedom.

[Kevin Stanhope · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marking as dystopian, though the jacket would have you believe it's about a socialist utopia. Anything socialist must be dystopian.

"If they will not understand that we are bringing them a mathematically faultless happiness, our duty will be to force them to be happy."

"The way to rid man of criminality is to rid him of freedom."

"...Is it not clear that now I no longer live in our rational world but in the ancient delirious world, in a world of the square root of minus one"?

Written in the early 20th century about a society in the 30th century, addressed to an unknown future reader while being read by me, here in 2026, this diary-style novel is overflowing with nuance. Rated only 4, instead of 5, stars because I did find it hard to follow at times - but maybe that was the author's goal? Hmmm...

[La Pulga · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of people seem to complain about the fact that, throughout the narration of this epistolar novel, there is a plague of incomplete thoughts which we as readers are meant to complete, infer, or simply ignore. Me, I think this is one of the things that makes this novel such a clear inspiration for every one of its type that came after. In We, you are forced to do the very thing that D-503 dwelled with and ultimately lost the ability to do; imagine beyond the traditional way one does while reading.

Was it fun to read? Yes, absolutely. Was it hard at times? Some days I would read an entire chapter not understanding a single thing, only to re-read it some time after feeling like every word is an obvious descriptor and the message abundantly clear.

And personally, I am yet to read as beautiful descriptions of love and infatuation as there are to be found in this book. Who could better dissect and understand what the betrayal of love feels like but someone who can’t understand it.

[Lucinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have read or watched "1984" by Orwell, "Logan's Run" by Nolan and Johnson, "Brave New World" by Huxley and so on... then you need to read this book. I love the individual characters with my favourite being O-90 and her ability to adapt to the situation. A short novella, but written in 1920, so it is not a quick read. This book makes you think and question if any system that seeks control is truly stable. The cracks show. The power of the written word and in this case journalling is powerful in that it forces self-reflection and thereby creating a self-awareness in D-503. D-503 is an engineer and the person documenting his participation in a rebellion. There is a lot to discuss about this book, but then spoilers would appear. A great read for a book club.

[Mark Edlund · Rating 1 out of 5]

Science fiction - do not read this book. It is not worth the effort to even turn the page. Why did I read it? One of the members of my book club picked it. Shame on them.
No Canadian or pharmacy references.

[Elena Bajlozova · Rating 4 out of 5]

The idea and message behind this book are really interesting. Hoewer, I found the writing style quite difficult to follow, especially because the story is told in such a chaotic and fragmented way.Still, despite the difficult writing style, I believe this book is worth reading.

[Kayleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s not my style. Lots of unfinished thoughts and sentences.