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Occupied
SOME PEOPLE LIVE UNDER OCCUPATION.SOME PEOPLE OCCUPY THEMSELVES.NO ONE IS FREE.Get your copy of Joss Sheldon's best-selling novel today...Step into a world which is both magically fictitious and shockingly real. Walk side-by-side with a refugee, native, occupier and economic migrant. And watch on as the world around you transforms from a halcyon past into a dystopian future.
Inspired by the occupations of Palestine, Kurdistan and Tibet, and by the corporate occupation of the west, ‘Occupied’ is a haunting glance into a society which is a little too familiar for comfort.
Powerful, dark, dystopian and magical; Occupied truly is a unique piece of literary fiction…"Darker than George Orwell's 1984" - AXS"Candid and disquieting" - Free Tibet"Genre-busting" - Pak Asia Times"Brilliant" - Middle East Monitor"A must read" - Buzzfeed SCROLL UP AND GRAB A COPY NOW!!!
Inspired by the occupations of Palestine, Kurdistan and Tibet, and by the corporate occupation of the west, ‘Occupied’ is a haunting glance into a society which is a little too familiar for comfort.
Powerful, dark, dystopian and magical; Occupied truly is a unique piece of literary fiction…"Darker than George Orwell's 1984" - AXS"Candid and disquieting" - Free Tibet"Genre-busting" - Pak Asia Times"Brilliant" - Middle East Monitor"A must read" - Buzzfeed SCROLL UP AND GRAB A COPY NOW!!!
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 21, 2015
70 people are currently reading
719 people want to read
About the author
Joss Sheldon
9 books184 followersJoss Sheldon is a scruffy nomad, unchained free-thinker, and post-modernist radical. Born in 1982, he was raised in one of the anonymous suburbs that wrap themselves around London's beating heart. Then he escaped!
With a degree from the London School of Economics to his name, Sheldon had spells selling falafel at music festivals, being a ski-bum, and failing to turn the English Midlands into a haven of rugby league.
Then, in 2013, he stumbled upon McLeod Ganj; an Indian village which is home to thousands of angry monkeys, hundreds of Tibetan refugees, and the Dalai Lama himself. It was there that Sheldon wrote his debut novel, 'Involution & Evolution'.
Eleven years down the line, he's penned eight titles in total, including two works of non-fiction: "DEMOCRACY: A User's Guide", and his latest release, "FREEDOM: The Case For Open Borders".
With a degree from the London School of Economics to his name, Sheldon had spells selling falafel at music festivals, being a ski-bum, and failing to turn the English Midlands into a haven of rugby league.
Then, in 2013, he stumbled upon McLeod Ganj; an Indian village which is home to thousands of angry monkeys, hundreds of Tibetan refugees, and the Dalai Lama himself. It was there that Sheldon wrote his debut novel, 'Involution & Evolution'.
Eleven years down the line, he's penned eight titles in total, including two works of non-fiction: "DEMOCRACY: A User's Guide", and his latest release, "FREEDOM: The Case For Open Borders".
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
August 23, 2016
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Occupied was a very unique read. I wasn't really sure what to expect. Based on the cover, I probably wouldn't have picked this book up, but I am glad that I got a chance to read a copy for free with the Read & Review Program.
Joss Sheldon has written this book in 3 stages of life: Child/Adolescent/Adult. From there we are told 4 different characters stories for each stage of life. We follow the characters of Tamsin, Ellie, Arun & Charlie. There are places where each of their lives intersect.
Tamsin as a child was my favorite character, but Ellie as an adolescent was my favorite and then I wanted so MUCH for Arun to make different choices.
In the beginning there is a lot of looking on the brighter side of life as a child often will, followed by much rebellion in the adolescent stages and led to mostly resignation as an adult with glimmers into the rebellions of youth.
Joss has woven a political and spiritual tale of woe. This is a book that really makes you think about the world around you. I could see many past, current and future world events at different times throughout the book. The unique writing style was easy to follow and I enjoyed the interjected one liners of smaller happenings, such as the cats and the ants and the Mad Woman.
I recommend this book for someone who likes to think deeply about life, but I will warn that there are some painful parts to read, especially Tamsin's adolescent chapter. Check this book out, solid 4 stars.
Occupied was a very unique read. I wasn't really sure what to expect. Based on the cover, I probably wouldn't have picked this book up, but I am glad that I got a chance to read a copy for free with the Read & Review Program.
Joss Sheldon has written this book in 3 stages of life: Child/Adolescent/Adult. From there we are told 4 different characters stories for each stage of life. We follow the characters of Tamsin, Ellie, Arun & Charlie. There are places where each of their lives intersect.
Tamsin as a child was my favorite character, but Ellie as an adolescent was my favorite and then I wanted so MUCH for Arun to make different choices.
In the beginning there is a lot of looking on the brighter side of life as a child often will, followed by much rebellion in the adolescent stages and led to mostly resignation as an adult with glimmers into the rebellions of youth.
Joss has woven a political and spiritual tale of woe. This is a book that really makes you think about the world around you. I could see many past, current and future world events at different times throughout the book. The unique writing style was easy to follow and I enjoyed the interjected one liners of smaller happenings, such as the cats and the ants and the Mad Woman.
I recommend this book for someone who likes to think deeply about life, but I will warn that there are some painful parts to read, especially Tamsin's adolescent chapter. Check this book out, solid 4 stars.
February 8, 2017
The story and narration was wonderful. Start by the cover I never thought the story would tell about the distress and hardship, but somehow it tell the reality in life. It will make us think about our world, there is no future which is not built in the present. I liked the way the book was split into the section of age and characters. It help us to understand the story from different perception.
I like the most in Childhood day. Its the most happiest time, when the kid still having a lot of fun even in some predicament. Children never bound to who they play with, friends everyone. Adolescene part is the transition time where they start to face the reality. There are some dark story in this part and how they life become stumble and fall. Hard decision and teach some lesson in life. Adulthood is how the future life looks like. This time when machine and computer play the most part in life. Human been count by their profitable. Idleness is evil, work is virtuos, must do everything to keep them occupied.
I'm glad that I got a chance to read the book from the group in exchange for the honest review.
I like the most in Childhood day. Its the most happiest time, when the kid still having a lot of fun even in some predicament. Children never bound to who they play with, friends everyone. Adolescene part is the transition time where they start to face the reality. There are some dark story in this part and how they life become stumble and fall. Hard decision and teach some lesson in life. Adulthood is how the future life looks like. This time when machine and computer play the most part in life. Human been count by their profitable. Idleness is evil, work is virtuos, must do everything to keep them occupied.
I'm glad that I got a chance to read the book from the group in exchange for the honest review.
July 15, 2016
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review.
Firstly I want to say this book is completely unique, and in that I found it quite difficult to review. This is not the type of book I would normally read, so from the first I was out of my normal comfort zone with the subject matter, however I persisted.
Occupied is the story of 4 people – Tamsin, Ellie, Arun and Charlie. The book is broken into three main sections – Childhood, Adolescence and finally Adulthood, which takes us through the lives and progression of the 4 main characters.
I found the economic and social hardship story a compelling read. The displacement of the landowners, the unwanted refugees, the violence, the rebels, the “police” presence and the new wealthy occupiers all combined to tell quite a familiar, if sad tale.
The writing in this book is absolutely excellent, the characters are well developed and the world building and background information is well researched and well presented. The structure of the story seemed to lag towards the end but remained true to the overall theme of the book, and while of course this is marked as fiction, it had the hard factual voice you would normally come to expect of a true non-fiction book – which no doubt was intentional, especially given the parallels it presents with the recent political unrest respective regions.
Thanks to the author and Goodreads for the opportunity to provide this honest and unbiased review.
Firstly I want to say this book is completely unique, and in that I found it quite difficult to review. This is not the type of book I would normally read, so from the first I was out of my normal comfort zone with the subject matter, however I persisted.
Occupied is the story of 4 people – Tamsin, Ellie, Arun and Charlie. The book is broken into three main sections – Childhood, Adolescence and finally Adulthood, which takes us through the lives and progression of the 4 main characters.
I found the economic and social hardship story a compelling read. The displacement of the landowners, the unwanted refugees, the violence, the rebels, the “police” presence and the new wealthy occupiers all combined to tell quite a familiar, if sad tale.
The writing in this book is absolutely excellent, the characters are well developed and the world building and background information is well researched and well presented. The structure of the story seemed to lag towards the end but remained true to the overall theme of the book, and while of course this is marked as fiction, it had the hard factual voice you would normally come to expect of a true non-fiction book – which no doubt was intentional, especially given the parallels it presents with the recent political unrest respective regions.
Thanks to the author and Goodreads for the opportunity to provide this honest and unbiased review.
June 16, 2016
Occupied was powerful and captivating, but I found that the end of the book fell a bit flat when I was expecting the narrative to escalate even further from the first two sections. Showing the story play out across different ages of the same children made for an interesting ride, and the contrast between eras was insightful. The lasting message of the novel also wasn’t exactly my cup of tea, although I understand its foundations within the reality of the world. That aside, I thought Occupied was a thought provoking and intriguing novel.
Thank you to the author for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review :)
Thank you to the author for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review :)
March 19, 2017
Disturbing
I don't want to like this book. It is hitting a little too close to home right now. A sick and twisted view of the world we live in. Not for the faint of heart. Gbash
I don't want to like this book. It is hitting a little too close to home right now. A sick and twisted view of the world we live in. Not for the faint of heart. Gbash
May 7, 2016
Occupied is an exceptional novel that tackles the problems of our “post” colonial world. To label our current word a post colonial one, would be a grave mistake. Occupied labors to strike down this notion through the fictional ties between two extremely different places. Reminiscent of the Israeli and Palestinian relationship over the past several decades, we gain insight to just how different the haves and have-nots go on. We bare witness to young people growing up in a world where there opinions are shaped and propagated early on to think that what is happening around them is okay or perhaps normal. The author does an excellent job constructing these individuals and the climate for them to be fully realized in. The main argument of the novel focuses on the consequences of carrying on in way that is unfair to a population. This is an important book that should definitely be read for its message, but ultimately the writing is top-notch and shouldn’t be discounted. In terms of style, tone and character development, the author has crafted a rock solid read. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in furthering their understanding of oppression and how its effects seep into psyche of the people on both ends. Further, if you’re at all interested in geopolitics or just a really well written book, this title should be next on your list!
January 25, 2018
A beautiful thought-provoking story of religious and cultural differences. Here we encounter four main storylines about ancestory, hardship and tragedy among other important issues. This book even though it has main stories has lots of little stories buried deep within the plot. The characters are beautifully created and I too became inquistive at listening to Papa's stories in particular so that I had to carry on reading it. Great storyline and would definitely recommend to all considering purchasing this book
October 16, 2018
This book honestly makes me realise that our lives are so wasted.
My 3rd sheldon book and have to say I'm a bit of a fan. Not a great motivator for the weekly grind but a bit of an eye opener into the seemingly hopeless world we inhabit. For many years now I've felt uneasy about the direction our world is taking and this book conjures up all the horrors that may await if we carry on in our current trajectory. Sadly it's not even what may happen but what is happening. Occupied illustrates the futility of modern civilization and the need to change our ways and thinking.
Get reading, thinking and changing.
My 3rd sheldon book and have to say I'm a bit of a fan. Not a great motivator for the weekly grind but a bit of an eye opener into the seemingly hopeless world we inhabit. For many years now I've felt uneasy about the direction our world is taking and this book conjures up all the horrors that may await if we carry on in our current trajectory. Sadly it's not even what may happen but what is happening. Occupied illustrates the futility of modern civilization and the need to change our ways and thinking.
Get reading, thinking and changing.
June 8, 2020
Very catchy, couldn't put it down! Very interesting mix of genres. Filled with humanity whist still delivering a frightening critique of our 'modern' society
It's surprising, really well constructed, overall super enjoyable!
It's surprising, really well constructed, overall super enjoyable!
April 4, 2017
I thought this book was going to be about occupation. It was, but it was also so much more. A very worthwhile read.
December 10, 2017
Such a good book. I'm so happy i read this. The way it is written let me go through the entire book really fast. The story made me think a lot. I extremely recommend it.
May 29, 2018
This narrative cannot be shelved easily. Something off the trodden paths. Its style and language remind me of The Little Prince.with a gradually intensifying whiff of Orwellian dystopia. Amazing mastery of tone, chillingly repetitive, painfully laconic choice of words. Very disturbing... Consequently, I've bought the three other books by Sheldon.
March 23, 2016
I just finished this incredible book; then I sat in pure awe. I needed time to process the fantasy yet reality of this book. That is what also took me so long to read it. I won't even dare to give away the ending. I fear, with the choices of Presidential nominees, if nothing huge changes and fast, that Section Three of this book may happen to us all. It is such a profound and poignant book. It really makes one really think and understand our world, and that what goes around, comes around.
I really couldn't believe the amount of genius that Joss Sheldon placed in this book. It shows our history (world history), disguised so brilliantly in the form of four different main characters in the form of "FICTION". It totally blurs the line as to what is fact versus what is fiction. I laughed at certain parts, that maybe I shouldn't have; after discussing them with the brilliantly talented author. I got bored in parts that I truly believe the author wanted us to feel the boredom of the characters. And, then the elation and the absolute hope that these characters felt at that specific time in the book. It is another book that is not for the faint of heart.
Why do I bring this up? The author is quite raw and unabashedly in the use of foul language WHERE IT IS APPROPRIATELY NECESSARY TO CERTAIN SITUATIONS IN THE BOOK. In other words, he really swears and cusses where it is called for in the book by the characters, themselves. It truly is appropriate for the time. So, if you want to put the blame on someone, don't put the blame it on Mr. Sheldon. Put the blame on the time and the feelings of what the characters are enduring right at the time that the cussing comes out. Once again, it brings out the brilliant writing and certain meaning and feeling that the author wants us, the readers, to feel right alongside the characters, themselves. Mr. Sheldon wants us to think the characters' thoughts and feel the characters' feelings right alongside each of his characters.
This was an extremely well thought out book in its entirety. Brilliant writing by a brilliant author. Mr. Sheldon, I stand up and give you a standing ovation, and I am certain that I am one among many. I don't feel lonely at all. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to read and honestly review a free copy of this book that you have given me, as I most possibly could. I could not give this book the true justice that is due. As well, I thank you for answering my question in writing. I most truly feel honored by your response, that in itself, I never expected. I feel humbled and blessed.
I really couldn't believe the amount of genius that Joss Sheldon placed in this book. It shows our history (world history), disguised so brilliantly in the form of four different main characters in the form of "FICTION". It totally blurs the line as to what is fact versus what is fiction. I laughed at certain parts, that maybe I shouldn't have; after discussing them with the brilliantly talented author. I got bored in parts that I truly believe the author wanted us to feel the boredom of the characters. And, then the elation and the absolute hope that these characters felt at that specific time in the book. It is another book that is not for the faint of heart.
Why do I bring this up? The author is quite raw and unabashedly in the use of foul language WHERE IT IS APPROPRIATELY NECESSARY TO CERTAIN SITUATIONS IN THE BOOK. In other words, he really swears and cusses where it is called for in the book by the characters, themselves. It truly is appropriate for the time. So, if you want to put the blame on someone, don't put the blame it on Mr. Sheldon. Put the blame on the time and the feelings of what the characters are enduring right at the time that the cussing comes out. Once again, it brings out the brilliant writing and certain meaning and feeling that the author wants us, the readers, to feel right alongside the characters, themselves. Mr. Sheldon wants us to think the characters' thoughts and feel the characters' feelings right alongside each of his characters.
This was an extremely well thought out book in its entirety. Brilliant writing by a brilliant author. Mr. Sheldon, I stand up and give you a standing ovation, and I am certain that I am one among many. I don't feel lonely at all. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to read and honestly review a free copy of this book that you have given me, as I most possibly could. I could not give this book the true justice that is due. As well, I thank you for answering my question in writing. I most truly feel honored by your response, that in itself, I never expected. I feel humbled and blessed.
November 24, 2015
see full review @ Katie's Corner
I enjoyed every aspect of this book. Every minute I was reading, it gave some kind of satisfaction. I do not know how to explain it, but I believe this is one book that is worth to read! Starting with the cover that is very intriguing and makes you want to start read the book right away, to the story itself. Once you start it, you can’t put it down. When I got the book, I was intrigued by the cover and the title right away, and while I did have some bad experience with the whole “Don’t judge the book by it’s cover”, this time I am happy that I got to read it, as it drew my attention to make issues that are happening in today’s world.
The summary of the book is very vague; we do not really get a lot of information, though I believe the slogan:
“SOME PEOPLE LIVE UNDER OCCUPATION
SOME PEOPLE OCCUPY THEMSELVES
NO ONE IS FREE”
is a fantastic description of the book. I actually felt the atmosphere of the book. It is not something that the average reader will enjoy, as the book dwells a lot on the hardships and negativities in the reality, and yes, not all of us want to read about that in books too. However, that’s is what makes this books so noticeable. The author expertly builds four main characters: Tasmin, Ellie, Arun and Charlie. We experience their lives along side them. Every chapter is dedicated to one characters and that makes us live their lives fully with them. The book is divided in three parts: Childhood, Adolescence and Adulthood. The author fantastically builds his world, first through the child’s eye on the corrupt society, then the naïve adolescence and finally the perception and understanding that the adulthood brought to our characters.
This story is one of the must-reads in today’s world. It’s terrifying how the author makes you think about the issues in the book. The book makes you think if all those events actually happened, and that just makes you google all of the events in the book to know more about them, to know the “real” things! Get your copy now to enjoy this fantastically realistic book!
I enjoyed every aspect of this book. Every minute I was reading, it gave some kind of satisfaction. I do not know how to explain it, but I believe this is one book that is worth to read! Starting with the cover that is very intriguing and makes you want to start read the book right away, to the story itself. Once you start it, you can’t put it down. When I got the book, I was intrigued by the cover and the title right away, and while I did have some bad experience with the whole “Don’t judge the book by it’s cover”, this time I am happy that I got to read it, as it drew my attention to make issues that are happening in today’s world.
The summary of the book is very vague; we do not really get a lot of information, though I believe the slogan:
“SOME PEOPLE LIVE UNDER OCCUPATION
SOME PEOPLE OCCUPY THEMSELVES
NO ONE IS FREE”
is a fantastic description of the book. I actually felt the atmosphere of the book. It is not something that the average reader will enjoy, as the book dwells a lot on the hardships and negativities in the reality, and yes, not all of us want to read about that in books too. However, that’s is what makes this books so noticeable. The author expertly builds four main characters: Tasmin, Ellie, Arun and Charlie. We experience their lives along side them. Every chapter is dedicated to one characters and that makes us live their lives fully with them. The book is divided in three parts: Childhood, Adolescence and Adulthood. The author fantastically builds his world, first through the child’s eye on the corrupt society, then the naïve adolescence and finally the perception and understanding that the adulthood brought to our characters.
This story is one of the must-reads in today’s world. It’s terrifying how the author makes you think about the issues in the book. The book makes you think if all those events actually happened, and that just makes you google all of the events in the book to know more about them, to know the “real” things! Get your copy now to enjoy this fantastically realistic book!
March 9, 2016
I originally sat down intending to read a few pages before moving on to do other work, two and a half hours later I finished the last page and stared blankly at a wall as I tried to process what I had just finished reading. The structure of this novel is incredibly unique broken into three main sections further subdivided into four chapters each one featuring a different main character as they grow through life's hardships. One of the more unique but most important aspects of this book is that each of the main characters comes from a very different background, from occupied to occupier, but the author takes great pains to have them share the same experiences. There is the pitfall possibility for a reader to find this exaggerated, if you are thinking of reading this book I encourage you to keep a very open mind during these moments as truly they are one of the more genius elements of this work.
Another aspect of this novel is that it seems to be stressing a few main points. At the beginning it is centered almost entirely around the occupations of Palestine, Kurdistan and Tibet. This seems to be the main revolving story line through the first two sections. In the third section the story line seems to take a drastic turn into stressing the dangers of corporate occupation, the pitfalls of money, government run banks, and robotics. On one hand this has raised an incredibly interesting internal debate within myself between the connection one can make between traditional warfare and a the more modern worry of a to large government and our reliance on money and products. One the other hand I felt like this sudden change left me floundering for almost an entire chapter before I caught up. However, the author does take great pains to tie both story lines together at the end.
Overall, I feel like this novel could become an educational classic. It was a very unique combination of fantasy and abject reality. With writing that was raw, in your face, practically radiating the emotions the author most have felt while writing it. I will be thinking of this novel for some time.
Another aspect of this novel is that it seems to be stressing a few main points. At the beginning it is centered almost entirely around the occupations of Palestine, Kurdistan and Tibet. This seems to be the main revolving story line through the first two sections. In the third section the story line seems to take a drastic turn into stressing the dangers of corporate occupation, the pitfalls of money, government run banks, and robotics. On one hand this has raised an incredibly interesting internal debate within myself between the connection one can make between traditional warfare and a the more modern worry of a to large government and our reliance on money and products. One the other hand I felt like this sudden change left me floundering for almost an entire chapter before I caught up. However, the author does take great pains to tie both story lines together at the end.
Overall, I feel like this novel could become an educational classic. It was a very unique combination of fantasy and abject reality. With writing that was raw, in your face, practically radiating the emotions the author most have felt while writing it. I will be thinking of this novel for some time.
May 29, 2016
This was a challenge for me to review.
From the first, I could see that this is not my usual read, but it quickly grew on me. A story of Tamsin, Ellie, Arun & Charlie; four individuals, who cross paths in their lives. All of them the same in so many ways, but with their profound differences as well.
The time & place seems to be a fictional representation of the Six-Day War that erupted over the ancient lands of the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and Golan Heights. The stresses and conflicts of the characters in the book had me want to know more, as I found online: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six-Day...
The book is broken up into 12 chapters: the first four covering the childhoold of our key characters; the second four their adolescence; the final four their adulthood.
I found the story of economic and social hardship a compelling one, particularly in the first chapters of the book. It was a story of: land owners displaced; refugees unwanted; authoritarion police, with checkpoints, blockades, and wanton violence; rebels of the new regime; and the wealthy new occupiers.
From the beginning one thing, that built up and grated like white noise in the background, was an ongoing reference to economic growth and chain stores and a change to the economic landscape. But I could see that, in this, the author had a purpose, and so I carried on.
The difficulty I had with the book, was that the writing and the story were so well done and believable, but only in the first eight chapters. And for me the book went downhill from there. The first eight chapters alone would have made this a 5 star book, had the structure and story felt the same to the end.
I felt that this was a book that conveyed an important message; a message about an ambiguous joining of different peoples - a non-melting-pot if you will, each group thinking their own way is the only way.
Unfortunately, the last four chapters simply bring more noise, and simply change the whole flavor of the book for me. The book walked me from the compelling, beautiful, and believable; to an un-real fiction in the end.
Thanks to the author and Goodreads for the opportunity to provide this unbiased review.
From the first, I could see that this is not my usual read, but it quickly grew on me. A story of Tamsin, Ellie, Arun & Charlie; four individuals, who cross paths in their lives. All of them the same in so many ways, but with their profound differences as well.
The time & place seems to be a fictional representation of the Six-Day War that erupted over the ancient lands of the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and Golan Heights. The stresses and conflicts of the characters in the book had me want to know more, as I found online: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six-Day...
The book is broken up into 12 chapters: the first four covering the childhoold of our key characters; the second four their adolescence; the final four their adulthood.
I found the story of economic and social hardship a compelling one, particularly in the first chapters of the book. It was a story of: land owners displaced; refugees unwanted; authoritarion police, with checkpoints, blockades, and wanton violence; rebels of the new regime; and the wealthy new occupiers.
From the beginning one thing, that built up and grated like white noise in the background, was an ongoing reference to economic growth and chain stores and a change to the economic landscape. But I could see that, in this, the author had a purpose, and so I carried on.
The difficulty I had with the book, was that the writing and the story were so well done and believable, but only in the first eight chapters. And for me the book went downhill from there. The first eight chapters alone would have made this a 5 star book, had the structure and story felt the same to the end.
I felt that this was a book that conveyed an important message; a message about an ambiguous joining of different peoples - a non-melting-pot if you will, each group thinking their own way is the only way.
Unfortunately, the last four chapters simply bring more noise, and simply change the whole flavor of the book for me. The book walked me from the compelling, beautiful, and believable; to an un-real fiction in the end.
Thanks to the author and Goodreads for the opportunity to provide this unbiased review.
December 22, 2015
A lovely story, really wonderful.
I enjoyed the whole narration especially the deep cultural backgrounds and traditions. The inter-generational ancestry history and lesson is truly something I enjoyed, especially as I never had such luck in my childhood days. The absurd stories that usually goes with everything in the book were just a little too much, except that you'll understand that this is an adult speaking to a little child.
However, some part were not just realistic. Like the whole village sleeping for forty years straight, Doombdas disappearing in smokes sometimes and scuttling away to be pursued in others. A dead man waking up to smoke a pipe( this is was really hilarious when I thought of the idea).
A very brilliant piece from Joss. Sheldon. I particularly like how, while narrating something series he'll briefly return his attention to quite unnoticeable, unrelated events or features( almost as though he's a believer in the "Butterfly Effect", and those tiny events resulted to the twists in the story). The author sometimes gets carried away describing things in too much detail. Some scenes lack that smooth transition.
This is a perfect book for adults and children, as it conveys an eternal message. A cup of coffee and a reclining chair will help you enjoy the book even more, as it did for me.
I enjoyed the whole narration especially the deep cultural backgrounds and traditions. The inter-generational ancestry history and lesson is truly something I enjoyed, especially as I never had such luck in my childhood days. The absurd stories that usually goes with everything in the book were just a little too much, except that you'll understand that this is an adult speaking to a little child.
However, some part were not just realistic. Like the whole village sleeping for forty years straight, Doombdas disappearing in smokes sometimes and scuttling away to be pursued in others. A dead man waking up to smoke a pipe( this is was really hilarious when I thought of the idea).
A very brilliant piece from Joss. Sheldon. I particularly like how, while narrating something series he'll briefly return his attention to quite unnoticeable, unrelated events or features( almost as though he's a believer in the "Butterfly Effect", and those tiny events resulted to the twists in the story). The author sometimes gets carried away describing things in too much detail. Some scenes lack that smooth transition.
This is a perfect book for adults and children, as it conveys an eternal message. A cup of coffee and a reclining chair will help you enjoy the book even more, as it did for me.
December 4, 2015
This book is split into three sections with each section having four subsections. The main sections are childhood adolescents, and adulthood. The subsections are each named by character they are: Tamsin, Ellie, Arun, Charlie.I really liked the way the book was organized by age and by character it helped the story to blend together while still allowing me to understand the story from different perspectives. My favorite character was Ellie. I found myself understanding her the most and I enjoyed reading about how she changed from an entitled girl who wanted everything for herself to a child that wanted to help others. In the Ellie section in part one Ellie's mother has a quote that really struck a chord with me it was: "“But whilst they’ll forget the people who harmed them, they’ll never forget the people who helped them. Because the power of hatred is limited, but the power of love is boundless."
April 13, 2016
Overall, there were some very interesting and pertinent qualities to the story. Some of the circumstances were emotionally more difficult than others but it was very well put together. I felt that this book was very well written. Some of the content was harder to keep track of as far as the groups and their names, but only in the very beginning of the story. This was only because their names are so closely related.
The characters and scenes were very well developed and made it very easy to imagine the settings and circumstances. It is not my usual genre but I did enjoy reading it very much! You are rooting for one family and then next thing you know, you are rooting for a different family and you keep switching back and forth and can't decide. It was a fun but emotional (at times) book.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I am not being paid for my review.
The characters and scenes were very well developed and made it very easy to imagine the settings and circumstances. It is not my usual genre but I did enjoy reading it very much! You are rooting for one family and then next thing you know, you are rooting for a different family and you keep switching back and forth and can't decide. It was a fun but emotional (at times) book.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I am not being paid for my review.
July 10, 2016
Real, raw, intense and unexpected. That's what surprises the Occupied reader and that's how this book will conquer him. There is no mercy or compassion, facts as facts, they affect heart and stomach and can't leave us indifferent. Occupied will leave you breathless and will touch your emotions, even those that usually you don't want to be stimulated.
The uncomfortable truth seen through the individual lives, individual difficulties, emotions of these four characters will remind us, or will teach to younger people, a still alive past and present we shouldn't forget.
The accessible writing style makes Occupied a book also advised for high school and university students and can stimulate insights and reflections the reader can't fail to appreciate.
The author demonstrates maturity and knowledge and we will surely hear about him for a long time .
The uncomfortable truth seen through the individual lives, individual difficulties, emotions of these four characters will remind us, or will teach to younger people, a still alive past and present we shouldn't forget.
The accessible writing style makes Occupied a book also advised for high school and university students and can stimulate insights and reflections the reader can't fail to appreciate.
The author demonstrates maturity and knowledge and we will surely hear about him for a long time .
November 1, 2015
Reality and fantasy. That is the best way to describe this book.
The book shows what average people doesn't want in a book. Hardship and negativity in reality. Characters are built up uniquely through what happened to them and how they cope up with it. If you can relate this book to our present times, you can see that it really must have happened in the past. And considering the wholeness of the story itself, there is a quaint thought of possibility that there is a much worst event that will happen today.
Touching, frightening, emotional, eventful, enjoyed and hopeful. These are what you will feel reading this book. The author Joss Sheldon did great playing with our ming and emotions. Kudos for stirring up something in me sir Josh.
The book shows what average people doesn't want in a book. Hardship and negativity in reality. Characters are built up uniquely through what happened to them and how they cope up with it. If you can relate this book to our present times, you can see that it really must have happened in the past. And considering the wholeness of the story itself, there is a quaint thought of possibility that there is a much worst event that will happen today.
Touching, frightening, emotional, eventful, enjoyed and hopeful. These are what you will feel reading this book. The author Joss Sheldon did great playing with our ming and emotions. Kudos for stirring up something in me sir Josh.
June 18, 2016
Occupied Was A Really Unique And Great Read.Honestly,the Cover Almost Put Me Off,but I Decided To Read It Because The Cover Was Kind Of Intriguing,though Wierd.(my Opinion).The Book Was Written In The Different Life Stages,childhood To Adolescence To Adulthood And We Follow The Lives Of Tamsin,Ellie,Arun And Charlie. Childhood Was Very Bright But Changed Along The Way.The Book Was Great And I'm Glad I Did'nt Judge It By The Cover.I Received This Book For Free In Exchange For An Honest Review.
June 27, 2016
This book was an amazing read; I had to recommend it to my friends. Throughout the entire book the scenes came to life in my head. The author wrote about the life aspects of the four main characters faced which is relatable to everyday life. I connected emotionally while reading and it had me thinking about our ancestors and what they had to endure to make the world what it is now. I would recommend this book to a lot of people because it is not your average story and it is educational.
November 5, 2019
it's a special novel , i have learn lots
no words can describe the amaze and beauty in which the book had been written
no words can describe the amaze and beauty in which the book had been written
January 30, 2018
While it did take me 3 tries to get into this book, I’m glad I stuck with it. Occupied is a thought-provoking work. The three main characters, Tamsin, Ellie, and Arun, start off as kids, each coming from different backgrounds. As they age, they are pulled apart and their friendships set aside though they do occasionally intersect later in the story. A fourth pivotal character, Charlie, comes into the tale much later.
While this story qualifies as a satire, I did feel that I would have gotten quite a bit more out of it if I was more knowledgeable on Middle East politics (past and present). For the most part, the story stood on it’s own though I admit that I often lost track of which character is a Godly versus a Holy. I had the feeling that the underlying alluded to politics were more important than the story and I really just wanted to be swept up into the tale.
There is a lot of repetition in this book. Lots. That is the main thing that kept me from getting caught up in this book. If the book was 1/3 to 1/2 as long I feel that it would have more of punch, the important scenes would hit harder, and there would be more poignancy to the disturbing bits. All those things exist in the book as it is but you have to wade through the repetition to get to them.
The last fifth of the book was my favorite. It takes us into a near-future view of a consumer driven society. It definitely had that Brave New World vibe which I quite enjoyed. Also, I didn’t feel I had to be knowledgeable about certain politics to get what the story was telling me. This was the most chilling part of the book because there’s a society-encompassing apathy whereas the rest of the book has plenty of emotions flying around as one wrong is done after another, usually in the name of Right.
So, all told, I’m glad I finished it and I can see how fans of the satire genre would be interested in checking this book out. While the repetition and my lack of great knowledge on the politics alluded to made this book a bit of a chore to get through, it did end on a very strong note that resonated with me. 3.5/ 5 stars.
The Narration: Jack Wynters gave a decent performance. He had some accents and some voice range though not all of his characters were distinctly performed. He sounded interested in the story for the entire book never going deadpan bored. The pacing was good and there were no technical issues with the recording. 4/5 stars.
➜ This audiobook was received at no-cost from Audiobookworm Promotions. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
While this story qualifies as a satire, I did feel that I would have gotten quite a bit more out of it if I was more knowledgeable on Middle East politics (past and present). For the most part, the story stood on it’s own though I admit that I often lost track of which character is a Godly versus a Holy. I had the feeling that the underlying alluded to politics were more important than the story and I really just wanted to be swept up into the tale.
There is a lot of repetition in this book. Lots. That is the main thing that kept me from getting caught up in this book. If the book was 1/3 to 1/2 as long I feel that it would have more of punch, the important scenes would hit harder, and there would be more poignancy to the disturbing bits. All those things exist in the book as it is but you have to wade through the repetition to get to them.
The last fifth of the book was my favorite. It takes us into a near-future view of a consumer driven society. It definitely had that Brave New World vibe which I quite enjoyed. Also, I didn’t feel I had to be knowledgeable about certain politics to get what the story was telling me. This was the most chilling part of the book because there’s a society-encompassing apathy whereas the rest of the book has plenty of emotions flying around as one wrong is done after another, usually in the name of Right.
So, all told, I’m glad I finished it and I can see how fans of the satire genre would be interested in checking this book out. While the repetition and my lack of great knowledge on the politics alluded to made this book a bit of a chore to get through, it did end on a very strong note that resonated with me. 3.5/ 5 stars.
The Narration: Jack Wynters gave a decent performance. He had some accents and some voice range though not all of his characters were distinctly performed. He sounded interested in the story for the entire book never going deadpan bored. The pacing was good and there were no technical issues with the recording. 4/5 stars.
➜ This audiobook was received at no-cost from Audiobookworm Promotions. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
November 27, 2017
I really wanted to give this book five stars.....so much to like. Made me think of the book being a modern version of Orwell's 1984. Follows characters from childhood through becoming adults. Some live as occupiers and others as occupiees. Takes a look at the psychological and cultural impacts upon both. The book also details the impact of consumerism and the impact of monopolies and advertising. This last part of consumerism and economics is driven home with the subtly of a sledge hammer. Good editing could have reduced the book by 50 pages. But this is still a creative worthwhile book that you just might want to skip some passages.
November 7, 2018
Again a rather different kind of story. I do like it and I can imagine that this is not to everybody's liking, maybe because it is over the top and so bizarre. But that is the idea, right? Interesting, scary and sometimes just plain real. Somehow the world as we live it today seems somehow exactly as described in this book. We are slaves and we are so occupied with hate, fear, greed and other negative feelings that we do not understand that we are led to the slaughterhouse. And even though this is all just literal it still feels too real. The only star deduction is because of the repetition which in my eyes was so overwhelming that I was not able to remember the main characters. The introduction of each and everybody went so fast that I could not keep up. Otherwise a very interesting and scary read.
June 6, 2016
So far in my time as a book reviewer, the majority of the books I have read, with a few exceptions, tend to have more of a religious/supernatural element to them, many of which contained Christian themes and elements. So when I came across "Occupied" by Joss Sheldon, I found myself dealing with a story and world that I had yet to explore as a book reviewer.
According to his website, Joss Sheldon is a 34-year-old man who has a degree from the London School of Economics. Before he became a writer, Sheldon spent his time “selling falafel at music festivals, being a ski-bum, and failing to turn the English Midlands into a haven of rugby league”. In 2013, Sheldon moved to McLeod Gan, a village in India full of Tibetan refugees. This turned out to be the beginning of his travels that eventually led him to write "Occupied".
"Occupied" is a story from the perspective of four different people in the Middle East who experience occupations of various sorts over the course of their lives. The story starts out following Tamsin and her daily life with the Godlies in the village of Doomba. After Doomba is attacked by a group of people known as The Holies, Tamsin and the surviving Godlies of Doomba relocate to the town of Natale as refugees. After that, the story switches to the perspective of Ellie, a Natale native whose father, like many of the natives, complains that the refugees are stealing their jobs, and that they should be expelled from their land. Without giving away too much more of the plot, the story shifts to the perspective of the colonisers who come in later and occupy Natale after the six-day war (a boy named Arun), and the perspective of a family of economic immigrants who come in later (through the eyes of a boy named Charlie).
Some of the positives of this book are that Sheldon really captures the feel of a small village like Doomba and a small third-world town like Natale from the perspective of a child running through the village, and running through the streets and marketplace. Sheldon also does a fantastic job of capturing the irony of the refugees complaining about the Protokian soldiers taking away their jobs after the natives of Natale lodged the same complaint about the refugees earlier in the story. The thing that stops me from giving this book an A grade is the fact that part of the story is based on the Israel-Palestine conflict, and Sheldon seems to be sympathetic to the narrative of that issue, which is that the Palestinians were living in the land that Israel has occupied since 1948 before Israel was given that land by the UN, and that the Israel claim that their ancestors lived in the land long before the Palestinians did (which is true if you know the historical records contained in the Old and New Testaments) is somehow illegitimate.
While I have a pretty strong disagreement with the part of the story that refers to the Israel-Palestine conflict, I will say that Sheldon has given us a book that is highly readable, well-written, and allows us to relate to the characters involved in the conflict. If you're looking for a heart-wrenching story about ordinary people living through different occupations in the middle east, then feel free to get "Occupied".
According to his website, Joss Sheldon is a 34-year-old man who has a degree from the London School of Economics. Before he became a writer, Sheldon spent his time “selling falafel at music festivals, being a ski-bum, and failing to turn the English Midlands into a haven of rugby league”. In 2013, Sheldon moved to McLeod Gan, a village in India full of Tibetan refugees. This turned out to be the beginning of his travels that eventually led him to write "Occupied".
"Occupied" is a story from the perspective of four different people in the Middle East who experience occupations of various sorts over the course of their lives. The story starts out following Tamsin and her daily life with the Godlies in the village of Doomba. After Doomba is attacked by a group of people known as The Holies, Tamsin and the surviving Godlies of Doomba relocate to the town of Natale as refugees. After that, the story switches to the perspective of Ellie, a Natale native whose father, like many of the natives, complains that the refugees are stealing their jobs, and that they should be expelled from their land. Without giving away too much more of the plot, the story shifts to the perspective of the colonisers who come in later and occupy Natale after the six-day war (a boy named Arun), and the perspective of a family of economic immigrants who come in later (through the eyes of a boy named Charlie).
Some of the positives of this book are that Sheldon really captures the feel of a small village like Doomba and a small third-world town like Natale from the perspective of a child running through the village, and running through the streets and marketplace. Sheldon also does a fantastic job of capturing the irony of the refugees complaining about the Protokian soldiers taking away their jobs after the natives of Natale lodged the same complaint about the refugees earlier in the story. The thing that stops me from giving this book an A grade is the fact that part of the story is based on the Israel-Palestine conflict, and Sheldon seems to be sympathetic to the narrative of that issue, which is that the Palestinians were living in the land that Israel has occupied since 1948 before Israel was given that land by the UN, and that the Israel claim that their ancestors lived in the land long before the Palestinians did (which is true if you know the historical records contained in the Old and New Testaments) is somehow illegitimate.
While I have a pretty strong disagreement with the part of the story that refers to the Israel-Palestine conflict, I will say that Sheldon has given us a book that is highly readable, well-written, and allows us to relate to the characters involved in the conflict. If you're looking for a heart-wrenching story about ordinary people living through different occupations in the middle east, then feel free to get "Occupied".
March 24, 2016
Wow! This is such an excellent book. When I read it, I felt so crippled, yet drawn into the narrative that I could not resist reading page after page.
There were so many similarities between what was happening in the book and what was happening in the real world. I felt, I'd not been too attuned to the problems that they faced before.
The thing that really hurt me while reading was the way how soldiers were indoctrinated with hatred against other people. I mean everyone is a human and just because of their origins, to think they are scum and call them names is a sign of the decay in our society. And indeed, that is how terrorists are born. Indoctrinated with hatred against people of a particular country without any logic or reason.
It hurt to read about the slow Corporatization of the world. And I realized how true it was. We supported these corporate endeavors and we forgot our roots and a simplistic style of living. It absolutely freaked me out that the future dystopian model is that women will be impregnated just because it is profitable.
Actually, that thing rings true. Just to illustrate, the American Pharmaceutical industry works like that. On a sole profit motive at the cost of making life saving drugs available for cheap for the people. Having a profit motive or the motive to expand and earn was ruining our lives and it made me realize how we had been taught that settling down in your life was small minded. And that you were only a success if you'd captured the world with your ideas. NO! That is wrong. You live a wholesome and meaningful life. That matters so much more than extracting every drop of money available.
But sadly, the way we have all been raised, is that the profit motive is superlative. And money is superlative. I suppose beyond a point, we shall all be robots, doing meaningless work because someone is pulling the strings behind a curtain.
This book saddened me. Mostly, it made me aware of my own greed. The greed of succeeding. The greed which the world ended up glorifying. As a result of which my life was never content. And it could never be unless I pushed myself that much harder. And earned that much more. Which is such a big tragedy.
It also reminded me that it was seriously time we gave big corporates the thumbs down. Their greed has corrupted everyone and depleted the environment. We don't deserve a death at their hands. And in this matter, I feel we should not be content for less.
I really hope the world changes. For the world's sake. Because we have to change before we are swallowed and our existence is threatened.
There were so many similarities between what was happening in the book and what was happening in the real world. I felt, I'd not been too attuned to the problems that they faced before.
The thing that really hurt me while reading was the way how soldiers were indoctrinated with hatred against other people. I mean everyone is a human and just because of their origins, to think they are scum and call them names is a sign of the decay in our society. And indeed, that is how terrorists are born. Indoctrinated with hatred against people of a particular country without any logic or reason.
It hurt to read about the slow Corporatization of the world. And I realized how true it was. We supported these corporate endeavors and we forgot our roots and a simplistic style of living. It absolutely freaked me out that the future dystopian model is that women will be impregnated just because it is profitable.
Actually, that thing rings true. Just to illustrate, the American Pharmaceutical industry works like that. On a sole profit motive at the cost of making life saving drugs available for cheap for the people. Having a profit motive or the motive to expand and earn was ruining our lives and it made me realize how we had been taught that settling down in your life was small minded. And that you were only a success if you'd captured the world with your ideas. NO! That is wrong. You live a wholesome and meaningful life. That matters so much more than extracting every drop of money available.
But sadly, the way we have all been raised, is that the profit motive is superlative. And money is superlative. I suppose beyond a point, we shall all be robots, doing meaningless work because someone is pulling the strings behind a curtain.
This book saddened me. Mostly, it made me aware of my own greed. The greed of succeeding. The greed which the world ended up glorifying. As a result of which my life was never content. And it could never be unless I pushed myself that much harder. And earned that much more. Which is such a big tragedy.
It also reminded me that it was seriously time we gave big corporates the thumbs down. Their greed has corrupted everyone and depleted the environment. We don't deserve a death at their hands. And in this matter, I feel we should not be content for less.
I really hope the world changes. For the world's sake. Because we have to change before we are swallowed and our existence is threatened.
April 12, 2016
“Occupied” is composed of snapshots of three eras in the occupation of a mythical country. We are introduced to each era through the eyes of four main protagonists.
The first era of the novel is a lyrical account of the impact of a two-stage Israeli-like takeover of a Palestine-equivalent on the lives of four families: one refugee family, two native families, and one “occupier” family. The first three POV sections are outstanding.
The second era/third of the novel is more Kafka than lyrical magical realism. This third is both thought-provoking and mostly well-written. However, two problems made it a less compelling read than the first third: the length and repetition of some polemical passages, and the inconsistent characterization of the four main characters.
The book clearly intends most minor characters to be stereotypes, and it works. Per contra, most of the time the main characters are more layered. My sympathy for the main characters disengaged, however, when the author occasionally made them cardboard, too. FREX, Tamsin’s relative detachment when soldiers force her to bear her first baby in the dirt when a hospital is five minutes away, pulled me right out of the story. IMO, no one’s emotions in this Kafka-esque scenario, much less a teenage girl’s, could be that mild.
Finally, the futuristic last era is over the top in the style of the last episode of the television series “The Prisoner.” Some of its images are absolutely inspired: I particularly liked the idea that in future marriages, the bride and groom will exchange cell phones instead of rings. However, this last era contained several places where I wanted to say, “Okay, we get it, can we move on?” IMO it could benefit from a ruthless editor.
Regarding editing: all sections of the book contained typos and “writeos” (homophones of the intended word), which easily could be corrected.
What I actively disliked about the book, however, was
*****SPOILER****
its message of “Abandon hope: not only are we all f**ked, but there’s nothing anyone can do about it.” I, personally, do not like such books devoted to that message. Yes, the bad guys often win; but if a book denies all hope of a better outcome for anyone, ever, then it is not one I want to read.
******End Spoiler*****
But for that personal preference stated in the Spoiler, I would have given the novel four stars.
I was given a free copy of this book through a Goodreads group in exchange for an honest review.
The first era of the novel is a lyrical account of the impact of a two-stage Israeli-like takeover of a Palestine-equivalent on the lives of four families: one refugee family, two native families, and one “occupier” family. The first three POV sections are outstanding.
The second era/third of the novel is more Kafka than lyrical magical realism. This third is both thought-provoking and mostly well-written. However, two problems made it a less compelling read than the first third: the length and repetition of some polemical passages, and the inconsistent characterization of the four main characters.
The book clearly intends most minor characters to be stereotypes, and it works. Per contra, most of the time the main characters are more layered. My sympathy for the main characters disengaged, however, when the author occasionally made them cardboard, too. FREX, Tamsin’s relative detachment when soldiers force her to bear her first baby in the dirt when a hospital is five minutes away, pulled me right out of the story. IMO, no one’s emotions in this Kafka-esque scenario, much less a teenage girl’s, could be that mild.
Finally, the futuristic last era is over the top in the style of the last episode of the television series “The Prisoner.” Some of its images are absolutely inspired: I particularly liked the idea that in future marriages, the bride and groom will exchange cell phones instead of rings. However, this last era contained several places where I wanted to say, “Okay, we get it, can we move on?” IMO it could benefit from a ruthless editor.
Regarding editing: all sections of the book contained typos and “writeos” (homophones of the intended word), which easily could be corrected.
What I actively disliked about the book, however, was
*****SPOILER****
its message of “Abandon hope: not only are we all f**ked, but there’s nothing anyone can do about it.” I, personally, do not like such books devoted to that message. Yes, the bad guys often win; but if a book denies all hope of a better outcome for anyone, ever, then it is not one I want to read.
******End Spoiler*****
But for that personal preference stated in the Spoiler, I would have given the novel four stars.
I was given a free copy of this book through a Goodreads group in exchange for an honest review.
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