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Instytut
Nowe, poprawione wydanie ze zmienionym zakończeniem!
Tajemnicze i makabryczne wydarzenia, które rozgrywają się w tytułowym Instytucie, czyli mieszkaniu głównej bohaterki powieści, Agnieszki, to jedynie rama. Owszem, mocna, niemniej jednak sam obraz przedstawia sprawy znacznie prostsze i codzienne. Poczucie porzucenia. Samotność. Brak pieniędzy. Zdradę. Upadek młodzieńczych ideałów. Choćbyśmy się zaklinali, że tak nie jest, życiem większości z nas nie rządzą żadne reguły, ale przypadek i – właśnie tak! – banał.
Jakub Żulczyk w Instytucie przedstawił tę prawdę w poruszający, mistrzowski sposób.
Tajemnicze i makabryczne wydarzenia, które rozgrywają się w tytułowym Instytucie, czyli mieszkaniu głównej bohaterki powieści, Agnieszki, to jedynie rama. Owszem, mocna, niemniej jednak sam obraz przedstawia sprawy znacznie prostsze i codzienne. Poczucie porzucenia. Samotność. Brak pieniędzy. Zdradę. Upadek młodzieńczych ideałów. Choćbyśmy się zaklinali, że tak nie jest, życiem większości z nas nie rządzą żadne reguły, ale przypadek i – właśnie tak! – banał.
Jakub Żulczyk w Instytucie przedstawił tę prawdę w poruszający, mistrzowski sposób.
240 pages, Paperback
First published October 4, 2010
17 people are currently reading
469 people want to read
About the author
Jakub Żulczyk
29 books506 followersPopularny pisarz młodego pokolenia. Pochodzi z Nidzicy, ukończył studia dziennikarskie na UJ. Współpracownik pism „Lampa” i „Machina”, twórca rubryki „Tydzień kultury polskiej” w tygodniku „Wprost”. Autor kilku powieści, z których dwie ostatnie – "Instytut" i "Zmorojewo" wpisują się w konwencję horroru (przy czym "Zmorojewo" jest przede wszystkim powieścią przygodową dla młodszych czytelników). Fani alternatywnej muzyki rockowej z kolei wysoko cenią sobie Radio Armageddon, wydane w 2008. Sam Jakub nazywa siebie „pisarzem, niezależnym publicystą, recenzentem, felietonistą, blogerem, konsumentem śmieci i wzorowym odbiorcą kultury masowej”.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
June 27, 2021
The Institute is a chilling blend of the horror and psychological thriller genres from the man regarded as the Polish Stephen King. Agnieszka Celińska currently lives in an apartment situated at 20 Mickiewicz Avenue in the southern Polish city of Krakow near the border with the Czech Republic. Known as The Institute, it is situated on the fifth floor of the pre-war tenement. It measures one hundred and thirty square metres, has four bedrooms and, as do most of the apartments, a kitchen, a toilet and a bathroom. People used to visit for coffee and to visit those living there but twelve hours ago everything changed. Now, the Institute is no longer an asylum; in fact, it’s the opposite – it’s a trap. Those living there can’t leave the Institute. That is, they can, but only to go to the landing. On the landing is an old wooden lift with a two-winged door. Next to the lift is a stairway leading downwards, which is sealed off by a massive pre-war grating. The grating has always been open, but now it’s fastened with two locks. The residents haven’t got keys to the locks. The lift has always worked, but now it doesn’t. Their phones aren’t working. They can’t get the internet. They're in the very centre of Kracow yet cut off from the world. They call the people who’ve locked them in ‘they’. In a way, that’s how they introduced themselves. A few hours ago, they found a sheet of squared paper on the doormat, torn out of an exercise book, with THIS IS OUR APARTMENT scribbled on it in gory red letters.
They don’t know who ’they’ are. Now, all they can do is wait, sitting or pacing the apartment. There are seven of them living there: Veronica, Iga, Agnieszka, Sebastian, Jacek and two of Veronica’s friends, Robert and Anna. None of them can escape. Each of them is effectively imprisoned but by who? Soon, an avalanche of macabre events begins. Someone is playing a sickening game. Can anyone escape this hell on earth? This is a riveting, compulsive and genuinely terrifying thriller with one hell of a first chapter. Żulczyk throws you right in at the deep end so there's no filler or messing around with this increasingly creepy and claustrophobic tale. It's literally a thrill a minute with never a dull moment and a whole lot of tension, shocking twists and devious games throughout. The Institute is a compelling psychological thriller and an uncomfortable and troubling study of human fears featuring a dark, menacing undertone and is wonderfully addictive from the outset. References are made to Poland and its history, as well as many psychological (alienation, unwillingness to fit in) and cultural themes (modern life’s falseness, shallowness of interpersonal relations) and the author, focuses on the world existing more in the characters’ heads than on the grey streets of the city. This is a visceral, disturbing and violent read. Highly recommended.
They don’t know who ’they’ are. Now, all they can do is wait, sitting or pacing the apartment. There are seven of them living there: Veronica, Iga, Agnieszka, Sebastian, Jacek and two of Veronica’s friends, Robert and Anna. None of them can escape. Each of them is effectively imprisoned but by who? Soon, an avalanche of macabre events begins. Someone is playing a sickening game. Can anyone escape this hell on earth? This is a riveting, compulsive and genuinely terrifying thriller with one hell of a first chapter. Żulczyk throws you right in at the deep end so there's no filler or messing around with this increasingly creepy and claustrophobic tale. It's literally a thrill a minute with never a dull moment and a whole lot of tension, shocking twists and devious games throughout. The Institute is a compelling psychological thriller and an uncomfortable and troubling study of human fears featuring a dark, menacing undertone and is wonderfully addictive from the outset. References are made to Poland and its history, as well as many psychological (alienation, unwillingness to fit in) and cultural themes (modern life’s falseness, shallowness of interpersonal relations) and the author, focuses on the world existing more in the characters’ heads than on the grey streets of the city. This is a visceral, disturbing and violent read. Highly recommended.
April 28, 2019
To pierwsza książka w tym roku, której czytanie mnie wymęczyło. Nie mogłam przeczytać więcej niż kilka stron naraz, bo czułam się zniechęcona. Będę brutalnie szczera. "Instytut" to wydawniczy koszmar,który powinien zgnić w czeluściach umysłu autora i nigdy się nie ukazać. Czytałam II wydanie i nawet sobie nie wyobrażam, jak bardzo nielogiczna, niespójna i chaotyczna musiała być pierwotna wersja. Jestem zażenowana, że Żulczyk napisał coś takiego, a ja to przeczytałam.
November 4, 2025
Tak średnio bym powiedział, tak średnio. Pomysł ciekawy, napisane niby sprawnie, ale horrory to chyba nie jest domena Jakuba Żulczyka. Swoją drogą jeśli to było wydanie drugie, poprawione (pisarz majstrował między innymi przy zakończeniu powieści) to strach pomyśleć jak wyglądała wersja pierwotna. Czyta się całkiem nieźle, szybko i przyjemnie, jednak finał historii zawodzi, mimo wszystko nie uważam czasu spędzonego z "Instytutem" za zmarnowany.
July 22, 2021
I was excited to read this novel: not only a different genre from my recent books, I rarely read stories that have been translated into English. To step out of my reading comfort zone is something I have challenged myself but not always been able to fully achieve!
However, I don’t think this grabbed me quite in the way I hoped. The blurb is really intriguing and, to be honest, when I was reading the story, thought it would make a fantastic thriller on the big screen. Yet, there were several elements that ruined my enjoyment of the plot and it I felt it lacked pace and intensity throughout.
One thing I need to point out is that this book does not have any chapters. For someone who likes to stop reading at the end of a chapter, this certainly threw me (and gave me a reason to not put the book down!). For sure, there are some narrative breaks, but these are few and far between. Therefore, approach this book with caution: you need to be comfortable at pausing in the midst of a scene because there aren’t too many narrative breaks. I didn’t think this would have so much of an impact on my reading, but it actually did. I felt pressured to reach natural conclusions and was uncomfortable with what felt like a never-ending text.
On the other hand, I can completely see why the writer chose to do this. The lack of chapters symbolises the absence of time passing for the people trapped in the Institute. Having no means of escaping and no working devices, they start to lose sense of time as it is an endless, monotonous prison. Furthermore, when daylight is robbed from the apartment, the characters become totally isolated from the outside world. It’s claustrophobic, panic-inducing and uncomfortable – just like how I felt reading a book without chapters.
The story focuses on how the characters try to escape this apartment. They have no idea who is targeting them and for what reason. In the midst of this, we are taken on flashbacks of the main protagonist, learning about her past and how she came to be living in the Institute. In addition, readers find out about her daughter, and this comes to inform the narrative later on in the story. In terms of the plot, it was interesting to read but I found it difficult to warm to any of the characters. With the exception of Gypsy, they all felt too similar and I struggled to pick out their different identities.
Another element that lessened my enjoyment was the heavy amount of swearing. The language is considerably colourful and I just did not like reading this. I understand that if reflects the heightened tension and emotions at the time, but I did not think this made the story any more realistic. It felt too much in an attempt to make a far-fetched story become believable and I can see that this might deter potential readers.
Despite my criticisms, this book is quite interesting. Although I was uncomfortable, I was interested to see the cause of trapping people in their apartment. Some of the plot went over my head because I was not as attached to the story, but it was quite enjoyable nonetheless. There was plenty of potential with how the plot would develop and it did feel like I was reading a book that was akin to a Stephen King novel. I think I would have preferred a bit more action and more character development, rather than solely focussing on the protagonist. In this way, the characters would have been more memorable and perhaps the story less intense (as long as chapters were included!).
Undoubtedly, this is a rather dark narrative. It is not the longest book in the world (around 200 pages) and for that I was grateful. However, the intensity of the setting and the high emotions experienced by the characters did make it feel like the story was a lot longer. I think with a bit of tweaking, this would have made for an even more brilliant story.
With thanks to Legend Press for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
However, I don’t think this grabbed me quite in the way I hoped. The blurb is really intriguing and, to be honest, when I was reading the story, thought it would make a fantastic thriller on the big screen. Yet, there were several elements that ruined my enjoyment of the plot and it I felt it lacked pace and intensity throughout.
One thing I need to point out is that this book does not have any chapters. For someone who likes to stop reading at the end of a chapter, this certainly threw me (and gave me a reason to not put the book down!). For sure, there are some narrative breaks, but these are few and far between. Therefore, approach this book with caution: you need to be comfortable at pausing in the midst of a scene because there aren’t too many narrative breaks. I didn’t think this would have so much of an impact on my reading, but it actually did. I felt pressured to reach natural conclusions and was uncomfortable with what felt like a never-ending text.
On the other hand, I can completely see why the writer chose to do this. The lack of chapters symbolises the absence of time passing for the people trapped in the Institute. Having no means of escaping and no working devices, they start to lose sense of time as it is an endless, monotonous prison. Furthermore, when daylight is robbed from the apartment, the characters become totally isolated from the outside world. It’s claustrophobic, panic-inducing and uncomfortable – just like how I felt reading a book without chapters.
The story focuses on how the characters try to escape this apartment. They have no idea who is targeting them and for what reason. In the midst of this, we are taken on flashbacks of the main protagonist, learning about her past and how she came to be living in the Institute. In addition, readers find out about her daughter, and this comes to inform the narrative later on in the story. In terms of the plot, it was interesting to read but I found it difficult to warm to any of the characters. With the exception of Gypsy, they all felt too similar and I struggled to pick out their different identities.
Another element that lessened my enjoyment was the heavy amount of swearing. The language is considerably colourful and I just did not like reading this. I understand that if reflects the heightened tension and emotions at the time, but I did not think this made the story any more realistic. It felt too much in an attempt to make a far-fetched story become believable and I can see that this might deter potential readers.
Despite my criticisms, this book is quite interesting. Although I was uncomfortable, I was interested to see the cause of trapping people in their apartment. Some of the plot went over my head because I was not as attached to the story, but it was quite enjoyable nonetheless. There was plenty of potential with how the plot would develop and it did feel like I was reading a book that was akin to a Stephen King novel. I think I would have preferred a bit more action and more character development, rather than solely focussing on the protagonist. In this way, the characters would have been more memorable and perhaps the story less intense (as long as chapters were included!).
Undoubtedly, this is a rather dark narrative. It is not the longest book in the world (around 200 pages) and for that I was grateful. However, the intensity of the setting and the high emotions experienced by the characters did make it feel like the story was a lot longer. I think with a bit of tweaking, this would have made for an even more brilliant story.
With thanks to Legend Press for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 13, 2019
Czytałem drugie wydanie, poprawione przez Autora i kilka razy pomyślałem sobie, nie no, nie ma wstydu... ale ostatnich 50 stron psuje wszystko. Proponuję kończyć lekturę w okolicach strony 190 i zachować względnie pozytywne odczucia z lektury.
July 13, 2019
(3.5*)
August 30, 2021
2.5 stars
The Institute by Jakub Żulczyk is a psychological thriller.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Legend Press, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Agnieszka Celińska took over her grandmother's apartment, which for some reason had been named "The Institute". She decided to keep the name. It is a large four bedroom apartment in the center of Krakow Poland. She has roommates, and at the time that the elevator was locked, the stairway sealed, and their phone lines and internet went dead, there were 7 people in "The Institute". In addition to Agnieszka, were room-mates Veronica, Iga, Sebastian, and Jacek (Gypsy) along with two of Veronica’s friends, Robert and Anna. They are all all trapped in the apartment.
There is much discussion as to who "They" are. Who is it that have sealed this group of people off from the world. Who are "They"?
As the hours grow, so do tensions and paranoia. The trapped room-mates start to turn on one another.
My Opinions:
I struggled with this book. It is very dis-jointed, and actual chapter breaks seem to be non-existent. It started with the apartment being closed off, went to a segment about Agnieska's daughter who isn't even in the apartment, and back to the apartment, all without a chapter heading, causing me to re-read the beginning of each section so that I knew where I was. This continued throughout the book. Even "Before" and "Now" titles would have been a help.
As well, I found certain things "overly descriptive". We find out what each individual looks like in detail, where they work, their attitudes, their bedrooms.... It got a little monotonous. So did going back and forth with Agnieska's life. Yet for a slow-moving story, the ending felt rushed while the author tried to tie everything up into a neat little bow.
I didn't really like or trust any of the characters. They all seemed to be alcoholics with very few redeeming qualities. Agnieszka was a weak woman, who moved out (twice) and left a daughter behind because she feared her mother-in-law. Although she desperately loves her daughter, it seemed like she would sooner drink and party with friends. Veronica can apparently see the future, but she didn't see very much of this. Iga is a 25-year old punk, who supposedly can't say no to anyone. Sebastian has anger issues. Jacek (Gypsy) is rich, and doesn't fit with the rest at all. Robert and Anna are non-entities. Then there was the apartment, which was truly a character on its own.
All that being said, the premise for the story was still very good. I fear that part of the problem with the book may be due to the translation, but am not sure. As well, things finally started happening around the middle of the book...a little late, but at least it stopped being so boring. I didn't mind the blood and gore, which actually enhanced the book.
Overall, although I may be in the minority on this one, I think this book showed a lot of potential, but unfortunately, fell a little short.
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, as well as author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
The Institute by Jakub Żulczyk is a psychological thriller.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Legend Press, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Agnieszka Celińska took over her grandmother's apartment, which for some reason had been named "The Institute". She decided to keep the name. It is a large four bedroom apartment in the center of Krakow Poland. She has roommates, and at the time that the elevator was locked, the stairway sealed, and their phone lines and internet went dead, there were 7 people in "The Institute". In addition to Agnieszka, were room-mates Veronica, Iga, Sebastian, and Jacek (Gypsy) along with two of Veronica’s friends, Robert and Anna. They are all all trapped in the apartment.
There is much discussion as to who "They" are. Who is it that have sealed this group of people off from the world. Who are "They"?
As the hours grow, so do tensions and paranoia. The trapped room-mates start to turn on one another.
My Opinions:
I struggled with this book. It is very dis-jointed, and actual chapter breaks seem to be non-existent. It started with the apartment being closed off, went to a segment about Agnieska's daughter who isn't even in the apartment, and back to the apartment, all without a chapter heading, causing me to re-read the beginning of each section so that I knew where I was. This continued throughout the book. Even "Before" and "Now" titles would have been a help.
As well, I found certain things "overly descriptive". We find out what each individual looks like in detail, where they work, their attitudes, their bedrooms.... It got a little monotonous. So did going back and forth with Agnieska's life. Yet for a slow-moving story, the ending felt rushed while the author tried to tie everything up into a neat little bow.
I didn't really like or trust any of the characters. They all seemed to be alcoholics with very few redeeming qualities. Agnieszka was a weak woman, who moved out (twice) and left a daughter behind because she feared her mother-in-law. Although she desperately loves her daughter, it seemed like she would sooner drink and party with friends. Veronica can apparently see the future, but she didn't see very much of this. Iga is a 25-year old punk, who supposedly can't say no to anyone. Sebastian has anger issues. Jacek (Gypsy) is rich, and doesn't fit with the rest at all. Robert and Anna are non-entities. Then there was the apartment, which was truly a character on its own.
All that being said, the premise for the story was still very good. I fear that part of the problem with the book may be due to the translation, but am not sure. As well, things finally started happening around the middle of the book...a little late, but at least it stopped being so boring. I didn't mind the blood and gore, which actually enhanced the book.
Overall, although I may be in the minority on this one, I think this book showed a lot of potential, but unfortunately, fell a little short.
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, as well as author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
July 27, 2021
My review is on my website www.bookread2day.wordpress.com
Twitter @bookread2day
The Institute left my mouth dry with fear, with seven locked in their apartment, with no escape. The story didn’t end in the way that I had expected it to and for anyone who wants to read The Institute, you will never guess the ending.
While a family and friends are locked in their apartment, frighteningly there is no phone signal and no internet service working, to be able to call for help!. The family live in, The Institute on fifth floor on top of a pre-war tenement of Cracow. You may call them lucky as the family have one of the biggest apartments, with hundred and thirty square metres that has four bedrooms kitchen, a toilet and a bathroom, but when you become locked in the place it can seem rather small.
It’s impossible to leave The Institute as the lift isn’t working and the stairs are blocked off. Agnieska, Veronica, Iga, Sebastian, Jacek, and two of Veronica’s friends, can only go as far as the landing, where the lift and stairs are situated. The Institute is no longer an asylum, it’s become a trap.
At the window no one can hear their calls for help! The question is who would have wanted this family locked in with no way of calling for police to rescue them? Who would have done such a wicked thing to them? Who have Agnieska or her family or two of Veronica’s friends upset?
And who is ‘They’ keeping them all locked in and putting notes through their door?
I love reading this unique story that had me totally convinced of the sequences and with characters that go into overdrive to try everything possible to escape.
This story kept me turning the pages in hope that everyone would somehow escape.
Twitter @bookread2day
The Institute left my mouth dry with fear, with seven locked in their apartment, with no escape. The story didn’t end in the way that I had expected it to and for anyone who wants to read The Institute, you will never guess the ending.
While a family and friends are locked in their apartment, frighteningly there is no phone signal and no internet service working, to be able to call for help!. The family live in, The Institute on fifth floor on top of a pre-war tenement of Cracow. You may call them lucky as the family have one of the biggest apartments, with hundred and thirty square metres that has four bedrooms kitchen, a toilet and a bathroom, but when you become locked in the place it can seem rather small.
It’s impossible to leave The Institute as the lift isn’t working and the stairs are blocked off. Agnieska, Veronica, Iga, Sebastian, Jacek, and two of Veronica’s friends, can only go as far as the landing, where the lift and stairs are situated. The Institute is no longer an asylum, it’s become a trap.
At the window no one can hear their calls for help! The question is who would have wanted this family locked in with no way of calling for police to rescue them? Who would have done such a wicked thing to them? Who have Agnieska or her family or two of Veronica’s friends upset?
And who is ‘They’ keeping them all locked in and putting notes through their door?
I love reading this unique story that had me totally convinced of the sequences and with characters that go into overdrive to try everything possible to escape.
This story kept me turning the pages in hope that everyone would somehow escape.
June 24, 2021
2.5/5
- translation didn't work too well, there was a lot of waffle in the writing which could have been left out
- every other sentence had f*ck, c*nt or wh*re in it, which was just unnecessary - literally just casually referring to people using profanity, mostly to their faces. It was strange and definitely not a good stylistic choice
- the main character was just so boring, I could not care less about her life or about how she tackled certain situations. One of the secondary characters is homophobic and racist but somehow still gets a redemption arc because, naturally, it's a dystopia! We all say and do things we don't mean!
- I did like the horror/gore aspects of it. The atmosphere felt as claustrophobic as the characters were, which was fabulous and it definitely elevated the story
- the final twenty pages or so attempt to explain the antagonist's reasoning and I'm sorry but I still don't get it. I don't know if it was just not explained well, if the translation didn't work too well for it, or if I just didn't care enough. Either way, not a clue what just happened. Very open-ended, though. I reckon this story would make a better movie than it did a book.
Content warnings: suicidal ideation, alcoholism, adultery, body horror, blood & gore, murder, depression, sexual harassment, attempted rape, gory murder of pets (cats), drug abuse, homophobia, racism.
Thank you to the publisher and the author for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
- translation didn't work too well, there was a lot of waffle in the writing which could have been left out
- every other sentence had f*ck, c*nt or wh*re in it, which was just unnecessary - literally just casually referring to people using profanity, mostly to their faces. It was strange and definitely not a good stylistic choice
- the main character was just so boring, I could not care less about her life or about how she tackled certain situations. One of the secondary characters is homophobic and racist but somehow still gets a redemption arc because, naturally, it's a dystopia! We all say and do things we don't mean!
- I did like the horror/gore aspects of it. The atmosphere felt as claustrophobic as the characters were, which was fabulous and it definitely elevated the story
- the final twenty pages or so attempt to explain the antagonist's reasoning and I'm sorry but I still don't get it. I don't know if it was just not explained well, if the translation didn't work too well for it, or if I just didn't care enough. Either way, not a clue what just happened. Very open-ended, though. I reckon this story would make a better movie than it did a book.
Content warnings: suicidal ideation, alcoholism, adultery, body horror, blood & gore, murder, depression, sexual harassment, attempted rape, gory murder of pets (cats), drug abuse, homophobia, racism.
Thank you to the publisher and the author for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
January 2, 2024
taki top na początek roku to ja rozumiem
December 1, 2021
*thank you to Netgalley, Legend Press and Jakub Żulczyk for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
2.5 stars.
Ahhh! This had so so SO much potential! I had such high hopes for this as the description of the story sounded absolutely amazing.
It began quite well. Enough going on to get me excited that it was going to go well. But, like a candle, it burned out pretty soon. It just dragged and I found myself often losing interest. I kept going though because I really wanted it to pick up but no.
Unfortunately this is a no from me but it wasn't a complete write off as there were small bits here and there that were well told. So overall, an ok read, at a stretch, but could have been much better in my opinion.
2.5 stars.
Ahhh! This had so so SO much potential! I had such high hopes for this as the description of the story sounded absolutely amazing.
It began quite well. Enough going on to get me excited that it was going to go well. But, like a candle, it burned out pretty soon. It just dragged and I found myself often losing interest. I kept going though because I really wanted it to pick up but no.
Unfortunately this is a no from me but it wasn't a complete write off as there were small bits here and there that were well told. So overall, an ok read, at a stretch, but could have been much better in my opinion.
June 13, 2012
Jakiś czas temu czytano tę powieść w radiowej Trójce.
Nagranie było tak klimatyczne i przerażające, że musiałam je wyłączyć przy obu podejściach do słuchania. Ale postanowiłam, że książkę przeczytam.
Śmiało mogę powiedzieć, że to jedna z tych, od których nie mogłam się oderwać i po prostu ją "wessałam".
Tym gorsze było to, że akcja dzieje się dwie przecznice od mego miejsca zamieszkania i już chyba nigdy nie przejdę przez Plac Inwalidów obojętnie.
Naprawdę świetny kawałek pisarstwa!
Nagranie było tak klimatyczne i przerażające, że musiałam je wyłączyć przy obu podejściach do słuchania. Ale postanowiłam, że książkę przeczytam.
Śmiało mogę powiedzieć, że to jedna z tych, od których nie mogłam się oderwać i po prostu ją "wessałam".
Tym gorsze było to, że akcja dzieje się dwie przecznice od mego miejsca zamieszkania i już chyba nigdy nie przejdę przez Plac Inwalidów obojętnie.
Naprawdę świetny kawałek pisarstwa!
August 14, 2019
Difficult to focus on what is going on in this book. Very poor vocabulary and story.
July 7, 2021
I saw somewhere that Jakub Żulczyk is sometimes called the Polish Stephen King. This is my first book of his, but I can sort of see where they’re coming from. This is an extremely intense suspense thriller with surprises that just keep coming.
The highlight of the book for me was Agnieszka. She’s broken, an amazing mother, and so hardcore. You do NOT want to stand in between her and her daughter. While some of the other characters were a little thinly drawn, the plot was fast paced (and violent!) and I simply didn’t want to stop reading.
Very happy I read this one!
*ARC via Net Galley
The highlight of the book for me was Agnieszka. She’s broken, an amazing mother, and so hardcore. You do NOT want to stand in between her and her daughter. While some of the other characters were a little thinly drawn, the plot was fast paced (and violent!) and I simply didn’t want to stop reading.
Very happy I read this one!
*ARC via Net Galley
June 23, 2021
This novel is so good it almost made me late for work! It’s claustrophobic, creepy, horrific and incredibly addictive. It’s also hard to define and there are no easy explanations. The residents of an apartment in Krakow are trapped in their flat and can’t even communicate with the outside world. Who’s doing it and why? Agnieszka inherited the residence from her mysterious grandmother and she doesn’t heed the multiple warnings she receives. Once they are isolated, Agnieszka and her roommates slowly but surely start losing their minds, suspecting everyone and revealing their darkest sides. These are not likeable characters, but they do have redeeming qualities. They are also willing to do anything to break free. The horror is psychological and physical. Some parts are extremely disturbing (including some animal cruelty). This is not a pleasant book to read. It’s raw and violent and really messed up. It is also excellent.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/ Legend Press!
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/ Legend Press!
October 13, 2021
1,5 bolało :///
November 18, 2021
2 gwiazdki to juz i Tak wymuszone mocno. Ta książka nie ma żadnego sensu.
June 23, 2023
1,5. Ale nie wiem czy to nie za dużo
June 29, 2024
mega fajne ale wole spektakl z teatr opole pozdrawiam
July 25, 2021
Quick Synopsis:
Agnieszka and her friends are trapped in their fifth floor apartment called The Institute. Windows and doors are sealed with no phone line and internet access. They are cut off from the outside world. And soon after, a note in gory red letters with the message, "This is our apartment" from 'they' was delivered to Agnieszka and her friends.
My thoughts: Oh boy, this book gives me so much anxiety! I can't imagine getting trapped in my own apartment without knowing what is really going on. There was so much suspense and tension especially when these friends begin to turn against each other. As far as suspense goes, the author delivered it so well!
This is a short book and I was really surprised just how well developed the characters are. Their backstories were really interesting and as I read them, I was like Agnieszka too trying to figure out the reason for this game they are in.
Overall, this is a great claustrophobic mystery thriller with a blend of horror that I enjoyed. This was my first book by this Polish author and I am looking forward to reading more of his books. If you're looking for a quick read, fast-paced and intense story, this may be the book for you!
Pub. Date: Out now!
***Thank you Legend Press, author Jakub Zulczyk and NetGalley for this gifted ARC copy to read and review.***
My thoughts: Oh boy, this book gives me so much anxiety! I can't imagine getting trapped in my own apartment without knowing what is really going on. There was so much suspense and tension especially when these friends begin to turn against each other. As far as suspense goes, the author delivered it so well!
This is a short book and I was really surprised just how well developed the characters are. Their backstories were really interesting and as I read them, I was like Agnieszka too trying to figure out the reason for this game they are in.
Overall, this is a great claustrophobic mystery thriller with a blend of horror that I enjoyed. This was my first book by this Polish author and I am looking forward to reading more of his books. If you're looking for a quick read, fast-paced and intense story, this may be the book for you!
Pub. Date: Out now!
***Thank you Legend Press, author Jakub Zulczyk and NetGalley for this gifted ARC copy to read and review.***
January 6, 2022
2.5 stars
T/W: Homophobia, racism, eugenics, graphic animal death
Although engaging, the characters and their decisions/actions were poorly written and I did not like the sudden changes and reactions which seemed completely out of character and only served to add an element of tension rather than actual character reactions. I also think the sudden "redemption arc" at the end was unnecessary and too sudden.
The ending and reveal provide the opportunity for a series but I think that the villain of the story is an overdone trope and had motivations that made me roll my eyes so much I could have been playing marbles with them. All in all it was easily solvable and had no real twists
The main positive for my reading experience was that the narrator for the audiobook made it very easy to listen to.
I was expecting a more claustrophobic and tense story instead there was a lit of family background which made the whole scenario too easy to escape from.
T/W: Homophobia, racism, eugenics, graphic animal death
Although engaging, the characters and their decisions/actions were poorly written and I did not like the sudden changes and reactions which seemed completely out of character and only served to add an element of tension rather than actual character reactions. I also think the sudden "redemption arc" at the end was unnecessary and too sudden.
The ending and reveal provide the opportunity for a series but I think that the villain of the story is an overdone trope and had motivations that made me roll my eyes so much I could have been playing marbles with them. All in all it was easily solvable and had no real twists
The main positive for my reading experience was that the narrator for the audiobook made it very easy to listen to.
I was expecting a more claustrophobic and tense story instead there was a lit of family background which made the whole scenario too easy to escape from.
October 30, 2024
mocna shiza
August 22, 2018
Nie czytałam Żulczyka od dawna, od 2008, kiedy wydano Radio Armageddon. Może dlatego pierwsze strony Instytutu brzmiały dla mnie nienaturalnie, zastanawiałam się: "czy ja naprawdę uwielbiam książki tego człowieka? Czy on zawsze używał takich pretensjonalnych zwrotów?" Potem się oswoiłam i jego styl przestał mi przeszkadzać, a nawet chwilami zaczął się podobać. Ale brakowało mi tych zdań, które tak pięknie brzmią wypowiadane na głos i które zapamiętałam z poprzednich powieści. Brakowało mi Żulczykowych metafor, taki jego,takich jedynych w swoim rodzaju (chociaż przyznam, było ich kilka).
Za to nie brakowało mi atmosfery tajemnicy i wyjątkowości, którą on zawsze roztacza. Jego bohaterowie są zawsze inni od społeczeństwa, zawsze wyobcowani, zawsze z mniejszym lub większym poczuciem wyższości. Może Agnieszka nie jest inną kobietą niż wiele innych kobiet, ale Żulczyk ją na taką kreuje. Także specyficzny dualizm jego świata, który jest jednocześnie do bólu prawdziwy i zupełnie nierealny.
Tak, to wciaż jest Żulczyk. Ale wydaje mi się (mam taką nadzieję...), że jego poprzednie powieści były znacznie lepsze. Tylko, że czytałam je tak dawno, że nie jestem tego w stanie powiedzieć na sto procent, nie mogę stwierdzić, czy to Żulczyk przygasł, czy ja zmądrzałam. A ponieważ lubię Żulczyka na dobre i na złe, nie mogę nawet powiedzieć, czy Instytut jest dobrą, czy złą książką.Nie umiem też ocenić instytutu jako horroru. Ja się bałam, ale ja się wszystkiego boję. Obawiam się, że moja recenzja nie ma prawa mieć żadnej recenzyjnej wartości, bo ja po prostu nie wiem co myślę.
Za to nie brakowało mi atmosfery tajemnicy i wyjątkowości, którą on zawsze roztacza. Jego bohaterowie są zawsze inni od społeczeństwa, zawsze wyobcowani, zawsze z mniejszym lub większym poczuciem wyższości. Może Agnieszka nie jest inną kobietą niż wiele innych kobiet, ale Żulczyk ją na taką kreuje. Także specyficzny dualizm jego świata, który jest jednocześnie do bólu prawdziwy i zupełnie nierealny.
Tak, to wciaż jest Żulczyk. Ale wydaje mi się (mam taką nadzieję...), że jego poprzednie powieści były znacznie lepsze. Tylko, że czytałam je tak dawno, że nie jestem tego w stanie powiedzieć na sto procent, nie mogę stwierdzić, czy to Żulczyk przygasł, czy ja zmądrzałam. A ponieważ lubię Żulczyka na dobre i na złe, nie mogę nawet powiedzieć, czy Instytut jest dobrą, czy złą książką.Nie umiem też ocenić instytutu jako horroru. Ja się bałam, ale ja się wszystkiego boję. Obawiam się, że moja recenzja nie ma prawa mieć żadnej recenzyjnej wartości, bo ja po prostu nie wiem co myślę.
March 31, 2021
Miałam nieodparte poczucie głębokiego zażenowania przez większość czasu...
September 30, 2023
Zbyt przeintelektualizowana.
"Powiedzieć kobiecie żeby zrobiła makijaż, to jak powiedzieć mężczyźnie żeby podrapał się po jajach. "
kurtna.
2/10
"Powiedzieć kobiecie żeby zrobiła makijaż, to jak powiedzieć mężczyźnie żeby podrapał się po jajach. "
kurtna.
2/10
May 1, 2020
Początkowo zapowiadało się na 5 gwiazdek, ale z biegiem historii zrobiło się dość chaotycznie i nagle 15 stron i książka skończona, zagadka rozwiązana. Nie zdążyłam się dobrze wczuć w wydarzenia, historia miała potencjał i według mnie była po prostu niedopracowana, zbyt szybka (a to już poprawione wydanie, ze zmienionym zakończeniem) - nie było źle, ale początek wskazywał na coś dużo lepszego.
June 10, 2021
Wild ride od początku do końca. Dalej do końca nie wiem co myślę ani jak należałoby to ocenić, by ocena faktycznie wybrzmiała. Zgrabny, naprawdę zgrabny thriller, a jednocześnie chyba nawet bardziej zgrabne studium człowieka. Daję 4,5 gwiazdki. Na razie.
June 30, 2021
My Thoughts
This is my kind of book, no matter what mood I am actually in. The moment I read ’Stephen King meets Big Brother’ I was intrigued and the ride this book took me for was crazy!
I do not know if everyone works like I do when reading, but my mind just keeps on making connections with other authors, books, characters and this novel felt like a neat compendium of lot winning elements of multiple sources.
The pacy and heart-rising rhythm of The Institute is not for everyone, it might get a but claustrophobic and psychologically violent and draining, but the goal is to survive no matter what. The Darwinist angle was superb and the darkness of the characters and the setting (Krakow feels scary to me already) were spot on.
I won’t fail to read any of Żulczyk upcoming books, he has a gripping and alluring writing style which has gotten my full attention.
This is my kind of book, no matter what mood I am actually in. The moment I read ’Stephen King meets Big Brother’ I was intrigued and the ride this book took me for was crazy!
I do not know if everyone works like I do when reading, but my mind just keeps on making connections with other authors, books, characters and this novel felt like a neat compendium of lot winning elements of multiple sources.
The pacy and heart-rising rhythm of The Institute is not for everyone, it might get a but claustrophobic and psychologically violent and draining, but the goal is to survive no matter what. The Darwinist angle was superb and the darkness of the characters and the setting (Krakow feels scary to me already) were spot on.
I won’t fail to read any of Żulczyk upcoming books, he has a gripping and alluring writing style which has gotten my full attention.
July 23, 2021
3.5/5
Polecam z posłowiem autora.
Polecam z posłowiem autora.
October 5, 2023
⭐️3,5. nie wiem co myśleć, a rzadko mi się to zdarza.
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