Review: A gritty dystopian tale
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 12 12, 2012
Some writers rush you along to their tale's destination, and others create a lush tapestry of language that transcends mere storytelling. Virtually True is a novel by one such author. While my typical reading isn't in this genre, I think I would probably be more interested in broadening my horizons if I could be assured that most dystopian novels were similarly well-crafted. Rich, evocative descriptions coupled with multi-dimensional characters make the story at once atmospheric and well-paced. I had no expectations going in, but Virtually True was surprisingly satisfying. One thing I will say is that I never saw where the story was going, which is worth a lot to someone who tells stories for a living - I naturally second-guess what's going to happen next, and if an author can surprise me, he's earned my respect. Penenberg was able to pull that off, and that, combined with the always-interesting writing style, puts the book at four stars. Worth a look for fans of the genre.