The Chimes

by Anna Smaill
The Chimes cover
Good Books rating 4.45
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
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Paperback • £9.99
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Format • £9.49
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Technical
  • ID: 1484
  • Added: 2025-10-06
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9781444794519
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2015-02-12
  • Formats: 20
  • Reviews: 4

The Chimes is a remarkable debut novel that weaves together memory, music, and imagination to create a captivating and unique world. The story follows Simon, a boy who has lost his memories and lives in a society where the past is forbidden and each day feels the same. As he journeys to London, guided by a haunting melody, he begins to recall fragments of his past, hinting at a dangerous truth that could change everything. The novel is praised for its inventive storytelling and beautiful prose, making it a standout in contemporary literary fiction. Set in a dystopian world where a vast musical instrument controls people's memories, The Chimes explores themes of love, freedom, and the power of the past. Simon's journey is filled with mystery and intrigue as he uncovers the secrets of his own identity and the world around him. With its richly imagined setting and compelling narrative, The Chimes is a novel that will captivate and inspire readers.

Reviews
Fantasy Book Review · 2025-10-07
dreamlike 4.80

The book is noted for its short, immediate sentences and dreamlike rhythm. The reviewer appreciates the strange, unsettling atmosphere created by the unique writing style.

The reviewer appreciates the book's use of short, immediate sentences that create a strange and unsettling rhythm. This style contributes to a dreamlike quality that pervades the entire book. The reviewer finds this approach to be particularly effective in creating a unique and engaging reading experience. The atmosphere and structure of the narrative are highlighted as key strengths.

Quick quotes

    Smaill writes in short, immediate sentences, but with a strange unsettling rhythm.

    A knack for melody and structure that makes the whole book have a dreamlike quality.

    The whole book has a dreamlike, almost hypnotic quality.

Every Book a Doorway · Sia · 2020-09-18
intricate 4.50

The reviewer describes 'The Chimes' as a complex and intricate work that delves into a future world with a heavy use of technical musical terms. They find it to be a challenging but rewarding read, offering a rich and immersive experience.

Sia's review of 'The Chimes' emphasizes its complexity and intricacy, noting that the novel is not a simple or breezy adventure story. They appreciate the detailed use of technical musical terms, which adds depth and authenticity to the world-building. The reviewer finds the book to be a challenging read, but one that is well worth the effort. They highlight the novel's ability to immerse the reader in a future world that is both fascinating and unsettling. Overall, Sia finds 'The Chimes' to be a rich and rewarding experience, offering a unique and thought-provoking exploration of memory and identity.

Quick quotes

    This is no simple, breezy adventure story, but a complex imagining of a future world.

    Written using a great deal of technical musical terms, and a strange unsettling rhythm.

    A challenging read, but one well worth it.

The Idle Woman · 2016-07-15
engaging 4.00

The book is very good and captivating, surpassing initial expectations with its unique and immersive story. It draws readers in and keeps them engaged throughout.

The reviewer found this book to be exceptionally good, far exceeding their initial expectations. The story is unusual and immersive, pulling readers in and keeping them engaged from start to finish. The language and style are particularly noteworthy, making the reading experience both enjoyable and thought-provoking. They highlight how the book's unique approach to storytelling sets it apart from others in the genre.

Quick quotes

    This book is good. Very good.

    It catches you and drags you down into it.

    Better than you might imagine when you begin reading it.

Rather Too Fond of Books · 2016-01-26
original 4.50

The book is a mind-expanding, original work with beautiful prose and incredible imagination. It stands out as a stunning debut.

The reviewer was highly impressed by the book's originality and imaginative prose. They describe it as a mind-expanding work that combines beautiful, inventive language with a unique and captivating story. The reviewer praises the author's ability to create a world that is both intriguing and thought-provoking, making it a standout debut. They appreciate the depth and creativity that went into crafting this novel.

Quick quotes

    The Chimes is a mind-expanding, startlingly original work

    Combines beautiful, inventive prose with incredible imagination

    A stunning debut

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