The Circle

by Dave Eggers
The Circle cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
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Paperback • £9.99
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  • ID: 3611
  • Added: 2025-10-18
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9780241967553
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2013-10-10
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The Circle is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that explores the dark side of our obsession with the internet and social media. Mae Holland, a young woman, is thrilled to land a job at the Circle, a powerful tech company that aims to connect all aspects of life online. As she becomes more integrated into the company's culture, she begins to question the ethical implications of their quest for total transparency. The novel is praised for its fast-paced narrative and its timely exploration of privacy, surveillance, and the impact of technology on society. /n/n The Circle has been widely acclaimed for its prescient themes and compelling storytelling. It has been compared to classic dystopian literature and has been adapted into a major motion picture. The novel's exploration of the consequences of unchecked technological advancement makes it a must-read for anyone interested in the future of the digital age.

Reviews
Ashleigh Bekkah's Blog · Ashleigh Bekkah · 2018-05-11
mixed 3.50

Ashleigh Bekkah enjoyed the book's premise but found some language repetitive and the plot somewhat thin in places.

Ashleigh Bekkah enjoyed the basis of the book but found some aspects lacking. She mentions that some of the language was repetitive, and the plot was thin in certain areas. Despite these issues, she found the book engaging and thought-provoking, with a premise that resonates with current societal trends.

Quick quotes

    Although I did enjoy the basis of this book, it did fall short in a few places for me.

    Some of the language was quite repetitive, and it was a bit thin in places.

    Despite these issues, she found the book engaging and thought-provoking.

Hazel Hall's Blog · Hazel Hall · 2014-04-21
entertaining 4.50

Hazel Hall finds the book entertaining and thought-provoking, particularly for those interested in digital identity and privacy.

Hazel Hall enjoyed the book, describing it as entertaining and thought-provoking. She highlights its relevance to themes of digital personhood, identity, reputation, and privacy. The book's ability to spark conversation and its engaging storyline make it a recommended read for those interested in these topics.

Quick quotes

    This is an entertaining and thought-provoking novel.

    The book is particularly relevant for those with interests in digital personhood and themes of identity, reputation, and privacy.

    The book's ability to spark conversation and its engaging storyline make it a recommended read.

The Guardian · 2013-10-09
thought-provoking 4.00

The reviewer praises the book as a modern synthesis of Swiftian wit and Orwellian prognostication, highlighting its relevance to contemporary issues.

The Circle is a deft modern synthesis of Swiftian wit with Orwellian prognostication. That is not to say the writing is without formal flaws, but the reviewer finds it thought-provoking and timely. The book's exploration of digital personhood, identity, reputation, and privacy resonates well with the current digital age, making it an engaging read.

Quick quotes

    The Circle is a deft modern synthesis of Swiftian wit with Orwellian prognostication.

    The writing is without formal flaws, but the reviewer finds it thought-provoking and timely.

    The book's exploration of digital personhood, identity, reputation, and privacy resonates well with the current digital age.

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