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The Book Censor's Library by Bothayna Al-Essa - 3* - My Review

In this dystopian novel set in the not-too-distant future, the unnamed protagonist is a book censor whose job is to read and decide whether or not to ban books. The guidelines come from the government, which has taken over after a revolution. The censor finds it difficult to believe that books such as Zorba the Greek and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland are being banned. As an added stress, the censor’s daughter exhibits a vivid imagination, which could put the family in danger. There are people called "Cancers," who belong to a group following white rabbits. This group is also attempting to save banned books from being burned at an annual “holiday celebration."

I have mixed feelings about this one. I feel the topic is very relevant in today’s world and I enjoyed the many literary references. The author is calling attention to the absurdity of attempting to stifle imagination and the damage to society of restricting a free flow of knowledge. I agree with her. I wish it had been a little more logical in its storyline, as it seems to jump around without clearly making cogent arguments. Some of it seems a little muddled or perhaps I didn’t get the absurdism. I liked it but didn’t love it.

Joy D wrote: "The Book Censor's Library by Bothayna Al-Essa - 3* - My Review

In this dystopian novel set in the not-too-distant future, the unnamed protagonist is a book censo..."

Oh I had high hopes for this one and I already bought it. Absurdism is a tricky thing. A little can be delightful, but too much takes me out of the story. I have to be in the right mood, open to anything. Thanks for the warning. I can try to pick the right time to read it.

I already agree with the message too, so maybe cogent arguments aren’t necessary??

The parts of it related to "white rabbits" and "Cancers" seemed a bit odd to me, but I enjoyed it overall.