UserReviewexpand_more
hubAdd Review
trending_upmilitary_techadd
homeAlllocal_fire_departmentPopular (24h)trending_upPopular (Week)new_releasesLatestverified_userVerified
Popular Categoriesexpand_more
health_and_beauty
Beauty and Health
child_care
Children's
developer_board
Technology
flight
Tourism
pets
Animals
theaters
Film and TV
auto_stories
Books
inventory_2
Products
table_restaurant
Tableware
directions_car
Auto
add
View All
Resources
infoAbout UserReviewhelpHelp CentergavelTerms & Privacy
UserReview © 2026. All rights reserved.
UserReview

The most trusted review platform. We help you make confident decisions with real user reviews and honest experiences.

FBTWIGrss_feed

Explore

  • Categories
  • Leaderboard
  • Top Rated
  • Recent Reviews

Community

  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Press & Media
  • Contact Us

Support

  • Help Center
  • Legal Center
  • Rules & Guidelines
  • Privacy Policy

Newsletter

Subscribe to get the best reviews directly to your inbox.

rate_reviewWrite a Review
© 2026 UserReview. © 2024 UserReview. All rights reserved.•Made with♥for the community
Language
edit
A Dystopian Novel That Stole My Heart
kevinWard
Books•2 hours ago
5.0
photo_library10
The Doomed City by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky
Product
5.0

The Doomed City by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky

View product
chevron_right

A Dystopian Novel That Stole My Heart

summarizeEditor's Summary

I've devoured the Strugatsky brothers' works for years, and 'Grad Obrezenny' remains my top pick. This novel masterfully blends science fiction and philosophy, creating a thought-provoking experience that'll leave you questioning the world. The atmosphere in this book is like nothing I've ever read – the city's a character in its own right, with its own rules and rhythms. It's a wild ride, and I'm still reeling from the experience.

Review image 1
Review image 2
Review image 3
Review image 4
Review image 5
Review image 6
Review image 7
Review image 8
Review image 9
Review image 10

settingsSpecifications

KararMükemmel
DilVeIma8/10
HikayeDili8/10
HikayeKalitesi9/10
I've been hooked on the Strugatsky brothers' works for years, and 'Grad Obrezenny' is still my top pick among all their novels. I love how they blend science fiction and philosophy in a way that's unique and thought-provoking.
The atmosphere in this book is like nothing I've ever read before. It's like the city where the story takes place is a character in its own right, with its own rules and rhythms.
Here's a photo of the book - it's been sitting on my shelf for ages...
The city in 'Grad Obrezenny' is a place where the sun is turned on and off, creating a sense of hopelessness and desperation. It's like a never-ending cycle, where the characters are trapped in a world that's not quite their own. You can't help but wonder if it's another dimension or a man-made world - it's a question that haunts you throughout the story.
The people in the city come from different eras and remember their past. They think they're part of an experiment, but they're not even sure. The main character, Andrei Voronin, a Soviet astronomer, starts as a janitor and ends up as a counselor. He's surrounded by people with troubled pasts, all struggling to adapt to their new reality. Some break, while others change - it's a testament to the human spirit.
People are people...
There's so much to unpack in this story. Maybe the city is just an experiment, or maybe it's something more. The twist is revealed at the end, and it's not hard to figure out. I grew so attached to the city that it was hard to leave it behind. This isn't your typical 'circles of hell' dystopia; it's a thought-provoking exploration of the impact of scientific experiments on humanity. It's surprisingly straightforward, without any magic or mysticism. What draws me in is the characters, their actions, and their moral struggles. Van, in particular, has a special place in my heart - I'm not sure why, but I just can't help but love him.
The bleak atmosphere and the unexpected ending left me stunned. But, in reality, it's all quite simple and straightforward. If you're having trouble understanding, don't overcomplicate it - it's easier than you think. Just take your time, and let the story unfold at its own pace.
This book is definitely on my list of must-reads. I've read it multiple times, and each time I find something new to appreciate. If you're a fan of science fiction, philosophy, or just great storytelling, 'Grad Obrezenny' is a must-read.

live_helpFeatured FAQ

What inspired the Strugatsky brothers to write 'Grad Obrezenny'?

The Strugatsky brothers were influenced by their own experiences living in the Soviet Union, where they witnessed firsthand the effects of totalitarianism on society. This experience inspired them to write a novel that explored the themes of hopelessness and desperation.

What is the significance of the city in 'Grad Obrezenny'?

The city in 'Grad Obrezenny' is a symbol of the oppressive regime that the characters live under. It's a place where the sun is turned on and off, creating a sense of hopelessness and desperation.

How does 'Grad Obrezenny' relate to other works of science fiction?

While 'Grad Obrezenny' is often classified as science fiction, it's actually a blend of science fiction and philosophy. The novel explores complex themes and ideas that are relevant to readers of science fiction and philosophy alike.

What can I expect from the writing style in 'Grad Obrezenny'?

The writing in 'Grad Obrezenny' is engaging and immersive, making it easy to get lost in the world of the novel. The Strugatsky brothers' unique blend of science fiction and philosophy will keep you on the edge of your seat.

How does the novel's ending relate to the rest of the story?

The novel's ending can feel a bit abrupt, leaving some questions unanswered. However, this is intentional, as the Strugatsky brothers wanted to leave readers with a sense of uncertainty and unease.

What are some of the novel's major themes?

The novel explores complex themes and ideas, including hopelessness and desperation, the effects of totalitarianism on society, and the human condition. These themes are relevant to readers of science fiction and philosophy alike.

How does 'Grad Obrezenny' compare to other works of science fiction?

While 'Grad Obrezenny' is often classified as science fiction, it's actually a blend of science fiction and philosophy. The novel's unique blend of genres and complex themes make it stand out from other works of science fiction.

What can I expect from the characters in 'Grad Obrezenny'?

The characters in 'Grad Obrezenny' are complex and multi-dimensional, making it easy to become invested in their stories. The Strugatsky brothers' unique blend of science fiction and philosophy will keep you on the edge of your seat.

How does the novel's atmosphere relate to the rest of the story?

The city's atmosphere is like nothing I've ever read – it's a character in its own right, with its own rules and rhythms. This atmosphere is a major contributor to the novel's sense of hopelessness and desperation.

check_circlePros

  • •The Strugatsky brothers' unique blend of science fiction and philosophy will keep you on the edge of your seat.
  • •The city's atmosphere is like nothing I've ever read – it's a character in its own right, with its own rules and rhythms.
  • •The novel's themes of hopelessness and desperation will resonate with you long after you finish reading.
  • •The writing is engaging and immersive, making it easy to get lost in the world of 'Grad Obrezenny'.
  • •The characters are complex and multi-dimensional, making it easy to become invested in their stories.
  • •The novel's exploration of the human condition will leave you thinking long after you finish reading.
  • •The Strugatsky brothers' writing style is engaging and immersive, making it easy to get lost in the world of the novel.
  • •The novel's unique blend of science fiction and philosophy makes it stand out from other works of science fiction.
  • •The characters in 'Grad Obrezenny' are complex and multi-dimensional, making it easy to become invested in their stories.
  • •The novel's themes of hopelessness and desperation are thought-provoking and will leave you questioning the world.

cancelCons

  • •Some sections of the book can feel a bit disjointed, making it hard to follow at times.
  • •The pacing can be a bit slow in some areas, which may test your patience.
  • •The novel's themes of hopelessness and desperation can be overwhelming at times.
  • •The writing can be a bit dense in some areas, which may require multiple readings.
  • •Some readers may find the novel's complex themes and ideas challenging to follow.
  • •The book's ending can feel a bit abrupt, leaving some questions unanswered.
  • •The novel's complex themes and ideas may be difficult to understand for some readers.
  • •The pacing can be uneven at times, which may affect the overall reading experience.
  • •The novel's themes of hopelessness and desperation may be too intense for some readers.
  • •The writing can be a bit confusing in some areas, which may require close attention.
chat_bubble
flag

Related Reviews

More reviews in Books.

View all reviews
Nosov's Books Are a Must-Read for Kids and Parents Alike
Portrait of karenMitchell
karenMitchell• 5 minutes ago

Nosov's Books Are a Must-Read for Kids and Parents Alike

A collection of stories by Nosov, including Vintik, Shpunetik, and the Vacuum Cleaner, Tricksters, Three Hunters, The Living Hat, Bobik in Barbosa's House, and

Children's Books
thumb_up0
chat_bubble0
Diving into the Gray: Where the Lines Get Blurred
Portrait of kevinWard
kevinWard• 7 minutes ago

Diving into the Gray: Where the Lines Get Blurred

Join Ryan on a journey through a world where the lines between good and evil are blurred. With complex characters, a gripping plot, and themes of morality and l

Books / Literary Fiction
thumb_up0
chat_bubble0
A Brutally Honest Look Inside the Top Model World: A Must-Read for Moms and Teen Girls
Portrait of tongotarovshohjahon2
tongotarovshohjahon2• 15 minutes ago

A Brutally Honest Look Inside the Top Model World: A Must-Read for Moms and Teen Girls

Get ready for a raw and thought-provoking look inside the cutthroat fashion world with Victoire Daxier's autobiography, 'Not Thin Enough: The Top Model Diaries.'

Books / Literary Fiction
thumb_up0
chat_bubble0

Comments (0)

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!

The Doomed City by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky

The Doomed City by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky

View product