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The Tunnel Falls Short for Me: A Disappointing Dive into Human Nature
NickGrant
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Tunnel by Jana Wagner
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Tunnel by Jana Wagner

I just finished reading Jana Wagner's Tunnel, and I'm still reeling from the experience. This novel has got it all - unexpected twists, heart-pumping action, and a storyline that'll keep you guessing until the very end. Trust me, you won't be able to put it down!
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The Tunnel Falls Short for Me: A Disappointing Dive into Human Nature

summarizeEditor's Summary

I was really looking forward to diving into Yana Vagner's The Tunnel, but unfortunately, this psychological thriller failed to deliver on its promise of a gripping tale of human resilience and the darker aspects of our nature. The setup is intriguing - hundreds of people trapped in a tunnel beneath the Moscow River with no clear explanation of what's happening outside - but the execution falls short. I was expecting a thrilling ride, but The Tunnel ended up being a total letdown. The author's writing style is engaging, and I loved the way she wove together the different storylines, but the characters were pretty one-dimensional, and I never really felt like I got to know them. The pacing was slow, and I found myself getting bored with the story.

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The Tunnel Falls Short for Me: A Disappointing Dive into Human Nature
Hello fellow book lovers!
I recently read Yana Vagner's The Tunnel, and I have to say, I was underwhelmed. I'd heard great things about this author, and her series Wongozero was a thrilling ride. So, when I stumbled upon The Tunnel, I was excited to dive in.
As a fan of psychological thrillers and survival stories, I was expecting a gripping tale of human resilience and the darker aspects of our nature. Unfortunately, The Tunnel failed to deliver on that promise.
The story takes place in a tunnel beneath the Moscow River, where hundreds of people are trapped with no clear explanation of what's happening outside. The setup is intriguing, but the execution falls short.
The Tunnel made it to the shortlist for the National Book of the Year 2024 award after its release. That got me pretty hyped, but the book's themes and characters didn't quite live up to my expectations.
I read it on my e-reader, and let me be honest - it was a tough read. Why? Well, the characters just didn't resonate with me. They were all self-centered, and they did some pretty terrible things. The only somewhat redeeming character was the dentist, who showed some unexpected courage.
A group of hundreds of people find themselves trapped under the Moscow River. The cause is unknown, and rescue seems impossible. As the world outside fades away, they're left with only darkness: the tunnel and the human heart.
Published in 2024, 517 pages.
Synopsis and characters:
I expected a gripping story of survival and psychological insight, given Yana's masterful handling of plot in Wongozero. But The Tunnel is a different beast altogether.
Not seeing anything was even scarier than seeing it.
Here's the setup: about 500 people are trapped in a tunnel, with no idea what's happening on the outside. They're trying to survive and find a way out. The story focuses on around 15-20 characters, each with their own vehicle - Toyota for Mitya, his daughter Asya, and his second wife Sasha (whom Asya calls Terror). Almost everyone has a name, except for a few.
This naming convention is a bit unusual, but it's a clever way to humanize these characters. I mean, who wouldn't call someone The Guy from the Patriot or Fifa from the Cabriolet? It's a pretty realistic approach.
However, these characters are not likable at all. Each one is self-centered, and they all do terrible things. That made it hard for me to care about their stories. I also found the pacing to be a bit slow. The book's over 500 pages, which made it feel like the characters were walking in circles, with their numbers dwindling over time.
There were also some weird moments - like the massive concert pianos that seem to be everywhere. And don't even get me started on the ending. I won't spoil it for you, but it left me with more questions than answers.
People in the masses don't want to do evil, said the professor with the big nose. He was panting hard. - Even together, in a crowd, they don't want to. It's not their nature. If you ask them individually, almost everyone will want good.
I have to say, I wasn't impressed. It felt like a commentary on the state of humanity, and how we'd all be worse off if we were more selfish. Maybe that resonates with some people, but it didn't click with me. Plus, there's a lot of profanity, which might be a hallmark of modern literature, but it's not my cup of tea.
The book's themes of survival and the human condition are definitely thought-provoking. However, the characters just didn't work for me. I'd still recommend The Tunnel to anyone who's interested, but be aware that it's not for everyone. It's a complex and challenging read, and the characters can be pretty unlikable.
One thing that did stand out was the author's use of language. Yana Vagner has a unique writing style that's both poetic and haunting. Her descriptions of the tunnel and its inhabitants are vivid and immersive, making it easy to visualize the setting.
Overall, I'd give The Tunnel 3 out of 5 stars. While it didn't quite live up to my expectations, it's still a thought-provoking and unsettling read. If you're a fan of psychological thrillers or survival stories, you might enjoy it. Just be prepared for some unlikable characters and a slow-paced plot.
Rating: 3/5 stars.

live_helpFeatured FAQ

What's the book about, and why did I hear so much hype around it?

The Tunnel is a psychological thriller that follows a group of people trapped in a tunnel beneath the Moscow River. The book explores the complexities of human nature and survival in extreme situations. I heard a lot of hype around it because the author, Yana Vagner, has a great track record with her series Wongozero.

Is this book suitable for fans of psychological thrillers and survival stories?

While the book does explore themes of human nature and survival, I wouldn't say it's a great fit for fans of the genre. The execution falls short, and the story never really takes off.

What's the deal with the book's ending?

I won't spoil it for you, but let's just say that the ending was pretty unsatisfying. I was left with a lot of unanswered questions, and it felt like the author didn't do justice to the story.

Is this book worth reading?

Honestly, I'd say no. While the concept is intriguing, the execution falls short, and the story never really delivers on its promise.

What are some other books that explore similar themes?

If you're looking for books that explore the complexities of human nature and survival, I'd recommend checking out The Hunger Games or The Maze Runner. Both of these series do a great job of creating a gripping narrative and exploring the human condition.

Can I return this book if I don't like it?

Yes, most bookstores offer returns or exchanges if you're not satisfied with your purchase. Just be sure to check their return policy before buying.

Is this book part of a series?

No, The Tunnel is a standalone novel. However, the author has a great track record with her series Wongozero, which you might enjoy if you're looking for more psychological thrillers.

What's the book's setting like?

The book is set in a tunnel beneath the Moscow River, which is vividly described by the author. The setting is creepy and atmospheric, and I could easily picture the tunnel and its inhabitants.

check_circlePros

  • •The concept of a tunnel beneath the Moscow River is super creepy and had me intrigued from the start.
  • •The author's writing style is engaging, and I loved the way she wove together the different storylines.
  • •The themes of human nature and survival are always fascinating, and I was hoping to see some real depth here.
  • •The book did make it to the shortlist for the National Book of the Year 2024 award, so there's definitely something to be said for its quality.
  • •I appreciated the attempt to explore the complexities of human behavior in extreme situations.
  • •The book's setting is vividly described, and I could easily picture the tunnel and its inhabitants.

cancelCons

  • •Unfortunately, the execution of the story fell flat for me, and I never really felt invested in the characters.
  • •The plot twists were predictable, and I saw them coming a mile away.
  • •The characters were pretty one-dimensional, and I never really felt like I got to know them.
  • •The pacing was slow, and I found myself getting bored with the story.
  • •The themes of human nature and survival were underdeveloped, and I felt like I was missing out on real depth.
  • •The book's ending was pretty unsatisfying, and I was left with a lot of unanswered questions.
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