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The Test

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The Test

By: Sylvain Neuvel
Narrated by: Neil Shah
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About this listen

Britain, the not-too-distant future. Idir is taking the British Citizenship Test. He wants his family to belong.

Twenty-five questions to determine his fate. Twenty-five chances to impress. When the test takes an unexpected and tragic turn, Idir is handed the power of life and death.

How do you value a life when all you have is multiple choice?

©2019 Sylvain Neuvel (P)2019 Blackstone Publishing Dystopian Fiction Genre Fiction Hard Science Fiction Political Science Fiction Scary Thought-Provoking

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Critic reviews

"Thought-provoking and disturbing. A cautionary tale illuminated with dark enlightenment." (Kirkus, starred review)
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A really well written short story about an interesting subject. I was hooked from the start and really enjoyed it throughout

Thought provoking

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I loved the Themis Files so I had high hopes for this. It blew my expectations out of the water!

Outstanding!

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Heavy story and so typical of the way government acts in situations like this. Food for thought

This is not for the feint hearted

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I was amazed at how immersed I was in such a short period of time. I was thrown hugely off with the twists. Great book.

Great short story

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This was a shocking, poignant, funny in places, sad but enjoyable read. I’m glad I gave it a chance.

Enjoyable short story

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What a powerful story. This will stay with me for a long time. A dystopian future that is not too far removed from our possible reality. The narration was excellent. Thoroughly recommend.

Wow, just wow

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This book combines fantastic writing with a hell of a narrative, once I started listening I didn't want to stop. Fantastic

Really interesting concept well written

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I would recommend this to anyway! Such a great short story! Very engaging and moving

Brilliant

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It was gripping story and an interesting take on what it requires to be a citizen.

Chilling

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Very different from Neuvels other books and at first I wasn't sure for that reason alone, but the writing is sharp and the performance is excellent so it was easy to get hooked. The storyline presents layers of ethical conundrums almost like a theoretical philosophical scenario but it does so in a way that allows you to accept it as the telling of a tale rather than a device. I would have given 5 stars if it wasn't for the ending which left me with a sense of sadness that felt a little bit unnecessary.

Thought provoking, captivating, disturbing.

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