Imagine a Britain stripped of democracy, a world of the not-too-distant future in which freedom has been surrendered willingly to a totalitarian regime which rose to power by exploiting the people's worst fears and most damning weaknesses.
This is the setting for the parable of Evey, a young woman saved from death by a masked man calling himself V. Beguiling and dangerous, V ignites the fuse of revolution when he urges his fellow citizens to shed the blanket of tyranny and oppression that they have permitted themselves to be cloaked in. While those in power take steps to neutralize the threat, police pursue the mystery of V, unaware of the terrible truth that awaits them. But it is Evey who, with V as her enigmatic guide, sets out on the painful path of deception and self-discovery, deconstruction and re-creation, vindication and vengeance.
Novelization by Steve Moore, based on the graphic novel illustrated by David Lloyd and published by Vertigo/DC Comics. Based on the screenplay written by the Wachowski Brothers.
©2006 DC Comics; (P)2006 Blackstone Audiobooks
"Visceral Vindictive Vicarious Vicissitudes?"
Audio: Excellent. Narrator has a British accent, as appropriate for the context of the book, and was easily understood by this American listener. This is a dramatization, and the narrator does "voices in character", but there is no music except at the title introduction of each of the two audio segments. (I personally don't care for music-enhanced dramas in audiobooks)
Content: The audio intro says this book is based on the graphic novel based on the screenplay by the Wachowski Brothers. As such this is a VERY in-depth, fleshed-out and thoughtful portrayal. After listening one would think that the based-ons could easily have been reversed, as this book is not a mere description of a movie, but an insightful exploration of all the themes and issues. My highest kudos to the author for doing so. I had seen the movie previously and look forward to seeing it again, as the book seems faithful to the plot, to my recollection.
As a story, both book and movie have a near-term, futuristic setting with enough mystery, suspense, and action that appeals to my personal tastes. Fascism, anarchy, and "V"engence certainly give it a serious side, with enough references to current day England and several pointed jabs at America to express its opinions. I highly recommend it as a thought-provoking AND entertaining tale.
"Very Enjoyable"
I thought this book was outstanding and a great compliment to the movie. Of course I love the movie, so perhaps my opinion is not completely objective.
Now having said that this book (and movie) is more of an Orwellian 1984 spin-off than an allegory of our current political atmosphere. It is a warning of what might be without diligence, not of what is happening now. To review a political philosophy as opposed to the book is unfair and more than a little disingenuous. The lust for power is not a political ideology of right or left it is a human trait.
"Most Excellent!!!"
This story spoke to my soul. In this time of governments lying to their people about everything possible, this story gives hope to the common man. While it is still fiction and a illustrated novel (comic book)story at that, it is still a great story. If you didn't see the movie, then the book is a great way to get the total experience. While the movie is also excellent, the book does have a little more than the movie.
I'm a politically conservative, technologically inclined, open-minded, all American citizen of this great terrestrial ball we call home. I keep my head in the clouds, I love Sci-Fi and Fantasy novels but I keep my feet on the ground, I stay informed on news and current events, and I love the fact that I can still form and express my own opinions in this great nation we call The Untied States.
""V" Freedom Forever"
I first saw the movie and loved it. I got the book and it seemed to follow the same story line so I enjoyed the book as well. A very good read
"An amazing Gem"
Just a fantastic story with the Perfect Reader, really unexpected when I was browsing the site.
I have listened to this repeatedly in the background and still been as entertained as the 1st time I listened to it.
Excellent Characters in a not too distant/ possible time of horrible ruling and abuse of power made you feel like joining in on the march yourself.
Well done
"I got my five dollars worth."
I got this thinking it was based on the original comic by Alan Moore, but actually it's based on the graphic novel based on the movie, and bears little resemblence to the comic. My fault for not reading the description clearly enough! Still, I got it on special for $5 so I really can't complain. The narrator does a good job, and the story's okay.
"Excellent"
I like a good dystopia. 1984 is my favourite work of fiction and I listen to it several times avery year. This work is not quite at the same standard but is pretty close because it is, sadly, just as plausible as Orwell's vision.
A bit wierd to have a book based on a comic (graphic novel) which was itself based on a film script but it never feels like its derived from anything else. It feels like an original and very well constructed original idea. And a well written one at that.
The narration is excellent, clear and with enough characterisation to aid comprehension without being intrusive.
Anybody with a taste for the future should read this.
"Greatness!"
What more can I say about this book! I LOVED it from start to finish. The narrator invited my imagination into this gritty universe and held it there until the very end :)
"Basicallly it's the movie..."
Only with a little more introspection to the characters. If you enjoyed the movie then I'd suggest purchasing the audiobook as well. Overall enjoyable and Simon Vance is always an excellent narrator.
"Good book"
If you haven't seen the movie or read the book, then just imagine a story that's equal parts Orwell's 1984 and Batman (the movie, not the television series). It is deep enough to be thought-provoking, while corney enough to be entertaining.