Extraordinary story, beautifully narrated

Such extraordinary words, beautifully and painfully crafted to evoke vivid colours, feelings and atmosphere. Taken on a journey where I didn’t want the tales to end. Joelle, we cannot wait to see what you create next, where the threads will go and what you might reveal. Glorious!

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The Night Alphabet is my Brave New World

In the realm of dystopian literature, Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World" and Joelle Taylor's "The Night Alphabet" stand together as two powerful works that delve into the complexities of society, humanity, and the human experience. While Huxley's classic novel presents a chilling vision of a future world controlled by technology and conformity, in the same vein told with a new lens, Taylor's poignant narrative explores the themes of violence and resilience with a fierce and fascinating voice that transported me.
Huxley takes readers on a journey to a futuristic society where individuality is suppressed, emotions are numbed, and citizens are conditioned to conform to a rigid social hierarchy. Huxley's world may seem a stark contrast to the vibrant and initially chaotic landscape of Taylor's "The Night Alphabet," yet the puzzle of the narrative falls into place with utmost satisfaction and clarity as the characters stories take centre stage in an extraordinarily clever exploration of culture and societal issues with the highs and lows of human nature. Taylor's masterful storytelling weaves together a tapestry of emotions, experiences, and voices that challenge norms and shed light on the struggles and triumphs of her characters navigating our history, the present and a futuristic world whilst narrating it.
"The Night Alphabet" as "Brave New World" does, offers a cautionary tale about the dangers of a society driven by technology, control and who controls, its such a brilliant book in the way its using devices. "The Night Alphabet" serves as a bold and fearless examination of the complexities in human spirit often in the face of violence and oppression. Both works invite readers to reflect on the intricacies of human nature, resilience, and the importance of reclaiming one's voice in a world that seeks to silence it.
In the hands of master storyteller Joelle Taylor, "The Night Alphabet" emerges as a fierce and gripping narrative that challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths. Through her dazzlingly original prose and unflinching exploration, Taylor invites readers to embark on a journey of uncovering dramatic plot twists, self-discovery, empowerment, and solidarity, the skin we wear is central, the art that adorns it central to the theme and is used as a device to travel through a landscape of insights into the vulnerability of the human body.
While "Brave New World" and "The Night Alphabet" may exist in different worlds and timespans, both works share a common thread of genuisly exploring the complexities of society, humanity, and the human experience. Through their passionate and thought-provoking tales, these two masterpieces offer readers a glimpse into the depths of humanity. I absolutely loved it.

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Magnificent

This is the best book I have heard in years. It is a very important book.

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Extraordinary

An extraordinary rollercoaster of ideas and imagination. Brilliantly read by the author who is a true performer.

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Sublime!

I have not felt this way about a book since I was a 20 year old reading Margaret Atwood for the first time. (30 years ago). The mixture of prose and poetry and use of language is beautiful. I found myself re-listening to some sentences three times over just for the joy of them. I’ve heard Joelle Taylor read her poetry (‘the girl who was not allowed to sing’ fills me with hope every time I hear it) so hearing her read her own words with the rhythm she intended is the just a joy.

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Wonderful performance

Joelle’s authenticity and passion shine through in her reading of her novel. With a poet’s ear, hardly a minute goes by without a cracker of a phrase. 100% recommend!

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A brilliant listen

Superb writing of imaginative delight, beautifully narrated by Joelle Taylor in her ibimitable style. Highly recommended.

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Queer Futurism - timeless, literally!

This book is a visceral rollercoaster of emotions. Joelle writes the unspoken experiences from deep in our souls and bodies. As a queer lesbian woman I am eternally grateful for her work.
Whoever doesn’t get the film rights to this is a fool.

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