The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne is one of my favourite novels. I can’t remember the last time I read a book that left more of a lasting impression on me. I have read other John Boyne novels and enjoyed them all.
I therefore jumped at the chance to read his latest offering, The Echo Chamber. The Echo Chamber by John Boyne was published in 2021.
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Plot
George Cleverly is a stalwart of television interviewing and a self-proclaimed “national treasure”. However, his carefully curated reputation is only one tweet away from being destroyed. He and his family soon realise how past perceptions count for nothing in the world of social media.
Are we all just one misjudged tweet away from being “cancelled?”
The Echo Chamber Book Review
The book is a clever, satirical look into society’s reliance on social media. It brilliantly covers political correctness, the desire to be seen as “woke” and the cancellation of people who say the wrong thing, however well-intentioned. It made me laugh and cringe in equal measures. Some of the observations really do ring true and it does raise the question, were we all happier before social media?
The characters were self-obsessed, entitled narcissists, so pretty unlikeable. The character flaws and scenarios are exaggerated and highlight the often absurd nature of social media. The obsession of posting things for likes and exploiting the vulnerable to show how “caring” someone is, is something I’ve seen so many times myself.
The dialogue is brilliant and provides many of the comedic moments. I also enjoyed the subtle nods to Maude Avery from The Heart’s Invisible Furies.
The Echo Chamber provides a perceptive look into the farcical side of social media and cancel culture. It’s such a completely different book compared to the other Boyne novels I’ve read, but it was still an enjoyable read.
What should I read after The Echo Chamber?
If you enjoyed The Echo Chamber, I’d suggest reading more books by John Boyne. I’d particularly recommend The Heart’s Invisible Furies. It’s a completely different style of book but one of my favourites of all time.
For a book with a similar theem to The Echo Chamber, you may also want to try Where the Grass is Green by Lauren Weisberger.
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I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. For more information please see my disclosure policy.