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Shades of Grey

For fans of Douglas Adams and Terry Pratchett - the cult classic, full of colourful characters and brilliant twists
By Jasper Fforde
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Check link for latest rating. ( 41,001 ratings, 5,205 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
In Shades of Grey by Jasper Fforde, society is organised by a rigid hierarchy based on the ability to perceive colour. The protagonist, Eddie Russett, navigates this dystopian world, questioning its strict rules and uncovering hidden truths. This satirical tale explores conformity, curiosity, and the complexities of social order with a touch of whimsy.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you appreciate a unique blend of dystopian fiction and satirical wit. It's set in a world where social hierarchy and perception of reality are determined by one’s ability to see colour. If you're intrigued by imaginative settings and sharp humour, this story offers an inventive and thought-provoking read.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Imagine a black and white world where colour is a commodity . . . It is a world invented by comic and creative genius - and Number One bestseller - Jasper Fforde.

Imagine a black and white world where colour is a commodity ... It is a world invented by comic and creative genius - and Number One bestseller - Jasper Fforde.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Hundreds of years in the future, after the Something that Happened, the world is an alarmingly different place. Life is lived according to The Rulebook and social hierarchy is determined by your perception of colour.

Eddie Russett is an above average Red who dreams of moving up the ladder by marriage to Constance Oxblood. Until he is sent to the Outer Fringes where he meets Jane, a lowly Grey with an uncontrollable temper and a desire to see him killed.

For Eddie, it's love at first sight. But his infatuation will lead him to discover that all is not as it seems in a world where everything that looks black and white is really shades of grey . . .

If George Orwell had tripped over a paint pot or Douglas Adams favoured colour swatches instead of towels . . . neither of them would have come up with anything as eccentrically brilliant as Shades of Grey.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Shades of Grey by Jasper Fforde has been lauded for its inventive and engaging narrative that marks a mature evolution in Fforde's writing, featuring a darker tone. Critics praise its blend of quirky humour and darker themes, highlighting its relevance. This book, the first in a planned trilogy, intertwines a richly detailed dystopian setting with comedic elements, drawing favourable comparisons to works like "1984" and is seen as a testament to Fforde's inventive genius.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780340963050

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 06 January 2011

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Hodder Paperback

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 30.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 199.0mm

Weight: 315g

Pages: 448

Collections

Fiction General Fiction Jasper Fforde Literary Fiction

About the Author

Jasper Fforde traded a varied career in the film industry for staring out of the window and sucking the end of a pencil. He lives and works in Wales and has a passion for aviation.

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