Is 'They Flew' Worth Reading? Review

2026-03-21 22:34:23
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3 Answers

Orion
Orion
Book Clue Finder Journalist
Honestly? I almost DNF’d 'They Flew' twice before it clicked for me. The first 50 pages were so bewildering that I considered shelving it permanently. But then—around chapter six—something shifted. The eccentricities started cohering into this brilliant, aching meditation on freedom. The characters, who initially seemed like caricatures, became heartbreakingly real. There’s a scene involving a makeshift wingsuit made of office documents that still gives me chills.

It’s the kind of book that rewards stubbornness. Not every experimental novel sticks the landing, but this one does, albeit in a way that’ll split readers down the middle. Pair it with a stiff drink and an open mind.
2026-03-23 02:22:01
2
Penelope
Penelope
Careful Explainer HR Specialist
I’d call 'They Flew' a fascinating mess—in the best way possible. The structure feels chaotic at first, with perspectives shifting like a kaleidoscope, but there’s a method to the madness. Themes of autonomy and control creep up on you, disguised as absurdist vignettes. What starts as a quirky tale about people literally defying gravity morphs into something far more unsettling. The author’s background in theater really shines through; some passages read like stage directions for a play that couldn’t possibly exist.

It’s not perfect—the middle sags a bit, and a few metaphors land with a thud. But even its flaws feel intentional, like the book itself is rebelling against traditional storytelling. If you enjoyed 'Lincoln in the Bardo' or 'The Hearing Trumpet,' you’ll appreciate this wild ride.
2026-03-24 18:11:46
9
Clear Answerer UX Designer
I picked up 'They Flew' on a whim after seeing it mentioned in a niche literary forum, and wow, it completely blindsided me. The way the author blends surreal imagery with biting social commentary is unlike anything I’ve read recently. The prose feels dreamlike yet precise, like every sentence is both a feather and a scalpel. It’s not an easy read—there are moments where the narrative deliberately disorients you—but that’s part of its charm. If you’re into books that challenge your perception of reality while sneaking in dark humor (think Kafka meets Margaret Atwood), this’ll be your jam.

That said, it won’t resonate with everyone. The pacing is deliberately uneven, and some sections demand patience. But for me, the payoff was worth it. The final act left me staring at the ceiling for hours, replaying certain scenes in my head. It’s one of those rare books that lingers like a half-remembered dream, demanding a second read just to catch what you missed.
2026-03-24 19:40:35
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