Huh. My feelings for this novel are as vague and shapeless as they were when I started it, but I can't say I didn't enjoy it - because I did, quite a lot. The writing is superb and sharp and the characters are enthralling even when they are terrible people. I already have the sequel from the library but I think I'll take a breather between books to read something 'lighter'; Millet seems to have that effect on me. ( )

I sort of hated Millet's Oh Pure and Radiant Heart, which was my introduction to her work, but this one I liked quite a lot. While it started off as an oddly distanced portrait of a boy, it wound up being kind of a lovely story about growing up and learning to be a real person with concerns beyond yourself. The prose is effortless and at times beautiful. I liked reading about T's development, even when I didn't believe it's how people actually work in the real world. ( )

How the Dead Dream is very well written. Unfortunately, the story never rose to the level to grab my attention. Ms. Millet is an excellent author but this tale just did not please me. ( )

I wasn't really sure what I was getting into with this book. Someone recommended it and so I thought I'd give it a try. I like reading titles that I would never think to seek out on my own.

I finished it in one sitting. This book wrapped me in a cocoon of character and words that I didn't want to leave. Millet's prose is poetry - lyrical, beautiful, human. And sardonically funny, which is always good!

From the beginning, I was worried that I wasn't going to like the main character. He's set up to be a selfish, rationalizing capitalist only concerned with his own gain. I worried needlessly. Even before Millet takes him into the true heart of his transformation, she keeps him very sympathetic and genuinely likable (if not always relatable).

Millet is an author of deep compassion and profound understanding. I look forward to being wrapped in the characters and words of her other work soon. ( )

Absolutely loved this! Sad and thought provoking, not sure why The Village Voice declared it funny. ( )