The Circle by Dave Eggers

Title: The Circle
Author: Dave Eggers
Publisher: Knopf
Genre: Dystopian Fiction
Year of Publication: 2013
Date of Publication: October 8, 2013
Pages: 497
ISBN-10: 0385351399
ISBN-13: 978-0385351393

Rating

Summary of The Circle by Dave Eggers

The Circle is a novel about the dangers of unchecked technological power and surveillance. The story follows Mae Holland. Mae is 24 years old and lands a job at the Circle. The Circle is a powerful tech company, kind off like Facebook, Google, X, etc. It claims to champion transparency and interconnectedness,

When Mae first starts working at the company, things were going smoothly. However in a bid to fit in and immerse herself in the company’s culture, she is drawn into its vision of a world without privacy. As a reader, you can clearly see the agenda of the company taking over her life. She begins to spend more and more time at work, and not just in terms of work-life balance. You also see Mae interact with her family and friends and how they are drawn into this web that the company has created.

Main Themes

The novel’s themes include privacy, power, and the ethical implications of technology. For example, the company introduced a program where you install camera’s at different locations and where you can livestream you whole life. So if one legislator for example, started streaming their entire day to show they had nothing to hide and another refused, then the one who refused is looked at as having secrets.

The novel focuses on the tension between innovation and individual freedom. It highlights the dangers of monopolistic corporations and invasive surveillance. Eggers also looks into the allure of social media and the societal pressures to conform in an increasingly digital world.

Writing Style

Dave Eggers writes the novel from Mae’s perspective. Using this technique allows readers to get an intimate look at the seductive nature of the Circle’s ideals and the gradual erosion of Mae’s individuality.

Impact of The Circle

One could definitely argue that this novel is timely in the sense that it does not appear too far fetched. It is a dystopian fiction and maybe in the past, it would have seemed unrealistic but since I am reviewing this in 2025, and with how technology is changing and social media’s quest for even more connectivity, it is quite relatable.

The novel sparks discussions about the balance between connectivity and privacy, as well as the ethical responsibilities of tech companies. A lot of people compared it to George Orwell’s 1984.

The Circle was adapted into a film in 2017 starring Emma Watson and Tom Hanks.