A science fiction tale that tells the story of a two-dimensional being's encounter with a sphere from the third dimension.

The premise is remarkable, and that the book is a plot-driven narrative whose central characters are geometrical abstractions can draw comparisons only to Calvino. The book's most remarkable achievement is to give its reader tools for imagining the fourth dimension, by showing a two-dimensional character's attempts to grapple with the third dimension.

Unfortunately for me, all of these accomplishments are overwhelmed by the book's unbelievably sinister sexism and classism, as manifested in the social structure of the two-dimensional world Flatland. These aspects of the book are meant as a social critique of the England of the author's day, but this stuff is genuinely weird and disturbing and occupies a huge part of the book. If this bothers you, then skip the explication of Flatland society and read the book starting with Part II, where the actual story begins. The 19th-century prose is cumbersome enough to make the book slow-paced, even though it is only 100 pages in length, so beginning halfway through will make it easier to finish.