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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
Well that was an interesting ride. I now see what the commotion is about. I didn’t hate it but I can’t say I enjoyed it all that much either. I think it does serve a purpose in the larger literary and cultural discussion of freedom and morality. But I thought one of the most interesting aspects was that the US publishers (& then the film) originally left off the final chapter, distancing US readers & viewers from the ideas of redemption and personal growth…
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
So I saw the movie back in 1988. It was interesting. I particularly loved the language, the droog slang. The book, which I finally got around to reading, provided total immersion into that language and I also got the author's original version with the chapter at the end that provides resolution, not the truncated American version. I understand the American publisher felt that Burgess had pulled his punch by giving the narrator some kind of closure, a change of heart, but I thought he illustrated perfectly that shift from senseless hooligan (I love that word!) behavior to a more mature perspective. The fact that this hooligan phase seems an unavoidable step in the process for some is disturbing enough without leaving the audience hanging in the end. I'm tempted to say something snarky about the 'me generation' and yuppies here, but I'll console myself with the knowledge that they're busy retiring amid a terrible market slump. Schadenfreude is another great word.
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I would not recommend this as an audiobook. Or at least not one while driving. The slang at times had me asking myself if I were having a stroke.
challenging
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Suicidal thoughts, Violence
I enjoyed this more than I expected! It was both thought-provoking and authentic (as in, it felt like it was written from a teenage perspective) and I practically learned a new language along the way. It made for a great book club discussion!
I did NOT like the movie. I think the 13th chapter is what MAKES this book and what gives it meaning.