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colorfulleo92's review
2.0
I don't have much to say about this. It was pretty meh and not memorable. Just feelt like a waste of time. Couldn't see the greatness in this or anything good really.
caitlin_89's review against another edition
1.0
It took me 3 weeks to read the first 200 pages of this book. I read the second half today, skimming, to get it over with.
I can see how this book would be a valuable and intriguing introduction for some into asking some of the bigger questions and reconsidering some of the Western structures so often taken for granted as normal and good.
But I did not enjoy it and I don't think it's fair that Huxley got to publish such a long and boring philosphical thesis under the thin guise of a novel. This is no novel. It is a sermon. And the novelish dressing on it is incredibly underwhelming. Sorry to Huxley and the friend who recommended this to me.
I can see how this book would be a valuable and intriguing introduction for some into asking some of the bigger questions and reconsidering some of the Western structures so often taken for granted as normal and good.
But I did not enjoy it and I don't think it's fair that Huxley got to publish such a long and boring philosphical thesis under the thin guise of a novel. This is no novel. It is a sermon. And the novelish dressing on it is incredibly underwhelming. Sorry to Huxley and the friend who recommended this to me.
winterreader40's review against another edition
DNF at 22% for unclear plot and annoying characters
mazloum's review
3.0
An interesting novel, filled with examinations of various philosophies and ideologies, explored through the interesting - and quite sad - character of Will Farnaby. I really enjoyed reading this book, especially the vivid discussions between Will and the multitudinous characters living in Pala. At one point however, the idea of everyone on the island being an enlightened being, leading a life of peace and prosperity got somewhat repetitive..especially with a plot that was minimalist in terms of what actually takes place during the time Will spends on the island. However, I did enjoy reading it a great deal.
andrea_c's review against another edition
2.0
I do agree with his birth-control policy, but I'm less keen on his raising babies alongside venomous snakes child-rearing theory.
twitchywitchy314's review
5.0
This book was written over 50 years ago and its message is I think as relevant today. The social commentary Huxley makes through his writing is really profound and I would recommend this book to anyone.
thatkorigirl's review
4.0
It's easy to tell it's the same author as Brave New World...I might like this book even better than that one.
weyburn13's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
bananalynn's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
magram's review
2.0
Detailed writing which shows his command of the English language.
The content of the book however shows how wrong the author was, with many ideas being disregarded as pseudoscience nowadays. It is a great example of why one should we cautious of based their ideas of fiction.
The content of the book however shows how wrong the author was, with many ideas being disregarded as pseudoscience nowadays. It is a great example of why one should we cautious of based their ideas of fiction.