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3.48 AVERAGE
3.48 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
◇◇English down below◇◇
"And in the middle of them, with filthy body, matted hair, and unwiped nose, Ralph wept for the end of innocence, the darkness of man’s heart, and the fall through the air of the true, wise friend called Piggy."
Es una historia que me ha encantado. La manera en la que el autor refleja la condición humana es brillante, pues al utilizar niños como protagonistas la historia se vuelve aún más cruda al mostrarnos hasta dónde puede llegar el ser humano, convirtiéndose en alguien salvaje y primitivo. Esto nos hace ver lo frágil que es la civilización. El personaje de Ralph tiene un arco impresionante, lleno de contradicciones y aprendizajes. Me pareció entrañable y al mismo tiempo muy crudo ver cómo terminó perdiendo la inocencia de la niñez. La historia está escrita de manera fluida, con descripciones potentes que te mantienen en suspenso todo el tiempo, lo que provoca que quieras seguir leyendo hasta descubrir su desenlace. Recomiendo ampliamente este libro, especialmente si disfrutas de relatos que muestran con crudeza la naturaleza humana.
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"And in the middle of them, with filthy body, matted hair, and unwiped nose, Ralph wept for the end of innocence, the darkness of man’s heart, and the fall through the air of the true, wise friend called Piggy."
This is a story I've loved. The way the author reflects the human condition is brilliant, as by using children as protagonists, the story becomes even more raw in showing us how far humans can go, turning into something savage and primitive. This makes us see how fragile civilization is. The character of Ralph has an impressive arc, full of contradictions and learning. I found it both endearing and very raw to see how he ended up losing his childhood innocence. The story is written in a fluid manner, with powerful descriptions that keep you in suspense all the time, making you want to keep reading until you discover its outcome. I highly recommend this book, especially if you enjoy stories that starkly portray human nature.
This is a fun and dark book with a killer ending. The basic premise is exploring what would happen if a group of educated boys would be like without any adults. Naturally, if you believe in the inherent goodness of humanity, you will be great aggravated. If you believe in the inherent depravity of humanity (#calvinism4life), then you will be utterly delighted. HOWEVER, Lord of the Flies does a good job of showing nuance in this argument. Amidst the evil of the boys as they slip into tribal madness, we still have good and hope.
Outside this main theme, I particularly enjoyed the nuance given to the characters. I often find kids are written as either 1 dimensional characters or just like adults characters. In the case of the former, I just hate these characters in large doses. If your personality is a cute lamp, you aren't worth my time. In the case of the latter, you have a hard time picturing a child spouting such lines and forget you are reading about kids and question some decisions once you realize they are kids. Golding does neither of these and adds layers to these boys, while maintaining age appropriate character (although not necessarily content). The standout character for me was easily Piggy. I loved the combination of his cool head and strong emotions, making him a very believable character. Plus [spoilers] was a particular great scene with some awesome consequences, leading directly into that "holy crap, they went there!" Finale.
Also that ending! This might be one of the best endings I have read, with such raw catharsis on display. Obviously, I can't explain it without spoilers, so you need to just read it and feel the emotions with the characters.
In short, this is the quintessential novel that explores what humanity could look like if left to their own devises with some of the best written children I have read. How does the title fit in? Well, you'll just need to read it...
Outside this main theme, I particularly enjoyed the nuance given to the characters. I often find kids are written as either 1 dimensional characters or just like adults characters. In the case of the former, I just hate these characters in large doses. If your personality is a cute lamp, you aren't worth my time. In the case of the latter, you have a hard time picturing a child spouting such lines and forget you are reading about kids and question some decisions once you realize they are kids. Golding does neither of these and adds layers to these boys, while maintaining age appropriate character (although not necessarily content). The standout character for me was easily Piggy. I loved the combination of his cool head and strong emotions, making him a very believable character. Plus [spoilers] was a particular great scene with some awesome consequences, leading directly into that "holy crap, they went there!" Finale.
Also that ending! This might be one of the best endings I have read, with such raw catharsis on display. Obviously, I can't explain it without spoilers, so you need to just read it and feel the emotions with the characters.
In short, this is the quintessential novel that explores what humanity could look like if left to their own devises with some of the best written children I have read. How does the title fit in? Well, you'll just need to read it...
dark
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I remember reading this one for English class my sophomore year of high school and I do remember enjoying it, or at the very least tolerating it. On a re-read, I really did not enjoy any of it. The writing does not feel descriptive, something that is a must-have for me—I need to be able to close my eyes and feel transported to the setting of the novel. I was trying so hard to picture the island and picture the children’s faces and appearances, but the writing just left me wanting more. In a similar vein, I could not emphasize or feel connected to the boys. Honestly I was worried for how this might be triggering for me as a mother of a young boy. But the characters felt so one-dimensional that I felt nothing when they started picking each other off. For this to have the emotional impact as intended, I feel it needed much more in the character development.
I can see why this was considered a classic—it walked so other books could run. This is a tale of how our basest animal instincts take over when we are removed from the structure of civilization and law. Even the most innocent are prone to this de-evolution. However I think it has served its purpose and there are other novels that have come after it that have done this theme better. The symbolism was so ham-fisted; I was being bashed over the head with it. I prefer my symbolism to be more subtle—I want the “aha!” moment when everything comes together. That being said, perhaps this is a good novel for a younger reader to introduce these concepts? I can’t help but feel there’s something better out there.
Bottom line: I don’t think this has stood the test of time, as there are other books that have done this theme better. However, due to its overtly obvious symbolism and lack of super explicit material, it probably is an appropriate choice for a younger reader. However, I hated it.
adventurous
dark
reflective
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
challenging
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book is about the depravity and hope of mankind it was one I have read twice and it was better the second time. I liked it but it was not very memorable or striking.