A review by esihler
A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess

challenging dark sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

I can understand why this book is “in the canon” and still think it is worth trying to read. In general, once I got more of a grip on the nadsat, I was interested in seeing the book to its end. 

While the book did have interesting themes, I struggle with the use of violence (especially sexual violence) to develop themes around government control and the importance of personal freedom without really including any significant female characters beyond the context of sexual violence. It was a very uncomfortable read, made even more so by the distance you feel from the story while trying to get a grip on the language. 
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