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cher_n_books 's review for:
Lord of the Flies
by William Golding
dark
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4 stars = Fantastic and easy to recommend.
“Maybe there is a beast…maybe it's only us.”
I have put off reading this allegorical classic for years because a book about children running amuck did not sound like something that would be interesting. Imagine my surprise to see that these boys act exactly like their adult counterparts would, holding up a mirror to humanity, and the reflection is shameful. It is an profound reminder of the statistical fact that most humans are of average to low intelligence, and can easily be swayed to go against their own interests by following a brash, cruel coward for the lol’s. Humans are especially prone to follow authoritarian dictators when things are unstable or society is in chaos, seemingly incapable of learning from history. That never ends well, in fiction or in the USA real life.
“The world, that understandable and lawful world, was slipping away.”
This parable was not at all what I expected, having realism instead of silliness, earnestness versus frivolity. What it reveals about human nature makes for a terribly disturbing and depressing read. Not everyone is a selfish, savage beast, too blinded by their impulsive desire for immediate gratification to see reason, but far too many people are. Similar to the real world, the book leaves you disheartened as you watch others make dreadful decisions, knowing that calamity will ensue as a result, and being utterly helpless to get them to listen or change. This resulted in my appreciating the symbolism and lessons more than the actual reading experience. The discomfort felt by the reader, however, is testament to the author’s talented ability to create an evocative atmosphere.
“What are we? Humans? Or animals? Or savages?”
I read this one immersively, a combination of the ebook and audiobook which was narrated by the author. He gives an OK performance, peppered with distracting sniffles, but I loved the short introduction he gave before starting the story. He mentions that girls have asked him why he only included boys in the novel, which he answers by explaining mostly because that is the only experience he has lived and fully comprehends. But he also mentions that he thinks girls and women are foolish to believe in equality when they are and have always been superior. That’s a mighty fine answer, Sir Golding.
“I believe man suffers from an appalling ignorance of his own nature. I produce my own view in the belief that it may be something like the truth.”
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First Sentence: The boy with fair hair lowered himself down the last feet of rock and began to pick his way toward the lagoon.
Favorite Quote: They understood only too well the liberation into savagery that the concealing paint brought.
“Maybe there is a beast…maybe it's only us.”
I have put off reading this allegorical classic for years because a book about children running amuck did not sound like something that would be interesting. Imagine my surprise to see that these boys act exactly like their adult counterparts would, holding up a mirror to humanity, and the reflection is shameful. It is an profound reminder of the statistical fact that most humans are of average to low intelligence, and can easily be swayed to go against their own interests by following a brash, cruel coward for the lol’s. Humans are especially prone to follow authoritarian dictators when things are unstable or society is in chaos, seemingly incapable of learning from history. That never ends well, in fiction or in the USA real life.
“The world, that understandable and lawful world, was slipping away.”
This parable was not at all what I expected, having realism instead of silliness, earnestness versus frivolity. What it reveals about human nature makes for a terribly disturbing and depressing read. Not everyone is a selfish, savage beast, too blinded by their impulsive desire for immediate gratification to see reason, but far too many people are. Similar to the real world, the book leaves you disheartened as you watch others make dreadful decisions, knowing that calamity will ensue as a result, and being utterly helpless to get them to listen or change. This resulted in my appreciating the symbolism and lessons more than the actual reading experience. The discomfort felt by the reader, however, is testament to the author’s talented ability to create an evocative atmosphere.
“What are we? Humans? Or animals? Or savages?”
I read this one immersively, a combination of the ebook and audiobook which was narrated by the author. He gives an OK performance, peppered with distracting sniffles, but I loved the short introduction he gave before starting the story. He mentions that girls have asked him why he only included boys in the novel, which he answers by explaining mostly because that is the only experience he has lived and fully comprehends. But he also mentions that he thinks girls and women are foolish to believe in equality when they are and have always been superior. That’s a mighty fine answer, Sir Golding.
“I believe man suffers from an appalling ignorance of his own nature. I produce my own view in the belief that it may be something like the truth.”
-----
First Sentence: The boy with fair hair lowered himself down the last feet of rock and began to pick his way toward the lagoon.
Favorite Quote: They understood only too well the liberation into savagery that the concealing paint brought.