A review by cpaul89
Lord of the Flies by William Golding

challenging dark emotional reflective sad 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

4.5

Yet another classic I hadn't read. I dThe writing style of this book is so distinct. I've never read anything like it. Golding really captured the innocence of youth and its extreme end in the circumstances these boys find themselves. He also is spot on with the nuances of false confidence, imposter syndrome, pride, cruelty and all the ways in which these traits can become violently overpowering. 

The content is certainly challenging and just made my heart ache. The truest voice of reason is ridiculed for being fat and other. These examples of judgement are as resounding in truth today as they were over 70 years ago. 

I am glad to say I have read this book. I am glad to never read it again, unless it becomes an assignment for one of my children. I often like to read along with their assigned reading so we can engage about the material and so I can be prepared to support any tricky assignments. 

If more people read this and saw Piggy as the hero and were able to see the lessons in the weaknesses made over by pride in both Ralph and Jack, maybe things would be different.