monj 's review for:

A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess

4.0

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This book was really slow going for me. It often felt like wading through mush, and I really feel that I am more of a fan of the concept of Clockwork Orange than actually reading it. Still, it was oddly compelling. I love that the theme of freedom of choice is shown through the lens of someone we are supposed to find repulsive. It's hard to sympathize with Alex at all, and yet the treatment they use on him is more repulsive still. It really made me think on concepts of being human and punishment and free will in a way that a morally refined character couldn't get me to do. I also enjoyed the last chapter that was apparently left out of early American editions. It doesn't precisely redeem Alex, but it does provide a small window to the possibility of change.

I doubt I'll read this again, but I'm glad I read it once.