dragonarmy's reviews
424 reviews

High-Rise by J.G. Ballard

Go to review page

dark reflective tense fast-paced
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

I have a BookTube channel where I review books, give reading suggestions, and more! Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/dragonarmybooks

---

This classic speculative sci-fi dystopian thriller feels familiar but is extremely unique in its composition and storytelling. Author J.G. Ballard imagines a near future where a subset of humans slip into a violent reverse of humanity. 

The story follows three men living on different levels of the skyscraper. However, their respective elevation in the tower speaks much more than mere physical location. Filmmaker Richard Wilder resides with his wife and two children on Floor 2. Dr. Robert Laing lives in the middle of the building on Floor 25. And Anthony Royal lives at the top of the tower on Floor 40, among the wealthiest most renown occupants. The individuals living on each segment of floors are becoming more and more disdainful of the other levels above and below them. And, gradually, this disdain turns into something much more violent, much more primal as electricity cuts out, trash piles up, and bodies soon follow.

It's a story where its readers are asked to suspend disbelief. Events do not transpire the way that they would in any normal sort of society. But maybe that's what Ballard was getting at. I'm not entirely sure. I do know, however, that I don't typically gravitate towards books (or authors) that are overtly trying to teach something. I read for enjoyment, not to be lectured. Ballard certainly toed the line but still presented a compelling depiction with some memorable, horrendous moments that will remain engrained in my mind's eye for some time to come. 
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Go to review page

4.0

I'm going back and reading the classics. Never had to read this in school. I'm glad I took the time to read it this past week. Love the story and the characters.