Book Review: Lord of the Flies

By William Golding 

5 Stars 

William Golding is a famed English author, war veteran, and Nobel Prize winner for his novel Lord of the Flies. This novel is set in a time of war, and a group of young boys become stranded on a tropical island without any adult supervision. They attempt to govern themselves and remain organized amidst the chaos of their new surroundings. However, the boys descend quickly into savagery and commit acts of pure evil, highlighting the evil nature humans carry within. Lord of the Flies masterfully explores such themes and many others, like: civilization versus savagery, the loss of innocence, etc. Being a war veteran himself, Golding is able to perfectly showcase the true nature of humans and what they are capable of.  

The novel is able to maintain and build suspension using its complex character development and dynamics. The characters are very well-written and have immense depth. Each character is able to represent a different aspect of thought and humanity, some pure-hearted, and some evil. Golding's descriptive writing allows for a more enjoyable reading experience as it adds depth at different points of the novel, allowing the reader to visualize the scene, especially at its most pivotal plot developments.   

However, some parts of the novel can be slow, specifically the beginning. The novel moves quite fast nearing the climax and it feels as though the beginning could have been more developed allowing for a more full storyline experience. Additionally, the novel's complex themes and its dark depictions of violence makes the novel less suitable for younger readers.   

Despite its drawbacks, the narration is well done, and its contents are extremely relevant in today's society. This novel is highly suggested for those who love to delve deep into the philosophy of society, particularly teens who have a desire to think deeper, read in between lines, and are willing to gain a new perspective on humans and society as a whole. 

Reviewed by Aayan 

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