Genre: Novel, Allegory, Young adult literature, Psychological Fiction
Key Stage: Year 8+
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Lord of the Flies by William Golding (1954)
A thriller and adventure story: a group of school boys are marooned on a stranded island, relying on their instincts and wits to survive which ultimately results in conflict. The novel explores the dark side of human nature as the characters are forced to do whatever it takes to survive. The book spirals into gore, bloodshed and murder. Will Ralph and his companions make it out alive?
This book is aimed at secondary school readers due to the inhumane ideas that unfold along the way and challenging language. Golding challenges the sophistication of the human race, and looks to the other side of humans we don’t see: the aspect of bloodshed and murder that some are capable of. The vivid descriptions allow you to interpret such concepts and actions in a completely different way and in doing so, shows us what the human nature is capable of doing. Despite its relatively short length, this book is not to be underestimated.
I enjoyed reading Lord of the Flies as it introduced me to a new aspect of thriller that was both shocking and captivating. The novel intrigued me as it uncovers each of the characters’ survival strategies, some that are truly absurd. I loved this book “a book not to be underestimated.”
Reviewer: Alexander, Year 7