Guess I found one of the worst books I’ve ever read. I haven’t had a one-star review since, like, forever. Usually, I’m very picky about what I read because life is too short for reading bad books.

I’ve just finished reading Lord of the Flies, the classic novel by William Golding, and it was nowhere near as good as the hype suggested it would be, in my opinion.

Sometimes, the problem with a book isn’t the book itself but the hype surrounding it. “Lord of the Flies” is widely regarded as a classic, and many people hold it up as a masterpiece of literature. However, if you go into the book with high expectations, you might be disappointed. It’s possible that the book simply won’t live up to the hype for some readers. (Myself included)

Lost on the Island

Lord of the Flies is a shocking and depressing book about a group of boys stranded on an isolated island after a plane crash. You watch, first hand, as the boys descend into savagery and butchery and lose their civilized veneer.

Each of the boys has a distinct personality, and their interactions with one another drive the plot forward.

There’s Ralph, the charismatic and responsible leader who tries to maintain order on the island. There’s Jack, the aggressive and power-hungry antagonist who becomes increasingly savage as the story progresses. Simon is a mysterious and enigmatic character who represents spirituality and morality. He is often alone and spends time exploring the island. And then there’s Piggy, the intellectual and logical thinker who is often ignored and belittled by the other boys.

The characters in “Lord of the Flies” are complex and multifaceted, representing different aspects of human behaviour. Ralph, Jack, Piggy, and Simon are all symbols of the different forces that can drive human actions, including leadership, aggression, intelligence, and spirituality. The novel is a powerful exploration of the darker side of human nature, and the characters serve as a reminder that every person is capable of both good and evil.

While some readers might find the characters in “Lord of the Flies” compelling, others might find them downright unlikeable. Many of the boys are selfish, cruel, and violent, and it’s hard to root for them when they make such terrible choices. Even the characters who are meant to be sympathetic, like Piggy, can be hard to connect with because they’re so frequently ignored and mistreated by the other characters.

At first, the young boys tried to establish a sense of order and structure on the island. The boys grouped together to keep a fire lit so that any passing ships would see the smoke from the island.

But without any adult guidance, the boys begin to become violent, cruel, and brutal in their bid to survive.

The small society they tried to build on this remote island eventually descends into chaos. Throughout the book, the reader is forced to confront the uncomfortable truth that even supposedly civilized humans are capable of extreme savagery. The book is a scary reminder of how dark human nature can be.

Paradise or Prison?

The setting of “Lord of the Flies” is also a character in its own right. The island is described as a lush and beautiful paradise, but it quickly becomes a prison for the boys who are stranded there.

As the boys struggle to survive, they are forced to confront the harsh realities of nature. They must learn how to find food, build shelter, and protect themselves from the elements. But even more challenging than the physical challenges of the island is the psychological challenges that the boys face.

Power, Morality, and Society

As mentioned earlier, “Lord of the Flies” raises important questions about power, morality, and the nature of society. These themes are explored throughout the novel as the boys struggle to create their own society on the island.

One of the key questions that the book raises is whether humans are inherently good or evil. The boys start out as innocent children, but as they become more savage and violent, they seem to lose touch with their humanity. This raises the question of whether civilization is necessary for humans to remain moral and civilized.

Some readers interpret the book as a commentary on the dangers of groupthink and mob mentality. Others see it as a warning against the dangers of unchecked power.

Should you read this?

So why should you read this book? Well, first of all, it’s a timeless tale that explores the dark side of human nature. It raises important questions about power, morality, and the nature of society.

But Let’s face it: “Lord of the Flies” is not a feel-good book. The story had stale points where I couldn’t decide whether to go on or give up.

I have a lot of mixed feelings about this book. I could appreciate the underlying message that the author wanted to highlight about the basic human instincts, which was scary yet brilliant.

It’s a dark and depressing portrayal of human nature, and it can be hard to stomach at times. The boys on the island become increasingly savage and violent, and the story doesn’t offer much hope for their redemption. If you’re looking for a book with a happy ending or a ray of hope, “Lord of the Flies” is not the book for you

But

The good news is that the book is not very long. If you can patiently endure the presence of underdeveloped characters in order to get to the bigger picture, then feel free to give it a try.

I’m not sure if you’ll enjoy reading this classic book. (because classics have the most contradicting reviews) However, if you do decide to give it a try and end up not liking it, at least you’d have earned the right to insult it. And you also get to brag about your sophisticated tastes if you do manage to finish it.

However, every reader is different, and it’s possible that the book will resonate with you even if it didn’t resonate with me.

Regardless of how you interpret it, “Lord of the Flies” is a book that will stick with you long after you’ve finished reading it. It’s a powerful and thought-provoking work that is sure to spark discussion and debate.

So if you haven’t read it yet, what are you waiting for? Pick up a copy today and discover the dark side of human nature for yourself!