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The Castle
- GenresAudiobookNonfiction
Hardcover
About the author
Jon Ronson
32 books5,890 followersJon Ronson is a British-American journalist, author, and filmmaker. He is known for works such as Them: Adventures with Extremists (2001), The Men Who Stare at Goats (2004), and The Psychopath Test (2011).
He has been described as a gonzo journalist, becoming a faux-naïf character in his stories. He produces informal but sceptical investigations of controversial fringe politics and science. He has published nine books and his work has appeared in publications such as The Guardian, City Life and Time Out. He has made several BBC Television documentary films and two documentary series for Channel 4.
He has been described as a gonzo journalist, becoming a faux-naïf character in his stories. He produces informal but sceptical investigations of controversial fringe politics and science. He has published nine books and his work has appeared in publications such as The Guardian, City Life and Time Out. He has made several BBC Television documentary films and two documentary series for Channel 4.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 24, 2026
Ronson once again proves to be one of my fave writers and audiobook narrators. Love how this one becomes so self-referential and introspective in a humorous way - lesser writers would have got carried away with that.
Also needs to be said how chillingly mundane some of the inciting incidents are in many of the stories, and how much of a stinky wank stain Gr*h*am L*inehan is.
Also needs to be said how chillingly mundane some of the inciting incidents are in many of the stories, and how much of a stinky wank stain Gr*h*am L*inehan is.
August 22, 2026
I tore through this book in one sitting. It delivers everything you want and expect of Jon Ronson: a witty, self-deprecating, first-person narrative charting his investigation of an intriguing, absurd and unsettling mystery. The way this particular story lands in Ronson’s lap is quite extraordinary and the twists and turns are insane. He must be the world’s luckiest journalist.
Annoyingly, by the end of the book the US authorities are involved and they are seemingly far less interested and proactive than our author, so by the time it goes to the printers, the situation is unresolved (and remains so now). That feels a little unsatisfying, but is obviously entirely out of Ronson’s control. Maybe there’ll be an update for the paperback or a later reissue.
I just hope it’s not another decade before we get another new book from him. His unique voice has been sorely missed. In the meantime, l’m looking forward to the live show.
Annoyingly, by the end of the book the US authorities are involved and they are seemingly far less interested and proactive than our author, so by the time it goes to the printers, the situation is unresolved (and remains so now). That feels a little unsatisfying, but is obviously entirely out of Ronson’s control. Maybe there’ll be an update for the paperback or a later reissue.
I just hope it’s not another decade before we get another new book from him. His unique voice has been sorely missed. In the meantime, l’m looking forward to the live show.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2026
This is a highly engaging dive into one of the most prescient issues of modern society: why have so many men regressed away from society, to espouse harmful and misogynistic rhetoric?
Partly an investigation into one member of the elite upper class, partly an exploration into the alt-right/manosphere/fringe pro-masculine groups, this book critically analyses how men fall into that pipeline.
It does so largely without criticism for the individual (though very clearly condemns their specific beliefs) recognising them as victims of a culture that seeks to take advantage of them. Instead, Ronson challenges people to try and understand the difficulties that people face which lead people to those ideologies.
It's equal parts informative, entertaining, and fascinating. I read this in one sitting (minus short comfort breaks), which I don't do often!
Partly an investigation into one member of the elite upper class, partly an exploration into the alt-right/manosphere/fringe pro-masculine groups, this book critically analyses how men fall into that pipeline.
It does so largely without criticism for the individual (though very clearly condemns their specific beliefs) recognising them as victims of a culture that seeks to take advantage of them. Instead, Ronson challenges people to try and understand the difficulties that people face which lead people to those ideologies.
It's equal parts informative, entertaining, and fascinating. I read this in one sitting (minus short comfort breaks), which I don't do often!
August 23, 2026
Insane reading. This is the kind of journalism that needs more attention on it. The craziest part of the story is arguably Jon getting got by a ‘deez nuts’ joke in the big 26, however.
August 24, 2026
Not as good as his other books. I’m excited to see the live stream of the talk though in September. Felt this one had a bit of filler and not enough solid story to munch on.
August 25, 2026
A fascinating look at the problem with men, and one man in particular who (spoilers) is a complete prick.
August 25, 2026
3.5 Stars.
Review soon.
Review soon.
August 27, 2026
Loved it. Quickly gobbled and thoroughly enjoyed.
August 27, 2026
Fascinating story and disturbing to read. An interesting take on a zeitgeisty theme.
August 27, 2026
The way Ronson makes tells real but unbelievable stories is so compelling and hilarious, and underneath it all is a stark message about the worrying times we live in.
August 27, 2026
4.5 rounded up.
Maybe my favourite Ronson yet?
Maybe my favourite Ronson yet?
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews