Lord of the Flies

by William Golding

At the dawn of the next world war, a plane crashes on an uncharted island, stranding a group of schoolboys. At first, with no adult supervision, their freedom is something to celebrate. This far from civilization they can do anything they want. Anything. But as order collapses, as strange howls echo in the night, as terror begins its reign, the hope of adventure seems as far removed from reality as the hope of being rescued.

Genres: Classics, Literature, Young Adult, Fiction

376 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 24, 2020

About the author

Sir William Gerald Golding was an Engish novelist, playwright, and poet. Best known for his debut novel Lord of the Flies (1954), he published another twelve volumes of fiction in his lifetime. In 1980, he was awarded the Booker Prize for Rites of Passage, the first novel in what became his sea trilogy, To the Ends of the Earth. He was awarded the 1983 Nobel Prize in Literature.

As a result of his contributions to literature, Golding was knighted in 1988. He was a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. In 2008, The Times ranked Golding third on its list of "The 50 greatest British writers since 1945".

Reviews

[Aigerim · Rating 3 out of 5]

The depiction of the degradation of human society was fascinating; however, I had a huge problem with the imagery around savegery. The choices W. Goulding made in this regard are revolting, to say the least. It just puts to show how deeply rassism is rooted in the society that even a novel criticising wars, violence, etc. still uses this sort of language.

[Trinity · Rating 2 out of 5]

I struggled so much trying to get into this book. LIKE WHY IS IT 80% IMAGERY AND USELESS DETAILS AND 20% PLOT. I hate you all who hyped this book up. ALSO FREE SIMON AND PIGGY UGH

[paige pezzella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this. Hated this. They stopped playing once the grownups were there :,)

[Gabriella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poor Simon 😕

[madison · Rating 4 out of 5]

good book fun time

[Hellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll be honest, i thought this book was extremely boring at first. You got to give it time to make its points about civilization and cruelty. The couple end chapters had my JAW ON THE GROUND. Once I read up a bit more on the symbolism I ended up really enjoyed it. The characters are great, it’s not a bad length. Keeping in mind they’re literal CHILDREN makes pushing past frustration with their actions easier.

[Ernesto · Rating 3 out of 5]

In contrast to most readers’ experiences with William Golding’s Lord of the Flies, I read this novel for the first time at 27—so my impressions come from an adult’s perspective rather than that of a young reader. I didn’t experience the shock or childhood trauma many readers recall from encountering this book early on, but I still appreciated the depth with which Golding portrays the boys’ gradual descent into chaos.

Nonetheless I enjoyed the seamless depth which the novel conveys in the perspective of a group of young british boys, the survival and slow decent into madness of this small party of kids has the potential to speak differently to its readers and it just might speak differently to me in a future re-read. That said, some passages felt redundant or less impactful compared to the more vivid and gripping sections. Golding occasionally leans too heavily on environmental description at the expense of narrative momentum, yet there are moments when the boys’ adventure genuinely left me awestruck and reflecting on the unsettling mysteries at the heart of the story. The idea of the beast and the symbolic presence of the ‘Lord of the Flies’ didn’t scar me, but they certainly left a lasting impression.

[Mylissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

"What are you doing out here all alone? Aren't you afraid of me?"
Simon shook.
"There isn't anyone to help you. Only me. And I'm the Beast."

Absolutely crazy how the civility and effort towards being disciplined is absolutely shattered. Is this truly how boys will be boys when left to their own devices? No adult guidance, or consequence, or hesitation. There was a shimmering light of order in the beginning with boys in straight lines and talk of rescue but as time went on it seemed it was lost on all of them. Even Ralph, though Piggy did his best to help both of them keep the right goal in mind.

Despite everything that happened beforehand, it was this quote, this scene with Simon and the pig head that truly began to make my skin crawl. Like it was an omen; a shadow descending upon the island of boys who were realizing they would not receive consequences for their actions. Afterward, with Simons final appearance, it felt like the finality of the death of the boys' innocence. That's when I felt like power of the conch in itself was morally shattered and Piggy's final scene when the conch physically shattered was the definite loss of that power, of that innocence ever returning.

[Alton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this book. It’s very different from all of the other books I usually read, and it feels really unique. Instead of just being a normal adventure story, it shows how people can change when they’re put in difficult situations. The characters start off trying to work together, but over time things begin to fall apart, which made the story more intense and interesting. I also liked how the book makes you think about human behavior and what people are capable of when there are no rules. Some parts were a little confusing at times, but overall it kept my attention and made me want to keep reading. I would recommend this book to people who like stories that are deeper and make you think.

[loopy · Rating 5 out of 5]

after rewatching the all of the hp films, i suddenly had the urge to read again (as i’ve not for a multitude of years), esp fantasy and sci-fi. my cousin bought me this book to start with and i’m glad i did!

such a simple but profound, and timeless, take on the human condition and the absolute basis of our moral bearings. i am not sure if i completely agree with its subtext that “man is innately evil”, but it really captures the enduring human struggle of right and wrongdoing.

(or maybe it’s just cuz their british)

regardless, i get you now stephen king.

so glad that i started with this in particular as the modern edition of this novel shares analytic insights and plenty suggestions about media with similar themes, which could guide me to jumpstart my journey. looking forward to more reads!

[Ansari Firdous · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel the novel focuses too much on describing the island and its surroundings, while the characters are not explored enough. We know every detail about the island, but only get a very limited understanding of the characters. There is very little description of their behavior, emotions, inner thoughts, or why they change throughout the story. Most of what we learn about them comes only through dialogue. Because of this, I felt a little disconnected from the novel, even though the story itself was good. I do think the characters react realistically to the situations they face, but the lack of deeper character description made it harder for me to fully connect with them.

[John Wren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haven’t read this in about 25 years. Reading through an adult lens, I have some issues with the book, particularly its pacing and over emphasis on building the scenery, but I still think it’s depiction of the downfall of society is still poignant as ever, even if the concept of the “savage” is dated racism. Telling it through the eyes of children is a great way to hit that young audience early with this cautionary tale. Definitely one of those must read classics. And if you’re going to watch a film version, stick to the 1990 one.

[Ben S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lord of the Flies was a very mysterious and exciting novel. It seemed very realistic in the sense of how the story would play out in real life and made sense of how you would try to survive on the island. This book was a very engaging novel and had a good set of characters and relations between them. The book told a good story and flowed throughout the novel and left a good impression. I would recommend this book because it was a unique and entertaining novel.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re-read...
I don't know why I like this book so well. Its a bit boring in the beginning. I know what happens and how it ends and I still read it every few years. Each time a different character seems to stand out or I think if they had just done this instead of that it would have all been different. But would it? I don't know. I just know I enjoy it every time I read it.

[Dillon VanSickle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, shit.


I definitely think everyone should read this if you're like me and haven't already. I don't really have much to say. It did end quite abruptly and not at all how I expected. But if you need a book to learn about the grief of losing the innocence of childhood, this is that. Still, fuck them kids.

[Lexi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.3
The Lord of the Flies depicts significant sociological concepts that all people should eventually learn. the entire story is an amazing illustration of human nature in a society.

—

modern films and shows that remind me of the lord of the flies:
the tv show Alice and Borderland
the documentary The Stanford Prison Experiment

[Andrew Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've no idea why this is only rated 4 stars by 3 people... Maybe just the one I clicked on. This book is one of the most influential fiction books on human nature and will. It is, by far, one of the most referred to stories I hear referenced in everyday life. It is a must.

[Jessica Kraemer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a turn of events at the end! I absolutely devoured this book. It was a quick read and it has such great characters. It really jumps right into the plot but it gives you a nice introduction to each character too. I love Piggy and his wisdom beyond his years.

[Gabriella Rios · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this a long time ago, trried to re-read it recently and its still so difficult to read😭

However, this is a book that makes you think. And I LOVE books that have that effect. If it would've been a bit easier to read I would've given it a higher rating!
:(

[Andrew Mick Uh Luh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of thought I would like it more but I didn't really care for his writing style. I loved the characters though, and they had a great descent into insanity. Especially love the government official at the end who basically says "hmm well chaps this isn't really the British way tut tut"

[Patricio Peñaloza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Creo que el build-up estuvo muy bien. las metáforas y descripciones son un poco enredosas y muy complicadas a veces pero me gustó como poco a poco los niños se estaban volviendo más salvajes hasta un punto de no retorno

[Gabriela Dinunno · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was an interesting book and i did like the parts that had some action to them but most of it was useless details. way to much for me and i kept getting lost in it. eventually i just skipped over it. happy i read it but probably wouldn’t read it again

[Danesh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've watched both film adaptions, and the book is more visual than the movies. A good exploration into alienation and group think. Classic Us vs. Them and the need to belong, at any cost. The pivotal points didn't hit with me though (e.g., compared to Of Mice and Men)

[Jack Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved reading this book. Golding’s writing is so vivid and lively. It shows human adolescent behavior in a way that is so real and truthful that the end will have you upset at what occurred while also acknowledging the sad truths of humanity.

[Yvonne Warneke]

It's depressing

So very depressing do not read. 😭 😭 😭 😭 😭 😭 😭 😭 😭😭 😭 😭 😭 😭 😭

[Madison Litchford · Rating 4 out of 5]

boring but also interesting at the same time???

[stelluh · Rating 4 out of 5]

justice for piggy

[Josephine Poe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really good but not my kind of philosophy

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Gavin Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is an interesting take on the degradation of human society and the descent into savagery, but the pacing is not good and it’s a drag to get through. It gets extremely boring at some parts.