The Drowned World

by J. G. Ballard, JG Ballard
The Drowned World cover
Good Books rating 3.88
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  • ID: 1155
  • Added: 2025-09-27
  • Updated: 2025-09-27
  • Formats: 18
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
Dune Scholar · 2022-12-10
great 4.00

An interesting novel that explores inner, psychological space. It reflects the author's desire for science fiction to delve deeper into the human psyche.

This reviewer found 'The Drowned World' to be an interesting exploration of psychological space. They appreciated the author's intention to use science fiction as a means to delve into the human psyche. The novel's focus on inner, psychological space is what makes it stand out. They think the novel is a solid example of 60s science fiction that aims to be more than just a thrilling adventure. It's a book that invites readers to reflect on their own inner worlds.

Quick quotes

    An interesting novel that reflected the author's desire for science fiction to explore inner, psychological space.

    It shares with Dune an interest in something akin to ancestral memories.

    The novel is firmly in the camp of psychological 60ies science fiction.

Bookforager · 2020-01-12
beautiful 4.00

The writing and imagery are beautiful, despite the bleak message. The novel's inspiration from the author's childhood adds depth.

The reviewer is captivated by the beautiful writing and imagery in The Drowned World, which they find striking despite the novel's bleak message. They appreciate how Ballard's childhood experiences have influenced the story, adding a layer of depth and authenticity. The novel's exploration of psychological and environmental themes is seen as both mesmerizing and thought-provoking, making it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    Because, for all that the message is bleak, the writing, the imagery, is beautiful.

    Ballard was inspired by his childhood experiences...

    The novel's exploration of psychological and environmental themes is both mesmerizing and thought-provoking.

The Guardian · 2019-01-21
powerful 4.50

The book is rich with striking and meaningful images. There are some faults, but the overall impact is powerful.

This reviewer is impressed by the richness of imagery in The Drowned World, which they find striking and continuously meaningful. While they note some faults, such as occasional luxuriance in the similes, the overall impact of the novel is seen as powerful and enduring. The novel's exploration of psychological and environmental themes is praised for its depth and the way it resonates with readers, making it a significant work in the science fiction genre.

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    The book blazes with images, striking and continuously meaningful.

    There are perhaps faults of luxuriance, the similes, though often...

    The novel's exploration of psychological and environmental themes is praised for its depth.

Efsunland · 2018-08-14
intriguing 3.00

The book falls short compared to Ballard's other works, but the writing is compelling. The story's exploration of psychological depth is noteworthy.

This reviewer feels that The Drowned World doesn't quite match the high standards set by Ballard's other novels like High-Rise and Concrete Island. However, they acknowledge that the writing is still compelling and the exploration of psychological depth is a strong point. The novel's themes and imagery are praised for their uniqueness and the way they delve into the human psyche, making it a thought-provoking read despite its shortcomings.

Quick quotes

    J.G. Ballard's High-Rise and Concrete Island are both creepily brilliant, but The Drowned World doesn't meet their high bar.

    The writing is... compelling.

    The story's exploration of psychological depth is noteworthy.

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