Brave New World

by Aldous Huxley
Brave New World cover
Good Books rating 3.62
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
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Paperback • £9.99 Hardback • £16.99
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Technical
  • ID: 1266
  • Added: 2025-10-02
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9780099477464
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2004-01-01
  • Formats: 62
  • Reviews: 4

Aldous Huxley's 'Brave New World' presents a chilling vision of a future society where human beings are genetically engineered and conditioned for predetermined roles. The World Controllers have created a world where everyone is happy through the use of recreational drugs and casual sex, but Bernard Marx feels a deep sense of dissatisfaction. His journey to a Savage Reservation, where the old ways of life still exist, may provide the answers he seeks. This dystopian masterpiece explores themes of individuality, freedom, and the cost of utopia, offering a stark commentary on contemporary society. Huxley's novel is not just a story of rebellion but a profound examination of human nature and the consequences of unchecked technological advancement. The book's introduction by Margaret Atwood and David Bradshaw provides additional context and insights into its enduring relevance and impact on literature and thought.

Reviews
Full of Lit · 2023-06-05
impressive 4.00

The world created by Huxley is vivid and well-introduced. The reviewer appreciates the detailed setting and engaging narrative.

The reviewer is impressed by the vivid world that Huxley creates in Brave New World. They particularly appreciate how well the setting is introduced in the first chapter, which sets the stage for the rest of the novel. The reviewer finds the narrative engaging and the themes explored to be deeply relevant. The detailed setting and thoughtful exploration of dystopian themes make this book a standout in the genre. The reviewer enjoys the way Huxley presents complex ideas in an accessible and compelling manner.

Quick quotes

    The world Huxley creates in Brave New World is so vivid and incredibly introduced.

    He sets the scene up very well in the first chapter.

    The themes explored are deeply relevant and thought-provoking.

Coffee Books and Cake · 2022-03-24
thought-provoking 2.00

The book holds a significant place in literary history but the reviewer found it unenjoyable. Its themes are thought-provoking and relevant.

The reviewer admits they didn't particularly enjoy the book, but they do appreciate its place in the BBC Big Read top 100. They find the themes and ideas presented in Brave New World to be thought-provoking and relevant, even if the reading experience wasn't enjoyable for them. The book's exploration of a dystopian future and its social commentary resonate deeply, making it a notable work in literature. However, the reviewer's personal connection to the story was lacking, which affected their overall enjoyment.

Quick quotes

    I still didn't particularly enjoy this book, but I can appreciate its place in the BBC Big Read top 100.

    There is a lot to think about in this novel.

    The themes and ideas presented are thought-provoking and relevant.

Lit Crit Pop · 2020-03-24
Thought-provoking 4.00

The book's pessimism and despair over human fate are its eerie strengths, and these themes remain relevant today.

The reviewer highlights the eerie strengths of Brave New World, particularly its rampant pessimism and despair over human fate. They believe that these themes are as relevant today as they were when the book was written. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to make the reader think deeply about society and human nature. They also note that the book's world-building is intricate and well-executed, making it a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    The eerie strengths of Brave New World lie in its rampant pessimism and its despair over human fate.

    These remain as relevant as ever.

    The book's world-building is intricate and well-executed, making it a compelling read.

The Guardian · 2012-03-29
scary 4.50

The book is a well-written and thought-provoking depiction of a potential future. The reviewer found it enjoyable and scary.

The reviewer thoroughly enjoyed Brave New World, praising its well-written narrative and thought-provoking depiction of a potential future. They found the book to be scary in its relevance and the possibilities it presents. The reviewer appreciates Huxley's ability to create a vivid and engaging dystopian world that resonates with readers. The themes explored in the book are timely and thought-provoking, making it a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    Overall, Brave New World is a scary depiction of what could soon be our future.

    I thoroughly enjoyed reading this well written and thought-provoking novel.

    Huxley's ability to create a vivid and engaging dystopian world is commendable.

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