Lord of the Flies

by William Golding
Lord of the Flies cover
Good Books rating 4.22
Young Adult (YA)
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Paperback • £9.99 Hardback • £20.00 CD-Audio • £25.00
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  • ID: 1270
  • Added: 2025-10-02
  • Updated: 2026-03-04
  • ISBN: 9780571267385
  • Publisher: Faber & Faber
  • Published: 1962-01-01
  • Formats: 113
  • Reviews: 4

William Golding's 'Lord of the Flies' is a gripping exploration of the inherent evil within human nature. When a group of British schoolboys are stranded on a deserted island, they initially attempt to create a functional society. However, as their situation deteriorates, the boys' primal instincts begin to surface, leading to a chilling descent into savagery. The novel is a profound commentary on the loss of innocence and the struggle between civilization and barbarism. /n/n The book is introduced by E.M. Forster, adding a layer of literary context and critique that enhances the reading experience. Golding's vivid and unsettling portrayal of the boys' transformation has made 'Lord of the Flies' a classic in modern literature, studied and debated for its psychological depth and social commentary.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2025-10-24
good 3.70

The book is well-written and thought-provoking, but some content is graphically unpleasant and feels dated.

This reviewer finds the book to be very well-written and thought-provoking, which makes it a valuable read. However, they also note that some parts of the content are graphically unpleasant and feel dated, which can be a bit jarring. Despite these issues, the book's strengths in writing and provoking deep thought make it a worthwhile read.

Quick quotes

    A hard book to rate as although its well written and is very thought provoking, the content gets unpleasantly graphic and some aspects are awkwardly dated.

The Story Sanctuary · 2021-08-20
profound 4.75

The book explores innocence and violence and should be required reading before serving in government. The story is skillfully scripted and stylized.

The Story Sanctuary's review emphasizes the novel's exploration of innocence and violence, suggesting it should be required reading for those in government. They appreciate the skillful scripting and stylization of the story, highlighting its ability to engage readers with its powerful themes. The reviewer finds the novel to be a profound exploration of human nature, making it a valuable read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of society and individual behavior.

Quick quotes

    Lord of the Flies by William Goldman explores innocence and violence.

    It should be required reading before serving in our government.

    It is a skillfully scripted and stylized piece of literature.

Luke Harkness · Luke Harkness · 2021-06-22
fascinating 4.20

The book is a gripping story on the surface, but it offers deeper layers of meaning when examined closely.

Luke Harkness finds 'Lord of the Flies' to be a fascinating read that is gripping on the surface. However, he suggests that the novel offers deeper layers of meaning when one looks beyond the initial story. The allegorical aspects and the exploration of human nature add significant depth to the narrative, making it a rich and rewarding read.

Quick quotes

    Lord of the Flies is a fascinating read that if you don't look too deeply into it is a gripping story in its own right.

    But when you then start to look deeper into it, you realise that it is so much more.

    The allegorical aspects and the exploration of human nature add significant depth to the narrative.

For Books' Sake · 2020-07-16
Gripping 4.25

The tension between the boys builds throughout the story, and the island's impact on them is evident. The novel is a gripping exploration of human nature.

The reviewer emphasizes the building tension between the boys as a key element of the novel, making it a gripping read. They note that the island setting plays a significant role in the story, taking a toll on the characters and driving the plot forward. The reviewer appreciates the novel's exploration of human nature, highlighting how the characters' interactions and conflicts reveal deeper truths about society and the human condition. They find the story to be both engaging and thought-provoking, making it a memorable reading experience.

Quick quotes

    Throughout the story, you can feel the tension building between the boys.

    You can tell that the island is taking its toll on all of them.

    The novel is a gripping exploration of human nature.

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