Lord of the Flies

by William Golding
Lord of the Flies cover
Good Books rating 4.16
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
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Paperback • £9.99 Hardback • £20.00 CD-Audio • £25.00
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Technical
  • ID: 1270
  • Added: 2025-10-02
  • Updated: 2025-11-29
  • ISBN: 9780571267385
  • Publisher: Faber & Faber
  • Published: 2012-03-15
  • Formats: 112
  • Reviews: 4

When a plane crashes on a deserted island, a group of schoolboys find themselves alone, without any adult supervision. Initially, they enjoy the freedom and adventure of their new surroundings, but as time passes, their innocent games turn into a struggle for power and survival. The boys' fear of a mythical beast leads to a descent into primal behavior, culminating in a chilling exploration of the human capacity for violence and brutality. /n/n Praised by authors like Stephen King and Suzanne Collins, 'Lord of the Flies' is a timeless novel that has captivated readers for decades. Its themes of civilization versus savagery, the loss of innocence, and the inherent evil within humanity continue to resonate, making it a must-read for all ages.

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.

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.

Julia's Books · 2019-06-12
Timeless 4.50

The novel is considered one of the all-time great novels, with a timeless appeal. The 1965 edition is particularly loved for its enduring relevance.

The reviewer highlights that 'Lord of the Flies' is widely regarded as one of the all-time great novels, and their 1965 edition holds a special place in their heart. They appreciate the timeless appeal of the story, which continues to resonate with readers decades after its publication. The reviewer also notes that the novel's themes and characters are universally relatable, making it a must-read for anyone interested in literature. They believe the book's enduring popularity is a testament to its quality and depth.

Quick quotes

    Golding's book is one of those and is widely considered to be one of the all-time great novels.

    My lovely 1965 edition of Lord of the Flies is ...

    The novel's themes and characters are universally relatable.

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