The Chrysalids

by John Wyndham
The Chrysalids cover
Good Books rating 3.75
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £8.99–£9.99 Hardback • £12.99
Bookshop
Format • £8.54–£12.34
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 4982
  • Added: 2025-10-22
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9780241950043
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2010-04-01
  • Formats: 7
  • Reviews: 3

The Chrysalids, first published in 1955, is a compelling exploration of genetic mutation and societal intolerance set in a devastated world. David Strorm's father disapproves of Angus Morton's unusually large horses, deeming them blasphemies against nature, unaware that his own son and niece Rosalind harbor their own secret aberrations. As David and Rosalind grow older, concealing their differences becomes increasingly difficult, leading them to a critical decision: await eventual discovery or flee to the terrifying Badlands./n/nThis novel, part of the Penguin Decades series, is a landmark work of storytelling that delves into the lengths people will go to maintain purity and the consequences of genetic divergence. It challenges readers to consider the ethics of intolerance and the resilience of those who defy societal norms.

Reviews
I Would Rather Be Reading Blog · 2023-03-26
great 4.50

The book is praised for its great ideas and compelling characters, despite its dated writing style. The reviewer appreciates the thought-provoking themes and the emotional depth of the story.

The reviewer highly recommends The Chrysalids for its thought-provoking themes and compelling characters. They appreciate the emotional depth of the story, which makes it a great read despite its dated writing style. The reviewer also notes that the book's ideas are timeless and relevant, making it a must-read for fans of science fiction. The emotional journey of the characters is particularly praised, as it adds a layer of depth to the story that is often lacking in other works of the genre.

Quick quotes

    The Chrysalids by John Wyndham is one of those great novels.

    While the writing style is very much reminiscent of a work of sci-fi from the 1950's, its ideas ...

    The emotional journey of the characters is particularly praised, as it adds a layer of depth to the story.

Science Fiction Ruminations · 2021-05-16
disappointing 2.00

The book is seen as simplistic and reductive, lacking the adventure and folk horror elements of other works by the same author. The themes are considered heavy-handed and not well-integrated into the narrative.

The reviewer found The Chrysalids to be a disappointing read compared to other works by John Wyndham. They felt the story was simplistic and the themes were heavy-handed, not well-integrated into the narrative. The lack of adventure and folk horror elements, which are present in other works by the same author, was a significant letdown. The reviewer also noted that the characters were not as compelling as they could have been, making the overall reading experience less enjoyable.

Quick quotes

    For me, at least, THE CHRYSALIDS was simplistic and reductive.

    It's not an adventure tale like DAY OF THE TRIFFIDS or folk horror like THE ...

    The themes are heavy-handed and not well-integrated into the narrative.

The Guardian · 2011-04-09
loved 4.75

The book is loved for its heartfelt message and fast-paced thrilling story. The reviewer appreciates the underlying themes and the emotional impact of the story.

The reviewer has a deep appreciation for The Chrysalids, having loved it as a child and continuing to find it impactful as an adult. They highlight the heartfelt message and the fast-paced thrilling story as key elements that make the book stand out. The reviewer also notes the emotional impact of the story, particularly for those who have experienced similar themes in their own lives. The underlying message of the story is seen as particularly powerful, making it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    I loved the Chrysalids as a child, and rereading it recently as an adult.

    As someone born with deformities this book helped me feel a little ...

    It is not hard to see why. Beside being a fast paced thrilling story the underlying message of the story is also heartfelt.

Appears in Lists