Crash

by JG Ballard, J. G. Ballard
Crash cover
Good Books rating 3.35
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99 Hardback • £25.00
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 9080
  • Added: 2025-12-23
  • Updated: 2026-01-01
  • ISBN: 9780312420338
  • Publisher: Macmillan
  • Published: 2001-10-05
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 4

Crash is a hallucinatory novel that delves into the dark side of human fascination with technology and its role in human relations. The story revolves around Vaughan, a former TV scientist turned nightmare angel of the highways, who experiments with erotic atrocities among auto crash victims. His friend, James Ballard, narrates Vaughan's twisted journey as he hurtles towards his own demise in a grand, internationally orchestrated car crash featuring Elizabeth Taylor. /n/n This classic work of cutting-edge fiction explores the disturbing implications and horrific possibilities of society's increasing dependence on technology. It challenges readers to confront the unsettling intersection of human desire and technological advancement, making it a provocative and thought-provoking read.

Reviews
Amazon · 2025-12-24
provocative 3.90

The book is one of the few that made the reviewer react out loud, indicating its intense and provocative nature. It is a book that leaves a strong impression.

An Amazon reviewer shares their intense reaction to 'Crash', noting that it is one of the few books that made them say 'no, no, no' out loud. They highlight the book's ability to provoke strong emotions and its unforgettable impact. The reviewer suggests that the novel's exploration of the darker aspects of human nature makes it a compelling, if disturbing, read. They appreciate the book's boldness and its ability to challenge the reader's comfort zone.

Quick quotes

    I have to say it's one of the few books I have ever read (of hundreds) that made me say 'no, no, no! ' out loud.

    This is a novel of car crash survivors being unable to get off unless they remembered the "real" moment of utter release.

    Always chasing that high.

The Guardian · 2023-06-28
disturbing 4.00

The novel explores the intersection of technology and human psychology through a surreal and disturbing lens. It challenges readers to confront the darker aspects of modern society and the human condition.

The Guardian's review delves into the unsettling world of J.G. Ballard's 'Crash,' highlighting its surreal and disturbing exploration of technology and human psychology. The novel centers around a 'hoodlum scientist' with unsettling theories about the connection between the internal combustion engine and sadism. It's a book that doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of modern society, making it a challenging but thought-provoking read. The reviewer appreciates the novel's controlled surrealism, which serves as a powerful commentary on the human condition.

Quick quotes

    The novel centres around a 'hoodlum scientist' who has lots of nasty theories connecting the internal combustion engine with sadism.

    It's a book that doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of modern society, making it a challenging but thought-provoking read.

    The reviewer appreciates the novel's controlled surrealism, which serves as a powerful commentary on the human condition.

Reddit - r/Fantasy · u/okay_sure · 2021-09-01
disappointing 2.00

The book's ideas are taken too seriously and do not age well, failing to convey its intended message effectively. It's a missed opportunity for Ballard's unique vision.

In this Reddit review, the user expresses disappointment with 'Crash', feeling that Ballard's ideas are taken too seriously and the book has not aged well. They argue that the novel's exploration of car crashes and eroticism falls flat, failing to convey its intended message effectively. The reviewer suggests that while Ballard's unique vision is evident, the execution lacks the depth and nuance needed to make it a compelling read. They conclude that 'Crash' is a missed opportunity, leaving them underwhelmed and unimpressed.

Quick quotes

    Ballard fails to convey his ideas.

    The ideas are taken far too seriously and the book as a whole did not age well.

    It's a missed opportunity for Ballard's unique vision.

Anastamos · 2020-04-07
shocking 3.50

The book is a shocking and disgusting exploration of human sexuality and technology. It leaves a lasting impact on readers, evoking strong emotional responses.

Anastamos's review of 'Crash' describes it as a book that sends readers into a state of shock and disgust. The novel's graphic and unsettling content is not for the faint-hearted, but it's this very intensity that makes it memorable. The reviewer notes that the book's exploration of human sexuality and technology is both disturbing and thought-provoking. It's a book that leaves a lasting impact, evoking strong emotional responses and challenging readers to confront their own perceptions.

Quick quotes

    The book will send readers like myself into a state of shock and disgust as fluids of every type splatter from organs against a cold, apathetic ...

    It's this very intensity that makes it memorable.

    The reviewer notes that the book's exploration of human sexuality and technology is both disturbing and thought-provoking.

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