Millennium People

by JG Ballard
Millennium People cover
Good Books rating 3.33
Psychological Thriller
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  • ID: 9081
  • Added: 2025-12-23
  • Updated: 2025-12-23
  • ISBN: 9780006551614
  • Publisher: HarperCollins UK
  • Published: 2004-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

After the tragic death of his ex-wife in a bombing at Heathrow airport, psychologist David Markham goes undercover to investigate the shadowy group responsible. As he delves deeper into their world, he becomes increasingly drawn to their charismatic leader, a doctor from an exclusive Thames-side address, who seeks to awaken the middle classes from their complacency. /n/n Markham's journey takes a dark turn as he grapples with the group's radical beliefs and his own growing fascination with their cause. The novel explores themes of identity, societal disillusionment, and the blurred lines between victim and perpetrator.

Reviews
Dave's Book Blog · 2017-09-11
amusing 4.50

The novel is found to be amusing and a delightful read, with the reviewer enjoying the satirical take on middle-class life. The humor and wit are particularly praised.

The reviewer finds Millennium People to be one of the most amusing novels they've read in a long time. They appreciate the satirical take on middle-class life and the humor that permeates the story. The critique highlights how the novel's wit and comedic elements make it a delightful read, even if the plot is somewhat unconventional. The reviewer enjoys the way Ballard plays with expectations and subverts typical narratives, making the novel a unique and entertaining experience.

Quick quotes

    The Guardian review of this book says it is 'one of the most amusing novels I've read in a long time' so perhaps I misunderstood it: it was ...

    The novel's wit and comedic elements make it a delightful read.

    Ballard plays with expectations and subverts typical narratives, making the novel a unique and entertaining experience.

Biblioklept · 2015-07-26
intriguing 3.50

The novel's violence is seen as a reflection of middle-class discontent, with the revolution in Chelsea Marina serving as a backdrop for deeper societal issues. The critique focuses on the absurdity and futility of the rebellion.

The reviewer delves into the novel's portrayal of middle-class boredom and meaningless violence, highlighting how these elements resonate with the central plot. They argue that the violence is not just random but a symptom of a deeper societal malaise. The critique also touches on the absurdity of the middle-class revolution, suggesting that it is more of a commentary on the futility of such actions rather than a genuine call to arms. The reviewer finds the novel's exploration of these themes compelling, even if the plot itself is somewhat thin.

Quick quotes

    The violence in the novel resonates from its central plot about a middle-class revolution in Chelsea Marina, an 'enclave of middle-class decorum.'

    The critique focuses on the absurdity and futility of the rebellion.

    The novel's exploration of these themes is compelling, even if the plot itself is somewhat thin.

The Guardian · Markham · 2003-10-04
disappointing 2.00

The idea of a middle-class revolution is deemed weak, and despite Ballard's efforts, it doesn't fully work. The novel is seen as a missed opportunity for a more impactful story.

The reviewer criticizes the novel's central premise of a middle-class revolution, arguing that it is too weak to be convincing. They acknowledge Ballard's skill but feel that even his talent can't save the idea from being underwhelming. The critique suggests that the novel could have been more impactful if the revolution had been better developed or if the characters had been more nuanced. The reviewer finds the novel disappointing, as it doesn't live up to the potential of its premise.

Quick quotes

    The basic problem of Millennium People is that the middle-class revolution idea is so weak.

    All Ballard's cunning can't make it work.

    The novel is seen as a missed opportunity for a more impactful story.

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