Concrete Island

by J. G. Ballard
Concrete Island cover
Good Books rating 4.07
Psychological Thriller, Mystery, Crime
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  • ID: 9383
  • Added: 2025-12-24
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780099334811
  • Publisher: Vintage Books USA
  • Published: 1994-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Concrete Island tells the story of a 35-year-old architect whose life is abruptly disrupted when his car crashes onto a traffic island below three converging motorways. Uninjured but stranded, he finds himself trapped in a desolate and isolated environment, where he must confront the harsh realities of survival. The novel explores themes of isolation, resilience, and the human spirit in the face of adversity. As the architect struggles to escape his concrete prison, he delves into the depths of his own psyche, uncovering hidden strengths and vulnerabilities. The narrative is a gripping exploration of one man's battle against the elements and his own inner demons.

Reviews
AQ's Reviews · AQ · 2021-09-23
unsettling 3.50

The book is dark and uncomfortable, but the spare and cool prose softens some of the sharper edges. The ruminations on isolation and the human condition are thought-provoking.

AQ found 'Concrete Island' to be a deeply unsettling read, with its dark themes and uncomfortable situations. The prose, described as spare and cool, helps to mitigate some of the harsher elements, making the book more palatable. The ruminations on isolation and the human condition are particularly noteworthy, offering a lot to think about. However, the overall tone and subject matter may not be suitable for all readers. AQ appreciates the book's exploration of these themes but acknowledges that it's not an easy read.

Quick quotes

    Most of it is dark and uncomfortable.

    Ballard's prose (being somewhat spare and cool) takes some of the sharpness off of these ruminations,

    The ruminations on isolation and the human condition are thought-provoking.

David Hurley in Japan · David Hurley · 2019-01-13
evocative 4.00

The book is a modern Robinsonade that explores the isolation of the human spirit. The concrete island serves as an objective correlative of the protagonist's psyche.

David Hurley sees 'Concrete Island' as a modern take on the Robinsonade, a genre of literature that focuses on the castaway experience. The book explores the isolation of the human spirit in a way that is both evocative and thought-provoking. The concrete island onto which the protagonist crashes serves as an objective correlative of his psyche, symbolizing the alienation and isolation that he experiences. David Hurley appreciates the book's exploration of these themes and its unique take on the castaway narrative. The overall experience is one of introspection and reflection.

Quick quotes

    The concrete island onto which Maitland crashes is the objective-corellative of his psyche

    of the isolation of the human spirit, the alienation inherent in

    The isolation of the human spirit.

That's What She Read · Efsun · 2016-04-17
intriguing 4.70

The book is weird, creepy, and occasionally vulgar, but the writing is superb. It's a simple situation that unfolds in a bizarre and captivating way.

Efsun describes 'Concrete Island' as a weird and creepy read, with moments of vulgarity that add to its overall atmosphere. Despite these elements, the writing is exceptional, making the book a compelling read. The situation is simple, but it unfolds in a bizarre and captivating manner, keeping the reader engaged. Efsun appreciates the book's unique style and the way it draws the reader in, despite its darker aspects. The overall experience is one of intrigue and fascination.

Quick quotes

    It's a simple situation that unfolds in a bizarre way.

    Overall: 4.7 It's weird, creepy, and occasionally vulgar, but so well written.

    But so well written.

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