A group of boys are stranded on an uninhabited island and must work together to survive. At first, they enjoy the freedom of being away from adults and revel in their new-found independence. But as time goes by, the boys become increasingly restless and argue among themselves about how to best govern themselves. The need for leadership leads to division and conflict, which eventually results in destruction and death.
For who is this book for ?
This book is excellent for older teens, as it has a more mature and dark tone than some of the other books geared towards that age group. It would make for great discussion in a high school literature class, or even in a psychology course exploring human nature.
Pros :
- The book is an excellent example of the human condition and how society can quickly crumble.
- It provides a very accurate portrayal of what would happen if a group of boys were left to their own devices.
- The story is well written and easy to read.
Cons :
- It’s depressing.
- It’s violent.
- It’s not a very good story.
Learn more about the author
William Golding was born in Cornwall, England on September 19, 1911. He was educated at Oxford University and published his first novel, Lord of the Flies, in 1954. The book won the prestigious Booker Prize and has been translated into more than 30 languages. Golding passed away on June 19, 1993 at age 81.
Reader Reviews
” Lord of the Flies is a dark and thought-provoking novel that will keep you hooked until the very end. “
“This book is amazing! It really makes you think about human nature and how people can be so barbaric. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers.”
“Lord of the Flies is an excellent book that should be read by all. It’s a story about human nature and how it can revert to savagery when society isn’t present. The characters are very well developed, as is the plot. I would definitely recommend this book.”
“Lord of the Flies is a fantastic book that truly shows the darker side of human nature. At times it can be difficult to read, but it’s an important story that needs to be told.”