Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

 

GoodReads Summary:

Far in the future, the World Controllers have created the ideal society. Through clever use of genetic engineering, brainwashing and recreational sex and drugs, all its members are happy consumers. Bernard Marx seems alone harbouring an ill-defined longing to break free. A visit to one of the few remaining Savage Reservations, where the old, imperfect life still continues, may be the cure for his
distress...

Huxley's ingenious fantasy of the future sheds a blazing light on the present and is considered to be his most enduring masterpiece.

 

Review:

This is definitely one of the best books I have ever had to read for school. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it for my English class and, unlike most mandatory reads, never dreaded picking it up. To me, the idea of a dystopian society such as this one is intriguing. The entire means of their world is based off of science and exactness, making for neat and content lives for everyone. There is no feeling of unfairness, even for those at the bottom of the hierarchy. 

At the beginning of the novel I assumed the entire book would revolve around the life of one misfit, Bernard Marx. His story was interesting, but not enthralling. He pretty much had the mentality of a middle school-er: he wants to fit in, not because he agrees with society's values, but because he doesn't like being on the outside. Thankfully, the story takes a much appreciated turn when the reader is introduced to John.

John, the Savage, is one of the most fascinating characters I have ever read about. He reads Shakespeare as a Bible and he understands the universe better than most people at a young age. He is a character that connects deeply with his spirituality and accepts his humanity with open arms. John even participates in penance toward the end of the book, something that took me by suprise.

The ending of this novel made me cry for a solid 10 minutes. It's something that you may be able to predict, but it still completely heartbreaking in its entirety.

Overall, Brave New World is one of the books I would recommend to anyone. Its lessons on individuality, morality, connection with God, and much more make it a story anyone can learn from, or connect to. There are many surprises in store. Whether it's in the plot or the characters, you will definitely be astonished at some point during your read.