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A review by crookfeetsie
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

challenging dark reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I first read this book at 16 and hated it. However, in hindsight, it’s because I didn’t understand it. But I get it now.

None of the characters are particularly likeable - Bernard is an arsehole, Lenina is an idiot, but they all have purpose.

Lenina’s purpose is to remind us how odd Bernard is, and almost remind the reader that we are also strange. Bernard is a tool for bringing John into play, as well as evidencing that this “perfect society” is not perfect.

In some ways, this book has not aged well (low key racism). In others, it’s aged fantastically.

Towards the end of the book, Huxley starts having more transparent discussion regarding society and the value of God and order and morality - all things that have been suggested throughout the book. It almost feels as if Huxley is debating himself in these pages.