Customer Reviews:
 Fire on the Island . . . May 13, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Well, most people in America have already read "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding, which is definitely a classic. So I'm not going to give a synopsis, just a general appraisal of the work.
The main characters (Ralph, Jack, Piggy, Roger, and many more) are very complex and very riveting. You can clearly observe their distinctive personalities with their actions and their dialogue. And you feel sorry for these characters when something goes horribly wrong.
There are many symbolisms in this book (the conch, the pigs, the flies, etc.), and they work very well here. Interpretations are open (except when it comes to the obvious ones). Tensions are high as we slowly move towards the climax. No Hollywood ending here.
Golding has created an influential work of art, as highlights in this book are many. This isn't an innocent story, and it's no cliche, either. Kudos to the author.
A+
 Love it January 5, 2008
I read this book when I was in seventh grade, and it made me want to read. I'll be minoring in literature next year in college. A contemporary classic, perfect for anyone who wants a quick, but enriching read.
Not 'Hatchet' June 28, 2006
6 out of 7 found this review helpful
Since a George Orwell reference is obviously required here, I read 'Animal Farm' directly before Lord of the Flies. And I was foolish enough to think that Animal farm is a great book! It can hardly stand on all four legs when measuring up to Lord of the Flies.
Just as 'Animal Farm' is a parody of the Russian Revolution, 'Lord of the Flies' is more of a parable for mankind than an inspiration for 'Hatchet'. Every (major) character is a symbol of some aspect of human nature. And what is a literal translation of "Beelzebub?" Not devil, as you might suspect -- "Lord of the Flies."
And if the Lord of the Flies is the Devil, Simon is Christ, or pure good -- the only boy brave enough to discover what the beast really is, the only one...crazy enough to understand it, and the one who would be sacrificed by all for trying to spread the words of the Lord of the Flies.
No, I did not read this book for class, thank God, or else I would most likely hate it just for that reason. I despise hearing teachers read aloud, I don't know why, and their stupid assignments (What would you do if you were trapped on an island? What would you bring?) completely miss the entire point of the book. This is not a survival story!
My edition of Lord of the Flies was printed in the seventies,and it is falling apart (I found it in my dad's study in the basement). The scotch-taped cover is blank white, except for the title and a simple sketch of the head and arms of a boy, head bent like a baby, clutching his hair in anguish. He appears to be covered in blood. Is it Ralph at the beginning of Chapter 11 (you'll see what I mean)? Is it a struggling, uncertain Jack?
Lord of the Flies is definitely not a survival story.
'The Lord of the Flies" by William Golding January 19, 2006
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
"The Lord of the Flies" is an epic adventure full of fear and suspense that leaves its readers on the edge of their seats, wondering what will happen next. It's about a vast group of boys who are marooned on an island and forced to create their own society. Without parents to guide them, the boys slowly let go of civilization and their savage nature emerges.
My favorite part of the book is where the group of boys are fully consumed by the primal evil that dwells in their hearts. Their feelings of fear and rage rise up and force them over the edge. They snap and kill their friend Piggy by crushing him with a boulder.
I recommend this book because it puts you in a state of mind where logic is bent and twisted. It gives you a peek at insanity. This book has non-stop action and it allows you to vividly imagine what is going on. I couldn't put it down and you won't be able to either.
one of the classics of all time January 19, 2000
5 out of 8 found this review helpful
what doesn't this book have. action, adventure, excitement, war, it has everything. it's written in an easy to understand language (tho' that doesn't necessarily mean that you'll pick up on the symbolism that golding put into everything). and you definately get a totally different perception of the book as you get older (this is my third reading of it, and each time, i get something different from it). i think this should be required reading and that everyone should own a copy.
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