Lord of the Flies

Lord of the Flies is a novel that everyone seems to have read previously. I was never asked to read this book for school, and I never had a desire to read it. I don't know why. I guess by the time I'd really been given a proper introduction to this book, I was too old and it seemed like a juvenile story.

A few months ago, someone was talking to me about this novel and was surprised I hadn't read it. “It seems like something you'll love.” I don't know why she said this. I suspect it may have had to do more with me being a guy and this being a “guy book,” but I could be wrong. (Note: if anything, the “dick lit” label is generally a turn off for me.)

Aside from a knowledge that Lord of the Flies was about boys alone on an island, I wasn't familiar with this story at all. And yet, it all seemed so familiar. I'm sure that I've come across other stories that either referenced or emulated this one, and that explains the recognition. Regardless, there's a very classic, perhaps you could call it nostalgic, quality to this story. As I was reading, I couldn't shake a couple author comparisons: Golding reminded me at every step of the way of Stephen King writing in the style of Nevil Shute.

I suspect the reason this novel is so often discussed in high school is because of the discourse a group can have concerning theme. Much can be said about the behaviors of these survivors, but I think perhaps too much can be said. Lord of the Flies isn't a scholarly journal about human behavior, it's a novel meant to entertain. Though the intended message was far from subtle, this story succeeded in keeping me entertained. Particularly, I enjoyed the characters and their relationships with one another. I think Golding did a wonderful job showing the fractures and bonds of children.

I vacillated between a three and four star rating on this one, because it really isn't all that amazing of a story in many ways, but it is one that sticks with you. To honor Piggy and all the wonderful stories inspired by this one, I've decided the higher rating seems more apt.