Book Review of Lord of the Flies

Book Summary

When I started reading Lord of the Flies by William Golding, I had no idea of the impact the narrative would have on me. The book, originally published in 1954, is a milestone in world literature and surprised me with its intense ending, which truly justified every page I read.

Resenha do livro Senhor das Moscas

The story unfolds amidst World War II and has a relatively simple plot: a group of British schoolboys survive a plane crash and find themselves on a deserted island. According to the synopsis, “they discover the charms of this tropical refuge and, led by the protagonist Ralph, try to organize themselves while waiting for a possible rescue. However, gradually, this innocence transforms into a power struggle, and savagery is revealed beneath the thin veneer of civility that social life had left behind”.

At the beginning, the narrative may seem slow, with the boys immersed in the fun and freedom of being away from adults. They play and explore the island, seemingly enjoying the adventure. To be honest, I faced some difficulty getting involved in the plot right away, as the development is gradual. However, once I got past this initial stage, I became completely captivated by the story.

Ralph, the protagonist, faces a constant conflict: even though he has been chosen as the group’s leader, he faces challenges to his authority. As he strives to maintain order and light a fire with the help of Piggy – a chubby and asthmatic boy who constantly suffers bullying – his task is made difficult by the antagonist Jack, a determined hunter determined to undermine his leadership. The unfolding of this relationship becomes a central element in the narrative.

Jack does not agree with Ralph’s leadership and, although they initially seem like friends, the rivalry between them intensifies. Jack despises the group’s responsibilities and attracts other boys to his cause, deepening the division among them.

It is impossible not to mention that the reading is agonizing. I often found myself in a state of unease, as the book addresses heavy and profound issues that challenge our conception of morality and human nature. The violence and malice that emerge on the island are intense and reveal an incisive critique on the fragility of civilization.

Golding presents an electrifying plot that leads us to reflect on what we would do in similar circumstances. With every page, I questioned the very nature of humanity and the delicate line between barbarism and civilization. Golding’s prose is brilliant and, at certain moments, his descriptive passages are so well-constructed that the reading becomes a poetic, engaging, and frenetic experience.

If you are looking for a read that combines adventure, psychological analysis, and social criticism, I strongly recommend Lord of the Flies. This book has undoubtedly earned a special place on my list of favorites! ❤️