Book Review: A Clockwork Orange

A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess


My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Clockwork Orange may be the toughest book to review and describe to interested readers. If you are frustrated by slang or a completely unique narrative voice I would avoid this book but it may change your mind. At first I was distracted by the language but by the end I was understanding it as well as plain old English. That is not to say that the book is difficult to read, quite the opposite. To fully appreciate and enjoy this book you may have to consistently remind yourself that it was published in 1962. Most things in the book are so unique and well achieved they are sometimes forgotten as original. Another thing I found enjoyable were ‘the messages’ or ‘point’ of the book. It really speaks to how complicated and incredible machines human beings are, for better or worse. The sex and violence, among other things, may offend readers but in my opinion it is not glorified. But if you must find a singular reason to read this book it is the narrator. A Clockwork Orange is the opportunity to shake hands and meet Alex, perhaps the most likable and sympathetic psychopath ever.





View all my reviews