What is an appropriate / best age for this book?

[Emma]

I loved this novel. It touched me in so many ways. I have recently recommended it to my cousin (along with Brave New World) who is 15 on the basis that it's very interesting from a social and feministic view point but afterwards panicked that I had given her a book which is theoretically sex based. What do you think is the right age for this book and are there others similar that you loved young but worry about showing to other youngsters?

[Scott]

15 is fine.

If I think a book was okay for me when I was a certain age, then I don't worry about other people.

[Sophie]

I read it at 14 (it has only adult theory not content) and enjoyed it but I certainly recognised more themes and got more from it when I read it at 20.

[Sue]

Agree; 14 & up. I read it at 14. It's really not different than 1984 (which I read well before 1984).

[Anna]

I studied this book when I was 16 as it was our Exam essay book in High School.
It was a N.Z state school and they had it on the required reading list for the year so I don't see any problems with reading it when your 15.

When I re-read it last year (10 years later) I had a very different view of it because I understood the theories more

[Emma]

You've hit on an interesting point. I suppose I was concerned that I encouraged certain thought processes in my little (and quite naive) cousin but as you rightly point out, the actually content isn't adult and many of the themes that she isn't ready for would probably slip her by at this stage anyway.

I imagine that is the sign of really greatly written book. Different people get different levels from it, without it leaving anyone behind through age, experience or intellect. Clever really.

[Shirley]

I'm a little more protective I guess. Would reccommend after age 14 hopefully with adult discussion.

[Harlow]

I think it depends on the maturity level and temperment of the child more than chronological age. Most schools, etc. have suggested reading lists by age/grade.

[Shamara]

I believe I was 15 when I first read that book along with Brave New World. They are great books for young people to read since they are what if books and you can start a lot of good conversations about the topic of the books.