Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift

[Kelly_Hunsaker_reads]

4 stars

I am not generally a fan of satire, but the way that Swift told his story made it feel more similar to an adventure story than satire. And yet, I was also quite thrilled that such an old book could feel so modern in its commentary on society. The book isn't necessarily a fun read and in some places it feels too repetitive. However, that repetition really emphasizes the ridiculousness of prejudice. In the end I liked the book and I am glad that I read it.

[Kristel]

5 legacy
4 plot
4 characterization
3 readability, it gets a bit redundant until you dig into it
5 achievement, may not have won award but it is influence is undeniable
Rating 4.2

This is considered a masterpiece of satire and is Jonathan Swift's longest work. It is a satire of both humans and of travel literature. Written in 1726 it is still relevant today. I don't believe I have read the entire work before but was so well acquainted with most of it, I must have read an abridged version. I still like A Modest Proposal best by this author but this was good too. This can be read as a children's story, as almost science fiction/fantasy genre, but the author meant it as political satire as well as a satire of travel literature. In fact there is a lot of references to bodily functions and to sexual activity that makes this not a work for children though children will certainly find the defecating and urinating funny. The book is a study of human nature and whether man is just a Yahoo or if there is some that are kind and generous.
Part I: A Voyage to Lilliput (Small)
Part II: A Voyage to Brobdingnag (big)
Part III: A Voyage to Laputa, Balnibarbi, Luggnagg, Glubbdubdrib and Japan (wise)
Part IV: A Voyage to the Land of the Houyhnhnms: (ignorant)
The book has had mixed receptions but it cannot be denied that it has had lasting influence on the development of the novel as well as our language.