EXTENSIVE READING BOOK REVIEW

Brave New World, written by Aldous Huxley, is a Sci-Fi novel and is considered a

classic of English literature. The story takes place in a utopian future, where people are
genetically modified and developed by a reproductive technology. They are submitted to a

psychological manipulation to live peacefully in a society based on castes. Huxleys writing is

gripping and original, and in spite of being written decades ago the plot still convincing and
intriguing even the most skeptical readers.

The story takes place in the year of stability A.F. 632 (After Ford). The set is an ideal and

stable society where everyone appears to be content and satisfied. However, their behavior is

controlled by the government through genetic engineering (replacing natural reproduction),

brainwashing and the use of a drug called soma. The population is divided into 5 castes (Alphas,
Betas, Gammas, Deltas, and Epsilons), each of which is designed to fulfill a specific role. They

live in a polygamous society where "everyone belongs to everyone else" and are not allowed to
have emotional or parent relations.

Bernard Marx is the character who questions this system and the sacrifice of freedom in

order to achieve stability. His travel to one of the remaining Savage Reservations, where

humans still live in the old fashioned way, will help him to understand that he is not the only
one that doesnt fit in. He will meet John, a savage, who loves old poetry (banished books like
Shakespeare) and enjoy to spend his time all by himself, one thing that Bernard always wished
to be normal but it is not allowed by the new society.

Even though it was written 80 years ago, the plot explores how technology is

dangerously close enough to ruling the whole world and warns generations about the risks of
losing individuality and identity through the extensive attention given to trivial things and

distractions. Lenina is the example of how people could believe and follow societys rules
without questioning if it is the best for them or if it is what they really want for their lives.

The message is very clear, however, the plot is an inventive and original scenario

described with complicated sentences and very complex vocabulary that makes it hard to

understand and visualize for non-native English speakers. I also think that the denouement of

the main characters could be better explored. The author could have been more descriptive
about the end of the other characters (Lenina and Bernard) instead of focusing only on Johns.

Nevertheless, the book is very interesting and is an amusing way to stimulate your

imagination and reflect about how technology can influence our lives. If you like fiction this
well-written atemporal plot will definitely catch your attention. I wont forget about this book

and its message, and I would recommend it for readers aged fifteen and over and fluent nonnative English speakers as Huxleys writing is very detailed and is an adult-like manner.