Book Review: Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

“O, brave new world, that has such people in it.”

Published in 1932, Brave New World by Aldous Huxley is set in a future world where technology, conditioning, and a rigid caste system control every aspect of human life. Set in a futuristic society where natural reproduction is replaced by artificial methods and people are conditioned for predetermined roles, the novel explores themes of individuality, freedom, and the dehumanizing effects of a highly controlled and pleasure-driven culture.

The story centres around Bernard Marx, an outsider in the conformist society, and John “the Savage,” who was born outside the controlled environment and represents the clash between the dystopian world and the remnants of traditional values. Huxley’s vision of a world where happiness is manufactured, emotions are suppressed, and conformity is prized provides a stark critique of the potential consequences of unchecked technological and societal advancements.

Rating:

I’m a big fan of dystopias, although I don’t often read them because I find the prospect of them quite daunting. But I’ve always wanted to read this classic, especially after watching the TV adaptation a few years ago.

And overall, I really loved the dystopian ideas that explored, and they are all introduced and explaining really well. Written nearly 100 years ago, as well, it’s a very easy book to read. Everything felt believable, and they are all detailed well enough to understand how this new world evolved.

I did expect more from the story itself and more emotions from the characters, but I also liked the overall message of not conforming to society standards, even if it did it all get a little weird!