J.G. Ballard
1975
Around 210 pages
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We've had quite the string of unremarkable novels, so it's nice to have something come along that is so different and exciting. I'm surprised it took so long to adapt this into a movie, as the reading experience was very cinematic.
Following a divorce, Dr. Robert Laing moves into a high rise building that has plenty of amenities: a grocery store, a restaurant, a hair salon, a school, a bank, pretty much everything you need to function. The residents don't feel the need to leave the building anymore, and it doesn't take long for civilization to crumble. This feels like a particularly relevant read after surviving the pandemic in an apartment building.
I haven't been the biggest Ballard fan, but he finally hit it out of the park here. It's satisfying watching an author improve. The result was a smart novel with good pacing that had more to offer than shock value. He has three more books on this List, and I'll be interested to see if this is his peak.
RATING: ****-
Interesting Facts:
Interesting Facts:
Adapted to film in 2015.
One of Ian Curtis' favorite books.
UP NEXT: Willard and his Bowling Trophies by Richard Brautigan
UP NEXT: Willard and his Bowling Trophies by Richard Brautigan
2 comments:
This sounds really good! My library doesn't have it, but the used book store does. thanks for the review!
I need to comment now that I have read this book. It freaked me out but it certainly makes one think about civilization and what excites and scares human beings.I couldn't stop reading it, though many parts were gross.
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