52 pages • 1 hour read
208
Novel • Fiction
Luxury high-rise, London • 1970s
1975
Adult
18+ years
High-Rise by J.G. Ballard follows the psychological decline of the residents of a Brutalist high-rise outside London. The building's pseudo-luxury lifestyle exacerbates tensions, leading to violent conflicts and a descent into primal behavior. Social hierarchy and territorialism emerge, with residents becoming isolated and engaging in increasingly extreme acts. Meanwhile, a multifactional group of women seeks to restore order. The novel contains graphic depictions of sexual assault, violence, neglect, and cruelty to animals.
Dark
Unnerving
Mysterious
Gritty
Contemplative
37,338 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
High-Rise by J. G. Ballard offers a dark, dystopian portrayal of modern society's descent into chaos within a luxury apartment building. Critics praise Ballard's incisive social commentary and vivid prose. However, some find the relentless bleakness overwhelming and the characters underdeveloped. Overall, it's a thought-provoking work, but its intensity and grim vision may not appeal to everyone.
Readers who relish dystopian satire and psychological thrillers will appreciate J. G. Ballard's High-Rise. Fans of George Orwell's 1984 or William Golding's Lord of the Flies will find the novel's exploration of societal breakdown within a luxury high-rise compelling and thought-provoking.
37,338 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
208
Novel • Fiction
Luxury high-rise, London • 1970s
1975
Adult
18+ years
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