logo

33 pages 1 hour read

Aldous Huxley

Island

Aldous HuxleyFiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1962

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Aldous Huxley

Island

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1962
Book Details
Pages

354

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Pala • 20th century

Publication Year

1962

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Island by Aldous Huxley explores journalist Will Farnaby's transformation as he recovers from injury on the utopian island of Pala, contrasting its benevolent society with the exploitative capitalism of the West. Through philosophical debates and cultural experiences, including holistic education and hallucinogenic practices, Will's worldview shifts from cynicism to an appreciation for the Palanese way of life. The novel includes offensive language about children with congenital disabilities.

Contemplative

Inspirational

Serene

Mysterious

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.1

35,767 ratings

67%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Aldous Huxley's Island receives acclaim for its exploration of utopian themes and philosophical depth, offering rich, thought-provoking ideas. Critics highlight its insightful social commentary and visionary approach. However, some find the narrative pacing slow and the didactic tone off-putting. Overall, it is praised for its imaginative and intellectual engagement.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Island?

A reader who would enjoy Island by Aldous Huxley is intellectually curious, appreciates philosophical and utopian themes, and enjoys exploring human nature and societal structures. Similar readers may have enjoyed works like Brave New World by Huxley, 1984 by George Orwell, and Utopia by Thomas More.

4.1

35,767 ratings

67%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

354

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Pala • 20th century

Publication Year

1962

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.