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50 pages 1 hour read

John Lanchester

The Wall

John LanchesterFiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2019

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Book Brief

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John Lanchester

The Wall

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2019
Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Britain • Future

Publication Year

2019

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Wall by John Lanchester follows Joseph Kavanagh, a young Defender tasked with protecting the United Kingdom's Wall built to stave off climate refugees, called Others, in a dystopian future ravaged by severe climate change. As Joseph navigates the harsh life on the Wall, he grapples with his role, survivor guilt, and societal inequities, ultimately finding companionship and reflecting on the blurred lines between Defenders and Others. Violence and severe weather events are depicted.

Mysterious

Dark

Unnerving

Suspenseful

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

3.8

23,406 ratings

60%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

John Lanchester's The Wall receives mixed reviews. Critics praise its gripping dystopian premise and stark warnings on climate change and xenophobia. However, some find its characters underdeveloped and narrative pacing uneven. The novel effectively provokes thought on contemporary issues but may leave some readers wanting deeper character exploration.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Wall?

Readers who enjoy dystopian narratives with social commentary will be captivated by John Lanchester's The Wall. Fans of George Orwell's 1984 and Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale will appreciate its exploration of isolation and societal upheaval. This book delves into contemporary anxieties through a compelling, speculative lens.

3.8

23,406 ratings

60%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Britain • Future

Publication Year

2019

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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