What would happen if you were stranded on an island? Would you stay sane or go insane? How would you try to survive on your own, or would you work with others? In Lord of the Flies, author William Golding explores the possibilities of being stranded on an island.

The book follows a group of boys that are stranded on an island, and have to escape. In this mysterious place, the boys try to make a sustainable government. As their society falls apart, they try 3 government systems; monarchy, oligarchy, and democracy. After that, there is a war between governments- a war of man vs. nature. Throughout the book, some of the kids become more and more animalistic. But, there is hope, as there are still some kids who want to just get off the island rather than become animals. As the good kids are being hunted down, the island burns. Will the kids survive? How will they get home? Do they get home? Or, will they all die on this mysterious island?

In Lord of the Flies, the boys are certain they saw a creature at the top of the mountain, and because of one of the kid’s visions, they made such a big deal about it, even if it’s not a creature. Similarly, like the news, when someone thinks he saw something, that ends up becoming a big deal which then has everyone freaking out about it. Also, people will believe what they hear, and not pause to think that “this doesn’t seem logical”. It shows us what society might become but in island form. This shows us the effects of becoming uneducated and irrational creatures. Now, they’ve divided into rational and irrational “governments”. Like today, the majority of people are medievalists and some are enlightened.

Lord of the Flies is a book that sparks deep ideas and conversation. The book has suspenseful horror, government, philosophies, connections, figurative language, adventure, themes, symbols, and light vs dark. As the book goes on there is an interesting and increasing war between both “governments”. In addition, there is a great plot structure. However, it can be confusing if you don’t understand these philosophies or connections. Some parts of the book are a bit disturbing especially when connecting it with global issues. Sadly some of the characters you grow to like might die.

Overall, I recommend this book if you like horror, war, William Golding, or adventure. The book makes you think deeper about things. Each time you read it, you find new details and connections. The good things about the book outweigh the bad. And, it’s always nice to travel back to the island of mystery.

I rate this book ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ out of 8 IB stars!