Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

As one of the original science fiction novels of all time, I had high expectations for the utopia world that Huxley writes about. Overall, I enjoyed the concept of what is portrayed when we are all genetically born with a role to play, sexual freedom, advanced technology, virtually no disease and what happens when a person is not satisfied with being with the status quo. The main character, Bernard Marx, is likeable, as with John and Watson, but less with Lenina, in my opinion.

Although the book is heavily biological and seemed more like Nature peer-reviewed journal at the beginning, as the plot moves on the audience recognizes the need to understand how reproduction, hypnopedia and the caste system of alpha, beta, gamma, epsilon, etc. It is amazing how Huxley used advanced technologies that can change how the world functions, but funny that emails are still being used and are annoying. The workers at the London hatchery and the hospital are also fascinating, even Linda’s memories of being in the never-ending production line of test tubes that require specific concoctions injected, or death conditioning to children at the end when she returns to civilization.

The theme of civilized vs. barbaric and how John is called “savage” despite being curious and willing to learn the orders of society presented has realistic progression and consequences. Marx and Watson are nonconformists who go to the islands, and John lives up to the name savage. I think it would have been calmer to let John remain sane, but I guess Huxley wanted the drama effect of if you do not belong, then you do not exist. Overall, the read was interesting, including the technology, social classes, and world-building, but character development could have been strengthened, as I did not feel myself rooting or despising anyone.

Cheers,

Kelly